Byfuglien back at forward to create traffic at the net

ST. LOUIS - Dustin Byfuglien was back in his forward mind-set Tuesday night, returning to wing after playing defense for two weeks.

Byfuglien's marching orders were clear from coach Joel Quenneville: get to the net for linemates Kris Versteeg and Patrick Kane.

Traffic at the net has been a problem for the Blackhawks of late.

"It's something they wanted, more traffic in front of the goal, so they changed things up," Byfuglien said. "I know my role is someone who steps in there and does something. My job since moving to forward is standing in front and getting the dirty goals and distracting the goalie."

Byfuglien was getting comfortable on defense, but Quenneville decided to go with Nick Boynton and Jordan Hendry and throw his biggest forward back up front.

"I don't see myself going back anytime soon," Byfuglien said. "I was starting to get comfortable, but I don't have to think about it anymore. Now I have a new job to think about."

Quenneville left open the option of using Byfuglien on defense should the game dictate it.

"I still think Buff will get some exposure on defense," Quenneville said. "In games we can move him up and back. That's a good option to have going forward."

To some it might look as if all the line juggling and switches on defense are desperation moves at this late point in the season.

"At any point in the year if we don't like the way things are going we're going to mix up the lines and try to see if something is going to ignite the offense," Quenneville said. "You always have those combinations you can go back to."

Byfuglien played left wing on a line centered by Versteeg with Kane at right wing. Marian Hossa moved to the top line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp.

"We're looking for more speed in our game," Quenneville said.

Wait and see: The tightness of the Central Division race has Joel Quenneville rethinking whether to rest players such as Duncan Keith or Jonathan Toews for a game or two before the playoffs.

It still could happen depending on where the Hawks sit next week.

"At this time of year you have different priorities, but we still have some objectives as a team to meet," Quenneville said. "That's kind of on a wait-and-see basis. Hopefully we have some options to consider."

Tough building: The Hawks return to the Xcel Energy Center on Wednesday night for the first time since Jan. 9, when they blew a 5-1 third-period lead and lost 6-5 in a shootout.

The Hawks were 31-10-3 before losing that game. They are 15-12-4 since that night.