Rapid Reaction: Blackhawks 2, Blues 0
April, 14, 2013
Apr 14
2:05
PM CT
By Rob Rains | ESPNChicago.com
ST. LOUIS – Here is a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 2-0 win over the St. Louis Blues Sunday at Scottrade Center:

How it happened: Corey Crawford stopped all 30 St. Louis shots and the Blackhawks got a second-period goal from Bryan Bickell and a short-handed goal from Jonathan Toews in the third period to earn the victory.
Bickell tipped in a rebound on a shot that hit the post 4:31 into the second period, the first goal allowed by the Blues' Brian Elliott in 214 minutes.
In the third period, the Blackhawks increased the lead to 2-0 when Jonathan Toews won a face off to the left of Elliott and got the puck to Hossa, who fired a shot into the net for his 15th goal of the year. The goal came just 16 seconds after Duncan Keith was sent off the ice for tripping.
Player of the game: Crawford raised his record to 17-4-4 as he continues his battle with Ray Emery to see which of the Chicago goalies will emerge as the regular once the playoffs get underway.
What it means: Having clinched the division title with a win over Detroit on Friday night, the Blackhawks' next goal is to secure first place in the Western Conference. Sunday's win increased their lead over second-place Anaheim to nine points, 68-59. The Ducks lost to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night and do not play again until Wednesday night. Chicago has one game in hand, but will match the Ducks' 42 games played on Monday night.
The loss hurts the Blues, who are still fighting to secure a spot in the playoffs. They remained at 48 points, currently sixth in the Western Conference.
What's ahead: The Blackhawks will be back at United Center on Monday night, hosting the Dallas Stars. They have seven games remaining in this shortened regular season.
Toews returns for 2nd period after big hit
April, 14, 2013
Apr 14
12:22
PM CT
By Rob Rains | ESPNChicago.com
In a physical first period, the Blackhawks might have got the worst of it when Jonathan Toews was forced off the ice after a hit from the Blues' David Backes with about three minutes left in the period.
Backes appeared to hit Toews around his right knee. Toews was limping as he left the ice and went to the locker room.
Toews returned to take the opening face-off of the second period.
Backes appeared to hit Toews around his right knee. Toews was limping as he left the ice and went to the locker room.
Toews returned to take the opening face-off of the second period.
ST. LOUIS – Corey Crawford, coming off his win Friday night against the Red Wings, will be back in net Sunday against the St. Louis Blues.
Crawford is 16-4-4 on the season with a .923 save percentage.
The Blues will go with Brian Elliott in goal. Elliott has posted shutouts in his last three games and has not allowed a goal in more than 189 minutes.
Patrick Sharp will not play for the Blackhawks. He is said to be suffering from an upper-body injury. Sharp missed over a month of action with an upper body injury before returning for the last two games. His status is day to day, and he might not play in Monday night's home game against Dallas.
Center Dave Bolland is back in Chicago's lineup after missing the last four games with a lower-leg injury.
The Blackhawks have won their last two road games by 1-0 scores.
Coach Joel Quenneville said Hobey Baker award winner Dave LeBlanc “could” play with the team before the season ends.
The Blackhawks, who clinched the Central Division title on Friday, come into today's game with a seven-point lead over second-place Anaheim in the Western Conference. The Ducks lost 2-1 to the Los Angeles Kings Saturday night and don't play again until Wednesday.
Crawford is 16-4-4 on the season with a .923 save percentage.
The Blues will go with Brian Elliott in goal. Elliott has posted shutouts in his last three games and has not allowed a goal in more than 189 minutes.
Patrick Sharp will not play for the Blackhawks. He is said to be suffering from an upper-body injury. Sharp missed over a month of action with an upper body injury before returning for the last two games. His status is day to day, and he might not play in Monday night's home game against Dallas.
Center Dave Bolland is back in Chicago's lineup after missing the last four games with a lower-leg injury.
The Blackhawks have won their last two road games by 1-0 scores.
Coach Joel Quenneville said Hobey Baker award winner Dave LeBlanc “could” play with the team before the season ends.
The Blackhawks, who clinched the Central Division title on Friday, come into today's game with a seven-point lead over second-place Anaheim in the Western Conference. The Ducks lost 2-1 to the Los Angeles Kings Saturday night and don't play again until Wednesday.
Dave Bolland (foot) travels to St. Louis
April, 14, 2013
Apr 14
2:05
AM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Chicago Blackhawks forward Dave Bolland traveled Saturday with the team to St. Louis for its tilt Sunday against the Blues, according to a team spokesperson.
Bolland, who has seven goals and seven assists in 30 games this season, has missed the last four games with a foot injury. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said Friday he was hopeful Bolland would play against the Blues.
Bolland’s return would give the Blackhawks a completely healthy roster. The Blackhawks have enjoyed that just once this season, in the season opener against the Los Angeles Kings.
Among the significant injuries: Daniel Carcillo (lower body, 15 games); Patrick Sharp (upper body, 14 games); Marian Hossa (upper body, six games); Bolland (upper body, five games, and lower body, four games); and Corey Crawford (upper body, four games).
Bolland is expected to return to the second line alongside wings Patrick Kane and Sharp. Quenneville said Friday he has liked how that line has played together this season.
“I think [Bolland], that line throughout the year has been consistent,” Quenneville said. “I think it can contribute on both sides of the puck. [Kane] has had a position on that group, probably play with a lot of different guys, can use him in a lot of different areas, as well.”
“Also, you’re talking about any line,” he said, “I think we’re comfortable with the contributions we’re getting and what they’re bringing to our team game. So, we believe that could be a real good fit for us.”
Bolland, who has seven goals and seven assists in 30 games this season, has missed the last four games with a foot injury. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said Friday he was hopeful Bolland would play against the Blues.
Bolland’s return would give the Blackhawks a completely healthy roster. The Blackhawks have enjoyed that just once this season, in the season opener against the Los Angeles Kings.
Among the significant injuries: Daniel Carcillo (lower body, 15 games); Patrick Sharp (upper body, 14 games); Marian Hossa (upper body, six games); Bolland (upper body, five games, and lower body, four games); and Corey Crawford (upper body, four games).
Bolland is expected to return to the second line alongside wings Patrick Kane and Sharp. Quenneville said Friday he has liked how that line has played together this season.
“I think [Bolland], that line throughout the year has been consistent,” Quenneville said. “I think it can contribute on both sides of the puck. [Kane] has had a position on that group, probably play with a lot of different guys, can use him in a lot of different areas, as well.”
“Also, you’re talking about any line,” he said, “I think we’re comfortable with the contributions we’re getting and what they’re bringing to our team game. So, we believe that could be a real good fit for us.”
Line possibilities when Blackhawks healthy
April, 14, 2013
Apr 14
1:48
AM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
The Chicago Blackhawks could be completely healthy for the first time since the season opener if Dave Bolland returns Sunday against the St. Louis Blues.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville adjusted quickly to Daniel Carcillo’s injury in the season opener by placing Brandon Saad on the top line. But Quenneville has had to do a lot more shuffling of lines with the injuries suffered by Bolland, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa in the past month and a half.
If the Blackhawks do have a full deck to play with Sunday, here are some ideas of what the lines may look like going forward the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs.
The first line will certainly continue to be Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Saad. The line has produced all season. Hossa, who is third on the team with 14 goals, is now getting back into a groove and has played five consecutive games since missing six games with an upper-body injury. Toews has been stellar all season and is tied for the team lead with 20 goals and is second with 41 points. Saad has emerged as the season has gone along and has put himself into the Calder Trophy with 23 points in his rookie season.
The second line will likely be Patrick Kane, Bolland and Sharp. The line was together throughout the season’s first 24 games, until Sharp suffered an upper-body injury. Quenneville has voiced his support for Bolland as the second-line center despite fans’ criticisms.
Sharp missed 14 games with an upper-body injury and has now been back for two games. He said Friday he was still finding his rhythm again and should eventually give the line another offensive punch. Kane has been dominant all season and leads the Blackhawks with 46 points. Bolland has dealt with a few injuries this season. He has struggled with faceoffs (45 percent won). He could be replaced by Sharp on faceoffs in the future. Sharp has won 13-of-17 faceoffs in the past two games.
The third line will definitely include Viktor Stalberg and Bryan Bickell on the wings. They’ve been there all season, and both have been productive recently. Stalberg and Bickell combined for four goals and three assists in the last five games.
Quenneville has a couple options at center. Michal Handzus, who was recently acquired from the San Jose Sharks, has started as the third-line center recently, but Quenneville also used Andrew Shaw there late into Friday’s game with the Detroit Red Wings. Shaw had spent most of the season on the third line before Handzus arrived. The main advantage for using Handzus on the third line is his faceoff ability. He has won 61.9 percent of faceoffs in five games with the Blackhawks. Shaw has a 43.4 percent this season.
The fourth line could have a few options. Winger Michael Frolik and center Marcus Kruger can be expected there. Both have bounced around to fill holes due to injuries, but Quenneville has preferred to use them on the fourth line most of the year. If Handzus does center the third line, Shaw could be moved to a wing on the fourth line. If Shaw is on the third line, Handzus also has wing experience.
When the team is completely healthy, Brandon Bollig, Daniel Carcillo and Jamal Mayers will likely be healthy scratches, but they give Quenneville a few more physical options on the fourth line if needed.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville adjusted quickly to Daniel Carcillo’s injury in the season opener by placing Brandon Saad on the top line. But Quenneville has had to do a lot more shuffling of lines with the injuries suffered by Bolland, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa in the past month and a half.
If the Blackhawks do have a full deck to play with Sunday, here are some ideas of what the lines may look like going forward the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs.
The first line will certainly continue to be Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Saad. The line has produced all season. Hossa, who is third on the team with 14 goals, is now getting back into a groove and has played five consecutive games since missing six games with an upper-body injury. Toews has been stellar all season and is tied for the team lead with 20 goals and is second with 41 points. Saad has emerged as the season has gone along and has put himself into the Calder Trophy with 23 points in his rookie season.
The second line will likely be Patrick Kane, Bolland and Sharp. The line was together throughout the season’s first 24 games, until Sharp suffered an upper-body injury. Quenneville has voiced his support for Bolland as the second-line center despite fans’ criticisms.
Sharp missed 14 games with an upper-body injury and has now been back for two games. He said Friday he was still finding his rhythm again and should eventually give the line another offensive punch. Kane has been dominant all season and leads the Blackhawks with 46 points. Bolland has dealt with a few injuries this season. He has struggled with faceoffs (45 percent won). He could be replaced by Sharp on faceoffs in the future. Sharp has won 13-of-17 faceoffs in the past two games.
The third line will definitely include Viktor Stalberg and Bryan Bickell on the wings. They’ve been there all season, and both have been productive recently. Stalberg and Bickell combined for four goals and three assists in the last five games.
Quenneville has a couple options at center. Michal Handzus, who was recently acquired from the San Jose Sharks, has started as the third-line center recently, but Quenneville also used Andrew Shaw there late into Friday’s game with the Detroit Red Wings. Shaw had spent most of the season on the third line before Handzus arrived. The main advantage for using Handzus on the third line is his faceoff ability. He has won 61.9 percent of faceoffs in five games with the Blackhawks. Shaw has a 43.4 percent this season.
The fourth line could have a few options. Winger Michael Frolik and center Marcus Kruger can be expected there. Both have bounced around to fill holes due to injuries, but Quenneville has preferred to use them on the fourth line most of the year. If Handzus does center the third line, Shaw could be moved to a wing on the fourth line. If Shaw is on the third line, Handzus also has wing experience.
When the team is completely healthy, Brandon Bollig, Daniel Carcillo and Jamal Mayers will likely be healthy scratches, but they give Quenneville a few more physical options on the fourth line if needed.
Hawks clinch divison, move on to next goal
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
11:59
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks are working rapidly down their list of season goals.
First came clinching a playoff berth. They did that on April 7.
Second was clinching the Central Division. They accomplished that Friday with a 3-2 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center coupled with a St. Louis Blues' loss.
The Blackhawks appeared as if they were going to have to wait at least one more game to take the division crown. They trailed the Red Wings by a goal from late into the second period to the final minutes of the third period. But with 2:57 remaining in the third period, Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews knocked in a loose puck in front of the net and gave his team life.
Rapid Reaction: Hawks 3, Red Wings 2 (SO)
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
10:29
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Here's a quick look at the Chicago Blackhawks' 3-2 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings at the United Center on Friday:

How it happened: Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews came through with a game-tying goal with 2:57 left in the third period to force extra time. The Red Wings led throughout the third period after going ahead 2-1 in the second period. In the shootout, the Blackhawks outscored the Red Wings 2-1 in five rounds. Marian Hossa and Brandon Saad scored in the shootout for Chicago. The Blackhawks first went up 1-0 with a goal by Viktor Stalberg in the second period, and the Red Wings answered with two consecutive goals. Johan Franzen tied the game at 15:40 of the second period and Cory Emmerton put the Red Wings ahead with another goal at 17:39. Franzen's goal came on the power play and snapped the Blackhawks' streak of 21 consecutive power plays without allowing goal. The Blackhawks hadn't given up a power-play goal since March 16. The Blackhawks were also shut out on two power-play chances. They haven't scored on the power play since March 29. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 27 saves, and Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard had 26 saves.
Player of the game: Toews came through in the clutch again. It was his 20th goal of the season.
What it means: The Blackhawks clinched the Central Division with Friday's victory and with the St. Louis Blues losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It's the Blackhawks' first division title since the 2009-2010 season. The Blackhawks also swept the season series against the Red Wings. They hadn't accomplished that since the 1976-77 season. The Blackhawks improved to 31-5-4 with 66 points. The Red Wings remained the Western Conference's No. 8 seed as they picked up another point and now have 45 points.
What's next: The Blackhawks travel to face the St. Louis Blues at 11:30 a.m. CT Sunday. The Blackhawks are 2-0-1 against the Blues this season.

How it happened: Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews came through with a game-tying goal with 2:57 left in the third period to force extra time. The Red Wings led throughout the third period after going ahead 2-1 in the second period. In the shootout, the Blackhawks outscored the Red Wings 2-1 in five rounds. Marian Hossa and Brandon Saad scored in the shootout for Chicago. The Blackhawks first went up 1-0 with a goal by Viktor Stalberg in the second period, and the Red Wings answered with two consecutive goals. Johan Franzen tied the game at 15:40 of the second period and Cory Emmerton put the Red Wings ahead with another goal at 17:39. Franzen's goal came on the power play and snapped the Blackhawks' streak of 21 consecutive power plays without allowing goal. The Blackhawks hadn't given up a power-play goal since March 16. The Blackhawks were also shut out on two power-play chances. They haven't scored on the power play since March 29. Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 27 saves, and Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard had 26 saves.
Player of the game: Toews came through in the clutch again. It was his 20th goal of the season.
What it means: The Blackhawks clinched the Central Division with Friday's victory and with the St. Louis Blues losing to the Columbus Blue Jackets. It's the Blackhawks' first division title since the 2009-2010 season. The Blackhawks also swept the season series against the Red Wings. They hadn't accomplished that since the 1976-77 season. The Blackhawks improved to 31-5-4 with 66 points. The Red Wings remained the Western Conference's No. 8 seed as they picked up another point and now have 45 points.
What's next: The Blackhawks travel to face the St. Louis Blues at 11:30 a.m. CT Sunday. The Blackhawks are 2-0-1 against the Blues this season.
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks agreed to terms on a one-year contract with St. Cloud State's Drew LeBlanc on Friday, the same day the forward won the Hobey Baker Award given to the nation's top college hockey player.
Read the entire story.
Read the entire story.
Morning jam: Marleau likes a cup of Joe
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
2:47
PM CT
By ESPN Stats & Information
Sharks 3, Red Wings 2 (SO)
* Patrick Marleau (SJ): 1st goal in last 8 games
* Sharks: 5-1-0 in last 6 games in Detroit
* Sharks: 2-0-1 vs Red Wings this season
* Red Wings: 1-3-2 in last 6 home games
FROM ELIAS: Patrick Marleau has scored a goal in each of his three games at Joe Louis Arena over the last two seasons. He scored only one goal in 25 regular-season games at Joe Louis Arena over his first 13 seasons in the league (1997–98 through 2010–11).
Canadiens 5, Sabres 1
* Canadiens: clinch playoff berth; take 1-point lead over Bruins in Northeast Division
* Canadiens: won 6 of last 8 games
* P.K. Subban (MTL): PP goal (11), assist; 12 points (2 G, 10 A) in last 8 games
* Peter Budaj (MTL): 15 saves; improves to 7-1-1 this season
FROM ELIAS: Canadiens rookie Alex Galchenyuk extended his point-scoring streak to five games when he scored a goal in the first period of Montreal’s 5–1 win at Buffalo. Galchenyuk is the first Canadiens rookie to record points in each of five consecutive team games in one season since Andrei Kostitsyn had a five-game point streak in March 2007.
Islanders 2, Bruins 1
* Islanders: 8-1-1 in last 10 games (won 3 straight)
* Josh Bailey (NYI): 2 goals (8, 9); 5th career multi-goal game (1st this season)
* Bruins: 1st regulation home loss since March 3 vs Canadiens (8-0-1 between regulation losses)
* Jaromir Jagr (BOS): Assist; registered point in 4 of 5 games since joining Bruins
Senators 3, Flyers 1
* Daniel Alfredsson (OTT): 10th goal of season (17th straight season with at least 10 goals)
* Senators: win snaps 5-game losing streak
* Flyers: lost 3 straight games (outscored 11-3)
Penguins 6, Lightning 3
* Penguins: 3-0-0 vs Lightning this season; won 6 straight vs Lightning
* Penguins: 7-1-0 in last 8 road games, scoring 4+ goals in 6 of those 8 games
* Jussi Jokinen (PIT): 2nd multi-goal game this season
* Lightning: 1st regulation loss in last 7 home games (5-1-1 in those games)
Capitals 3, Hurricanes 1
* Braden Holtby (WSH): career-high 43 saves
* Troy Brouwer (WSH): 2 goals; 2nd multi-goal game this season
* Capitals: won 6 straight
* Hurricanes: lost 7 straight
Jets 7, Panthers 2
* Jets: Season-high 7 goals scored; 6 players scored a goal (Evander Kane scored twice)
* Jets: Won 3 straight after 5-game losing streak
* Jets: 44 points, tied with Rangers for 8th spot in East (Jets played 2 more games than Rangers)
FROM ELIAS: This is the third time in Thrashers/Jets franchise history that the team has won three consecutive games, each by at least a three-goal margin. The previous three-game streaks both came when the team was located in Atlanta (November 2005 and November 2010).
Blues 2, Wild 0
* Brian Elliott (STL): 23 saves; 3rd straight shutout
* Blues: won 6 straight
* Blues: 3-0-0 this season vs Wild
* Wild: 1-5-0 in past 6 games (shut out 3 times)
Kings 3, Avalanche 2 (SO)
* Kings: 6-1-1 in last 8 home games vs Avalanche
* Kings: won 3 straight home games
* Mike Richards (LA): goal, assist; 2 goals, 4 assists during 5-game point streak
* Avalanche: 1 win in last 7 games
* Patrick Marleau (SJ): 1st goal in last 8 games
* Sharks: 5-1-0 in last 6 games in Detroit
* Sharks: 2-0-1 vs Red Wings this season
* Red Wings: 1-3-2 in last 6 home games
FROM ELIAS: Patrick Marleau has scored a goal in each of his three games at Joe Louis Arena over the last two seasons. He scored only one goal in 25 regular-season games at Joe Louis Arena over his first 13 seasons in the league (1997–98 through 2010–11).
Canadiens 5, Sabres 1
* Canadiens: clinch playoff berth; take 1-point lead over Bruins in Northeast Division
* Canadiens: won 6 of last 8 games
* P.K. Subban (MTL): PP goal (11), assist; 12 points (2 G, 10 A) in last 8 games
* Peter Budaj (MTL): 15 saves; improves to 7-1-1 this season
FROM ELIAS: Canadiens rookie Alex Galchenyuk extended his point-scoring streak to five games when he scored a goal in the first period of Montreal’s 5–1 win at Buffalo. Galchenyuk is the first Canadiens rookie to record points in each of five consecutive team games in one season since Andrei Kostitsyn had a five-game point streak in March 2007.
Islanders 2, Bruins 1
* Islanders: 8-1-1 in last 10 games (won 3 straight)
* Josh Bailey (NYI): 2 goals (8, 9); 5th career multi-goal game (1st this season)
* Bruins: 1st regulation home loss since March 3 vs Canadiens (8-0-1 between regulation losses)
* Jaromir Jagr (BOS): Assist; registered point in 4 of 5 games since joining Bruins
Senators 3, Flyers 1
* Daniel Alfredsson (OTT): 10th goal of season (17th straight season with at least 10 goals)
* Senators: win snaps 5-game losing streak
* Flyers: lost 3 straight games (outscored 11-3)
Penguins 6, Lightning 3
* Penguins: 3-0-0 vs Lightning this season; won 6 straight vs Lightning
* Penguins: 7-1-0 in last 8 road games, scoring 4+ goals in 6 of those 8 games
* Jussi Jokinen (PIT): 2nd multi-goal game this season
* Lightning: 1st regulation loss in last 7 home games (5-1-1 in those games)
Capitals 3, Hurricanes 1
* Braden Holtby (WSH): career-high 43 saves
* Troy Brouwer (WSH): 2 goals; 2nd multi-goal game this season
* Capitals: won 6 straight
* Hurricanes: lost 7 straight
Jets 7, Panthers 2
* Jets: Season-high 7 goals scored; 6 players scored a goal (Evander Kane scored twice)
* Jets: Won 3 straight after 5-game losing streak
* Jets: 44 points, tied with Rangers for 8th spot in East (Jets played 2 more games than Rangers)
FROM ELIAS: This is the third time in Thrashers/Jets franchise history that the team has won three consecutive games, each by at least a three-goal margin. The previous three-game streaks both came when the team was located in Atlanta (November 2005 and November 2010).
Blues 2, Wild 0
* Brian Elliott (STL): 23 saves; 3rd straight shutout
* Blues: won 6 straight
* Blues: 3-0-0 this season vs Wild
* Wild: 1-5-0 in past 6 games (shut out 3 times)
Kings 3, Avalanche 2 (SO)
* Kings: 6-1-1 in last 8 home games vs Avalanche
* Kings: won 3 straight home games
* Mike Richards (LA): goal, assist; 2 goals, 4 assists during 5-game point streak
* Avalanche: 1 win in last 7 games
Hawks, Wings not ready to let go of rivalry
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
2:15
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
Bill Smith/NHLI/Getty ImagesThe Wings move to the Eastern Conference next season, which means fewer games vs. the Hawks.The NHL announced in March the Red Wings would move to the Eastern Conference next season, resulting in them playing the Blackhawks only twice in the regular season.
No. 1 playoff goalie difficult choice for Q
April, 11, 2013
Apr 11
3:31
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Time is running out with nine regular-season games remaining, but Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is still patiently waiting for Corey Crawford or Ray Emery to emerge as his No. 1 playoff goalie.
So far this season, Crawford and Emery have been neck and neck for the top spot. Crawford is 15-4-4 with a 2.01 goals-against average and .922 save percentage. Emery is 15-1-0 with a 1.90 goals-against average and .924 save percentage.
Emery has started and won the last three games, and Crawford will start against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday.
"I think in the past a lot of times the decision is always made for you," Quenneville said after Thursday's practice at Johnny's IceHouse West. "It's clear who is going to be the guy. This year, I can honestly say, both guys definitely get strong consideration based on performance. I think we're a position where, well, let's see how it goes right now without showing our hand. If both guys continue doing what they're doing, we'll be in a real nice situation.
"We'll see how it all works out. We'll see how it all plays out."
Bolland practices, but won't play vs. Wings
April, 11, 2013
Apr 11
1:53
PM CT
By
Scott Powers | ESPNChicago.com
CHICAGO -- Chicago Blackhawks center Dave Bolland practiced Thursday, but will not play against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday due to a foot injury.
Bolland has missed three games with the injury. He took a slap shot off his foot in the first period against the Nashville Predators on April 1 and missed the remainder of the game. He played in the Blackhawks' following game on April 4 and hasn't played since.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is hopeful Bolland would return to game action over the weekend. The Blackhawks travel to face the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.
Bolland has missed three games with the injury. He took a slap shot off his foot in the first period against the Nashville Predators on April 1 and missed the remainder of the game. He played in the Blackhawks' following game on April 4 and hasn't played since.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville is hopeful Bolland would return to game action over the weekend. The Blackhawks travel to face the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.
ESPNChicago.com's Scott Powers takes your Blackhawks questions during a live chat at noon CT Wednesday. Click here to submit your questions.
Hawks getting healthy at just the right time
April, 9, 2013
Apr 9
11:45
PM CT
By Ben Goessling | Special to ESPNChicago.com
Bruce Kluckhohn/NHLI/Getty ImagesMarian Hossa scored the lone goal Tuesday as the Hawks are finally getting healthy.On Tuesday night against the Minnesota Wild, the Blackhawks were as healthy as they've been in a while. And with nine games left in the regular season, it couldn't come at a better time.
Chicago has survived injuries to two of its top six forwards, continuing to roll through its schedule, but the commanding, assertive hockey the Blackhawks played on Tuesday night was indicative of what they can do when they're at full strength.
They limited Minnesota to just 20 shots, with strong contributions from both Sharp and Hossa on the defensive end, and Hossa swooped in front of a Clayton Stoner pass, beating Niklas Backstrom for Chicago's only goal of a 1-0 victory.
Emery looking the part of a No. 1 goaltender
April, 9, 2013
Apr 9
11:38
PM CT
By Ben Goessling | Special to ESPNChicago.com
AP Photo/Jim MoneRay Emery has three shutouts in his last five games, including Tuesday's in Minnesota.But this is a whole new backdrop for a team that has dealt with its fair share of goaltending questions. Both Emery and Crawford are playing as well as they ever have in a Blackhawks uniform, and if they keep it up, the NHL's top team will be even more formidable when the playoffs begin at the end of the month.
Emery looked the part of Chicago's top goalie again on Tuesday night, stopping 20 shots in a 1-0 over win over the Minnesota Wild. It was his third shutout in five games, it dropped his goals-against average to 1.90 -- the sixth-best mark in the league -- and it made a compelling case he is every bit Crawford's equal right now.

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TEAM LEADERS
| POINTS | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Patrick Kane
|
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| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| Goals | P. Kane | 23 | ||||||||||
| Assists | P. Kane | 32 | ||||||||||
| +/- | J. Toews | 28 | ||||||||||
| GAA | R. Emery | 1.94 | ||||||||||



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