Quenneville likes what Scott brings to the table

Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has his reasons for playing John Scott on defense ahead of Sean O’Donnell and Sami Lepisto.

Scott took a regular shift on defense for the third straight game Friday against Calgary after playing more than 11 minutes in Thursday’s win at Columbus.

“He hasn’t had much of a chance to play on defense,” Quenneville said. “If he keeps improving the way he has in his skating and his mobility, he looks like there’s room to grow in his game back there.

“He’s got the long reach, he moves the puck all right, he looks for direct plays. I think given a little more ice time he can continue to improve and help us.”

Quenneville admitted it has been a challenge trying to work with eight defensemen on the roster, particularly when it comes to rotating in Scott, O’Donnell, Lepisto and Steve Montador.

“Over the course of time, organizationally, you need depth and you need eight, nine, 10 deep, where they can all play at this level,” Quenneville said. “It’s a matter of opportunity, and that’s where we’re at right now with it. It’s not fun when you’re not playing, but you want to stick with it and eventually you’ll get your turn because things change quickly in our business.”

Montador appears to have a lock on the fifth defense spot behind Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Nick Leddy and Nicklas Hjalmarsson.

“We’re very pleased with his game since the beginning of the season,” Quenneville said. “He’s one guy on the back end who gives us some predictability as far as puck movement. He’s got a big shot. He’s got some bite to his game. We like the toughness element of his game.”

Bolland update:Dave Bolland missed his second straight game with a right foot injury and is questionable for Sunday#146;s game against Edmonton as well.#147;We#146;ll see (for Sunday),#148; Quenneville said. #147;It#146;s not long term, but we#146;ll see.#148;Pick six:Fan voting to select the starters for the All-Star Game opens Nov. 14 at NHL.com/vote and via mobile devices.The six Hawks on the ballot are Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Marian Hossa, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith.The Hawks are one of five teams with six players on the ballot.Second-year goalie Corey Crawford is not on the ballot.#147;He#146;s a young kid,#148; Joel Quenneville said. #147;He#146;s had a good start to the year, but it#146;s a good league.#148;Make your bid:The camouflage jerseys the Hawks wore in warmups on Friday are now available via auction on chicagoblackhawks.com through Nov. 17.The jerseys, autographed by the players, were worn in honor of Veteran#146;s Day in support of the USO of Illinois. All proceeds from the auction will benefit USO of Illinois.Autographed camouflage jerseys of Hawks ambassadors Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita, Tony Esposito and Denis Savard are also part of the auction.