Blackhawks' Campbell could return vs. Panthers

Share

Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Posted: 3:53 p.m.

By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com

Defenseman Brian Campbell was feeling the usual rust and other not-quite-there feelings when he came out after practicing on Tuesday.

I havent skated too much so Im a little winded. The timings a little off, but overall I felt pretty good, said Campbell, who could play Wednesday after dealing with a foot injury sustained March 8 against Florida.

Im not going to say 100 percent (about Wednesday). If I can play Ill play, he said. Ill just see how it is in the morning and go from there.

READ: Blackhawks hopeful Sharp can make quick return

Campbells return was a welcome sign for the Blackhawks, who were already without Dave Bolland (concussion) and now have lost Patrick Sharp (left knee). Campbell said he was tripped up in the Florida game when he was injured. He started in the Blackhawks shootout loss to the Washington Capitals on March 13, but could only play half the game.

I thought it was going to be pretty good but just couldnt go with how I felt, he said. I left my teammates in a tough spot and I was disappointed that way. I had to give it some time to rest and get back.

Its lingering, its going to be around, Campbell said of his injury. I just have to deal with it.

Defensive mindset

With the Blackhawks down a couple of forwards, they will have to get back to the hard-hat mentality that got them through their December games without Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane.

And staying strong defensively is going to be key.

At this time of the year, going into the playoffs, thats the type of hockey necessary for winning teams, Quenneville said. When we think we want to outscore teams is when we get ourselves in a lot of trouble. We got carried away being up three goals and loosened our defensive game a bit. We have to tighten that up.

CSN, Blackhawks team up with 'Save of a Lifetime'

Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will be paired again. The duo, who were separated for a while, were back together as the Phoenix game progressed on Sunday.

Its going to be a tough matchup game in and out and they thrive on that. Thats what made them so successful as a partnership and theyre looking forward to the challenge, Quenneville said.

No change in Bolland

Dave Bollands status has not changed as the center has shown just some progress from the concussion he sustained in Tampa on March 9. Quenneville said he talked with Bolland on Tuesday about it.

Its probably frustrating and disappointing that he cant really say exactly when hes going to get on the ice or give us an idea of when to expect him back, Quenneville said. We see some signs of encouragement in his case, but right now we just wait and see.

Hendry talks

Jordan Hendry had successful surgery last week to repair to the torn ACL he suffered against the Phoenix Coyotes on Feb. 27. Hendry said he knew immediately that something was wrong that night.

I hurt my knee in college once, and I knew when (Phoenix captain Shane) Doan hit me I knew what it was, he said. I think I knew right before I hit the ice that I was hurt. Think I knew it wasnt good. I just kind of lay on the ice and felt the pain.

Hendry cant do much with the knee right now, until the swelling goes down and mobility returns. Hendry is an unrestricted free agent this summer, but said hes not looking that far ahead.

Im focused on now, he said. Im just get ready for the next step. The last time I had this I bounced back and had a great season, so Im not worried about that.

Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.

Contact Us