Blunden, Brouwer don't make the cut

The Blackhawks' first significant roster cut of training camp Saturday included two prospects who coach Denis Savard and general manager Dale Tallon hoped would have shown they were ready for the NHL.

Instead, all forwards Mike Blunden and Troy Brouwer proved was they need more seasoning in the American Hockey League.

"With these young guys, either they're ready or they're not," Savard said.

Assigned to Rockford with Blunden and Brouwer were nine other forwards: Kris Versteeg, Evan Brophey, Pierre Parenteau, Bryan Bickell, Colin Fraser, Adam Hobson, Bryan McGregor, Adam Berti and Jake Dowell.

The rookie forwards who have been the most impressive in the preseason are still around, including David Koci, Adam Burish, Petri Kontiola and Jack Skille.

Koci is a virtual lock to make the opening-night roster because of his size and toughness. Burish scored a goal in Friday's 5-4 loss to Minnesota, and Skille has shown a nose for the net.

Also sent out Saturday were goalies Mike Brodeur and Wade Flagerty, and defensemen Jordan Hendry, Jim Fahey, J.C. Sawyer, Steve Marr and Ryan Stokes.

Among the defensemen left in camp are Cam Barker, Dustin Byfuglien, Magnus Johansson, Danny Richmond and Prestin Ryan.

Johansson, the free-agent veteran of the Swedish Elite League, had a strong game against Minnesota that included an assist on Patrick Kane's third-period goal.

"Johansson was solid on defense," Savard said. "For his second game in this country, he was pretty good."

Center Dave Bolland remains in camp, but he has been slowed by a knee injury.

Traffic jam: The thing Denis Savard liked best about Patrick Kane's first goal Friday against Minnesota was it came on a drive to the net on a redirection of a pass from Magnus Johansson.

"He went to the net and scored, but we've got to have everybody doing it, from (Martin) Havlat to (Robert) Lang) to Sammy (Sergei Samsonov) to Kane, everybody," Savard said.

"You need to drive that middle lane and sometimes have double net drive. We know we're going to put pucks at the net and we know we're going to make plays, but we've got to have traffic. If you want to win and score goals in this league, you have to go to the net, because you're not going to beat too many people one on one."

Two steps up: Patrick Kane's second pro game was much better than his first. In fact, he was one of the best players on the ice in the third period against Minnesota with a goal and assist.

"Your confidence can go up and down pretty quickly," Kane said. "I've just got to keep playing like I did in the third period."

Denis Savard called Kane's play "awesome."

"I'm sure he's happy with his game, and we're happy," Savard said. "Again, you can see what he can do."

Kane also dished out several solid checks during the course of the game.

"I've said to you guys he's a special kid and he's not going to back down," Savard said. "He's learned all his life to play through things, so I'm not even concerned."