Hawks happy to have Shaw back
GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s going to be difficult for the Blackhawks to up the energy level from what they showed in the third period and overtime in their 2-1 victory in Game 5 on Saturday night.
But if anyone can add to it, it’s Andrew Shaw.
Shaw, who was hoping his season wasn’t over when he was suspended for three games because of his hit on Phoenix goalie Mike Smith in Game 2, gets to continue his postseason run just in time for a crucial Game 6 tonight at the United Center.
“He’s excited to come back, and the boys will be excited to have him back in the locker room — not only us, but I’m sure our fans are looking forward to having him back,” said Hawks captain Jonathan Toews. “He’s created a few storylines in his brief playoff career, but that’s kind of been the story of his year so far with our team.
“We want him to keep playing hard. Obviously, as a team, we want to be smart. Every guy has got to be smart in what we do out there, but the physical play and the energy he brings, we don’t want him to curtail that at all.”
Mo in, Jammer out:
Joel Quenneville surprised a few people when he inserted Brendan Morrison into the lineup for Game 4.
The veteran responded by scoring a goal and has continued to play well enough to remain in the lineup, while Jamal Mayers has been a healthy scratch.
“Jammer did a lot of good things for us all year,” Quenneville said. “I thought he was very competitive, very consistent, did a nice role for us. I thought ‘Mo’ was a comparable player in that same role — experienced, kill penalties, take faceoffs, add some skill.
“I thought he progressed at the end of the year there and looked like he could help us in the playoffs, and I feel that was one of the reasons why we acquired him. We gave him a chance and he instantly took advantage of it.”
Not cleared for takeoff:
The Hawks’ charter flight out of Phoenix on Sunday was delayed 6 hours, making for some tired players upon arrival in Chicago at around 8 p.m.
“Not much you can do about it,” Jonathan Toews said. “We’re not going to complain about that stuff. It’s not the end of the world. We’re happy to be home, we’ll be in our own beds tonight, and we’ll be in our own building in front of our own fans tomorrow, so that’s the most important thing.”
He said it:
“I think we’ve done a good job of giving the fans their money’s worth.”
— Phoenix defenseman Keith Yandle on the five consecutive overtime games in the series.