The Blackhawks shipped out a big, physical presence on Monday when they sent John Scott to the New York Rangers. Now theyll try and get some of that sandpaper from within.
Brandon Bollig was recalled from Rockford today, and Andrew Shaw got his second call on Monday as the Blackhawks prepare for the Toronto Maple Leafs tomorrow night.
No, Scott never played a ton of minutes for the Blackhawks. He played in just 29 games this season, the final one of his two-year deal with the team. But he was still a physical option. Now Blackhawks young guys get their chance to bring that presence.
If Bolig plays tomorrow, it will be his NHL debut. Bollig skated with Jamal Mayerswhos provided the most consistent physical presence this season -- and Jimmy Hayes today. He said hell try to bring whats worked for him in Rockford.
Being sound defensively, finishing every check. Its not just fighting but that physical aspect and bringing that energy that gets the scoring lines going, he said today.
Coach Joel Quenneville said I havent seen (Bollig) play but hes doing well down there. He gives us energy on that line, toughness, with speed and quickness. Hes responsible in the tough areas.
While Bollig is truly a new face, the Blackhawks know exactly what they can get with Andrew Shaw. The rookie stormed out to a hot start when he was first recalled in January, bringing an aggressive style along with a scoring touch. General manager Stan Bowman said Monday that Shaws been playing well in Rockford and deserved another shot.
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No, a group of young and rookie players are not going to provide all the solutions right now. But guys like Shaw and Jimmy Hayes brought the Blackhawks a jolt when they needed it back in January, when Patrick Sharp was sidelined with a broken wrist and the team was going through that trying middle part of the season. With the teams recent struggles they could use that youthful energy again.
But the rest of the Blackhawks have to tap into it, too.
We need everybody here, Quenneville said. We have a tough road ahead of us here, a lot of challenges. We have a lot of rookies, young players, who have proven this year they can help us a lot of ways. We need everyone to accept some ownership, be it the leaders or the new guys. We have to move forward together.