Blackhawks' top line latest stop for versatile Byfuglien

About the only thing the Blackhawks' Dustin Byfuglien knows for sure when he reports to the United Center for games is where to sit in the dressing room.

Even that could change at any time considering Byfuglien's locker is on defenseman's row, between James Wisniewski and Jim Vandermeer, and these days he is a forward.

Tonight when the Hawks host the Anaheim Ducks, Byfuglien will play left wing on the No. 1 line with Robert Lang and Martin Havlat.

"Playing with those two, it can't get much better than that, I guess," Byfuglien said.

Coach Denis Savard put Byfuglien on his top line midway through Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Vancouver and liked what he saw.

Byfuglien's versatility has become one of the most interesting story lines on a Hawks team filled with good stories. The Hawks still aren't sure what Byfuglien's best position will be down the road, wing or defense, and neither does he.

What the Hawks do know is Byfuglien has the potential to be a special player.

"As I've said before, he's one of our most skilled guys," said Savard, who used Byfuglien mostly on defense until recently. "When he was here the first year at camp he was a forward, and I think he's enjoying it.

"He deserves it. Playing with Marty and Langer is a reward for him that he deserves to get, and at the same time he'll help them out. It's a big body, he's strong and can finish checks and get loose pucks for them, and at the same time make plays. I like it. I like it a lot, actually."

Byfuglien has come a long way from the overweight kid the Hawks drafted 245th overall in 2003.

"I feel I've worked hard and come a long way," Byfuglien said. "Playing forward is a little different, but it's mostly a mind focus. Getting to play with Havlat and Lang, they're such great players. I just have to go out and bang, finish checks, and they'll find me sometimes."

Savard had his other two lines rearranged at practice Thursday. Patrick Sharp was back at left wing on the Kid Line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, while newly recalled Dave Bolland centered for Tuomo Ruutu and Adam Burish.

Bolland was brought back from Rockford after Jason Williams was placed on the injury list because of his groin strain. Bolland played mostly wing the last time he was up, but now he'll play center, which is his natural position.

"With his grit and skill and his ability, he's going to help us there," Savard said.

The Hawks need Kane to find his scoring touch again. The rookie winger has gone eight games without a goal, but Savard isn't worried and hopes putting Sharp back with Kane and Toews will help them.

"Sharp is good with those kids," Savard said. "The kids are fine. Expectations went up, but they're still young and we can't lose sight of that. They're going to have some games where they're sharp and good, and some games where they're not going to be as good. We've got to be able to accept that, but it's not a lack of trying. They've just got to get a little grittier at times and do basic things."

Tonight's faceoff

Blackhawks vs. Anaheim Ducks at the United Center, 7:30 p.m.

TV: None

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

The skinny: The defending Stanley Cup champion Ducks haven't started well. Not only are they 13-12-4 including a 4-8-1 road record, the Ducks have been outscored 81-70. The power play ranks 26th in the NHL. All-star defenseman Scott Niedermayer announced Thursday his brief flirt with retirement was over, but he won't rejoin the team for practices until next week. The Ducks took last year's season series 3-1, the Hawks' lone win coming in a shootout. Ducks center Andy McDonald had 3 goals and 3 assists.

Player to watch: Corey Perry. The young Ducks star has 14 goals, 5 on the power play.

Next: Calgary Flames at the United Center, 6 p.m. Sunday

-- Tim Sassone