Bolland's line trying to find its way
ST. LOUIS -- Of the Blackhawks' four forward lines, center Dave Bolland's third line is having the toughest time trying to find its chemistry.
Bolland is skating with two new wingers this season in Bryan Bickell and Fernando Pisani with the threesome combining for just 3 goals after nine games with 1 of Bickell's coming on a power play.
Pisani still doesn't have a point.
“It is still a feeling-out process, seeing what guys do and how we are and where they're going to be,” Bolland said before Friday's 4-2 loss to the Blues. “It takes time. Things just don't come into place right away. It takes playing games and just practicing. We haven't had much time to practice yet.”
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville considers Bolland's line to be his checking line and has no problem with their defensive play.
“One thing about Bolland's line is you're comfortable with them on the ice against anyone,” Quenneville said. “Offensively, we're looking for some production there. They're allowed to score, we want them to score and not just check, but I think they're doing what they have to do.”
Bolland thinks his line can hold its own offensively.
“Pisani and Bickell are good offensive players,” Bolland said. “Pie has a good wrist shot and Bick has a big body. If we can use those things to our advantage and get that puck down low and work it, we can do some damage.”
Draft coming?
Hawks president John McDonough has been working for more than a year to bring an All-Star Game and entry draft to the United Center.
The All-Star Game might have to wait a while, but there is speculation the NHL is preparing to award the Hawks the 2012 entry draft to be held at the UC.
Ring it up:
Five more former Hawks got their Stanley Cup rings Friday.
Team vice president Al MacIsacc traveled to Atlanta to personally deliver the rings to Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager and former assistant coach John Torchetti.
The Hawks have made it a point to personally deliver the rings to their former players, coaches and executives.
Tough schedule:
Friday was the Hawks' ninth game of the season, most in the NHL.
“It's a lot of games, but I think we're handling it well,” Patrick Sharp said. “We've got a couple days off after (tonight's) game. For the most part we're healthy and in great shape so we should be able to handle it just fine.”
Tip-ins:
Defenseman Jordan Hendry was a healthy scratch for the second straight game and third in the last four. ... Not only were the Blues playing rare back-to-back home games this weekend, their two opponents were the last two Stanley Cup champions as Pittsburgh is the opponent today.