Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010
Posted 1:47 p.m.Updated 5:27 p.m.By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com
The Chicago Blackhawks might want to put Fridays victory against Detroit in the memory banks.
Down three forwards against the best in the Western Conference, the Blackhawks couldve fallen even further. Instead, they may have put forth their best team game this season.
Collectively, yeah, Bryan Bickell said. Because that was the best team in the conference and we knew it was a must win. Losing the three games (before that), our performance wasnt up to par. (Coach Joel Quenneville) lit a fire underneath us and it showed up last night.
With three top forwards still ailing, the Blackhawks have to play more games like they did Friday: all hands were on deck, all contributed something. Jack Skille threw everything, including himself, at the net. Bickell had another big goal. The defense was strong and got a dose of much-needed confidence.
We proved to ourselves that we can play like that and thats how we need to play, Duncan Keith said. Knowing we did that gives us confidence we can do it again.
That goes for the entire team, who will be missing three top-six forwards a little bit longer. Patrick Kane started but didnt finish practice Saturday with that injured left anklehe may have tweaked it a bitand is out on Sunday. Marian Hossa said hes feeling better with each practice, but he wont be playing on Sunday. Viktor Stalberg (head) hasnt been on the ice since he was boarded by Colorados Ryan OByrne on Wednesday.
So the Blackhawks will once again need a little something from everyone. They got it early on Friday, and it provided a spark.
NHL
The first shift, Fernando (Pisani) makes a pretty good hit right in front of our bench. Weve got to keep doing things like that. Anybody can do it, and the team feeds off it, Brian Campbell said. All around it was just a great energy level.
The Blackhawks rose to the challenge against the best. They need that kind of effort moving forward, no matter where their opponent is in the standings.
You have to be at your best against Detroit, there are so many weapons on the ice. It was a good test across the board, Quenneville said. Our focus and concentration was in the right place. It was a good foundation to where we want to be. Thats got to be the standard and we need to build on that.
Hossa better
Hossa said hes feeling some discomfort, but he is getting there with his lower-body injury. On Saturday he stayed on the ice well after most of his teammates were off.
Its progressing, so thats the main thing, said Hossa. I want to make sure if I go Im right. I dont want to be mediocre. If not, you take the extra few days and be ready. I wouldnt say pain, but there are some uncomfortable moments.
Quenneville said Hossa had a good skate there, and hopefully he can play before Christmas.
Briefly
Corey Crawford will start against the Los Angeles Kings.
Jassen Cullimore reportedly cleared waivers on Saturday afternoon; Quenneville said he will play Sunday night.
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.