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Despite goal, Hawks’ Bickell still struggling

Blackhawks winger Bryan Bickell still isn’t where he wants to be.

Despite scoring a big goal in Friday’s victory over Anaheim, Bickell still is trying to regain the form he had before hurting his knee at Colorado in the first game of the circus road trip.

Bickell has 2 goals in 15 games since returning to the lineup that includes a seven-game point drought. In five of those games, including Sunday against Boston when he got only 8:36 of ice time, he played less than 10 minutes.

“That goal (Friday against the Ducks) helped a little bit,” he said. “I think to get where I am I still need to prove myself.

“It kind of gets the monkey off my back; it was a crucial goal. Going into the third they scored 2 quick ones, and holding them off like we did was good. For me hopefully I can just keep it moving.”

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville would like to see Bickell go to the net with more regularity.

“I still think that’s a work in progress,” Quenneville said. “That should be one of his niches that he’s there, he’s at the net, he’s hanging around the net, second opportunities around there and have quick hands and finish. He’s improving.

“I hope (his goal against Anaheim) helps. I think every game he’s getting a little bit better and obviously scoring for him I think can help him — help him have a little more confidence with the puck, and patience with it, recognition.

“It can only add to his presence on the ice.”

Crawford third star:Hawks goalie Corey Crawford was named Monday the NHL#146;s third star for last week. Tampa Bay winger Martin St. Louis and Kings goalie Jonathan Quick were first and second stars.Crawford went 2-0-1 with a 2.22 goals-against average and .916 save percentage to help the Hawks remain in first place in the Central Division.

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