Toews’ rest just ‘part of the process’

On the fifth day, Jonathan Toews rested.

No big deal after four straight days on the ice, working his way back from a concussion. But when the sixth day came and went without Tazer on the ice, that’s when a few eyebrows were raised.

Perhaps a setback?

“No, no, it’s part of the process,” Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “He didn’t skate, but he was here for his treatments.

“Some days are better than others. He knows his body. We’ll see how he is. Hopefully we’ll get him back on the ice (today).”

Getting a fighting chance:

Since tough guy Brandon Bollig was called up Feb. 28, he has fought in five of his seven games, including a rematch with St. Louis’ Ryan Reaves on Tuesday.

“I think he’s done a heck of a job since he’s been here,” Andrew Brunette said. “He’s the guy that’s going to stick up for his teammates.”

Bollig’s family — particularly his dad — seems to be enjoying the fight nights as much as his son.

“I don’t think my mom likes it too much, but my dad enjoys it. I think they are just happy to see me at this level. They’re just along for the ride and fans at this point.”

Return of Crow:

After stopping 3 of 6 shots in the opening 20 minutes, Ray Emery was pulled in favor of Corey Crawford at the start of the second period.

Emery has started six consecutive games. Crawford turned away the 18 shots he faced in regulation and overtime and 3 straight in the shootout.

Doing without:

In the absence of Jonathan Toews, the rest of the Hawks have had to pick up the pace, and that includes his buddy Patrick Kane.

Without Toews in the lineup, the Hawks were 5-4-1 heading into Tuesday’s showdown with St. Louis.

“He’s a big part of the lineup; he does so much, helps the team in so many ways,” Kane said. “When you miss a guy like that it’s a big void.”

But maybe in the long run, having Toews out for a while will prove fruitful.

“Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise,” Kane said. “You miss him for a little bit and then start playing the right way as a team and then you only know you’re going to get better when he comes back.”