Towes, Eager expected to return vs. Kings

Posted November 08, 2009 10:00 pm

By Tim Sassone

If the NHL season ended today, the Blackhawks wouldn't be in the playoffs.

The good thing is it's still early November.

The Hawks start a key four-game homestand tonight against a very good Los Angeles Kings team, looking to get something positive going before the six-game circus road trip arrives.

"We want to take advantage of our home games here," coach Joel Quenneville said. "Let's make sure that we get some points and get some momentum back in our game.

"L.A. is as good a team as we have in the Western Conference so it'll be a good test right out of the gate."

Center Jonathan Toews and left wing Ben Eager are expected to return to the lineup tonight from their concussions, which should give the Hawks a boost.

Toews has missed the last six games and Eager the last 13.

"I'm definitely feeling better," Toews said Sunday. "I have my jump and my energy back. I definitely feel I have my rhythm back."

Toews centered a line for Patrick Sharp and Dustin Byfuglien at Sunday's practice while Eager skated with Colin Fraser and Andrew Ebbett.

Toews also was back on the power play, which is just 3-for-35 over the last eight games.

"It's one of those things that snowballs a little bit," Toews said. "It's just little details when you don't see results. For us it's just about putting one in there and I think we'll get back to not forcing things too much.

"The bottom line is you've got to make plays and not be afraid to make mistakes. If I'm back on the power play, hopefully I can help and contribute a little bit and get this thing back on track."

No Bolland again: Center Dave Bolland didn't practice Sunday and won't play tonight because of his back problem.

While Joel Quenneville calls Bolland day-to-day, the Hawks are considering shutting him down and have even discussed the possibility of the need for surgery.

"Hopefully it's getting better," Quenneville said.

Kris Versteeg, who filled in for Bolland at center at Colorado, will be back in the middle between Patrick Kane and Andrew Ladd against the Kings.

"Whether it's speed or handling the puck, I just thought we'd try (Versteeg at center) and see how it worked," Quenneville said. "Versteeg and Kane looked like they were working well together."

Blackhawks game day Los Angeles Kings at the United Center, 7 p.m. TV: Versus Radio: WGN 720-AM What to watch: The Kings got at least 1 point in eight straight games before Saturday's 3-1 home loss to Nashville. Los Angeles center Anze Kopitar continues to lead the NHL in scoring with 27 points on 13 goals and 14 assists. Last season: Hawks and Kings split the series 2-2, each winning twice at home. Patrick Sharp had 4 goals in three games. Next: Colorado Avalanche at the United Center, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

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