Hjalmarsson’s game jelling early
Already with 9 points in 18 games, Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson is within 8 of his career high of 17 points set in 2009-10.
“Defensively, I think he’s been rock solid over the last couple years,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “This year, I think we’ve seen him more with the puck.
“He’s got more patience with the puck, he’s got some moves off the point in he offensive zone and down around the net and we haven’t seen that before.”
Hjalmarsson says he isn’t trying to be a more offensive player.
“It’s not like I just woke up and decided that I wanted to do more offensively,” Hjalmarsson said. “I’ve always tried, but I guess you get more comfortable when you get more years in the league.
“I can risk a little bit more. I just feel more comfortable making plays out there.
“I’m happy with the way I’ve played here so far. It’s early in the season, but it’s always good for your confidence when you have a good start.”
Hjalmarsson would love to play for Sweden in the Olympics, which is in the back of his mind as well.
“I didn’t make it last time so that’s something that I really want to make,” Hjalmarsson said. “Sweden has a lot of great d-men right now in this league and it’s going to be tough to make it.
“I don’t know when Sweden is going to put up its lineup for the Olympics, but hopefully I’ll be on it.”
Rozsival better:Defenseman Michal Rozsival, who was hit in the mouth by a puck while sitting on the bench late in Sunday#146;s victory over Edmonton, was doing much better Tuesday.#147;Rozy is all right today,#148; Joel Quenneville said Tuesday. #147;He#146;s lucky where he got it that it didn#146;t cause severe damage. We#146;ll get him on the ice (Wednesday) and we#146;ll go from there.#148;The odds are against Rozsival playing Thursday against Phoenix.Chemistry test:Andrew Shaw, who signed a two-year contract extension Tuesday, is a big piece of the chemistry inside the Hawks#146; dressing room.#147;I try to come in and put smiles on faces,#148; Shaw said. #147;Sometimes I get under their skin and bug them a little and they let me know when I#146;m doing that.#147;I don#146;t really back off. I just get more in their face about it. I#146;ve always done that and had fun with it and probably always will.#148;Shaw said the mix inside the room is just right at the moment.#147;Everyone gets along here with everyone, it#146;s a pretty tight group,#148; Shaw said. #147;That#146;s what it takes to win championships.#148;Of course, it all starts with captain Jonathan Toews.#147;We all feed off each other,#148; Shaw said. #147;Tazer pushes us and we push him.#148;