Kruger's defense impressive early

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Marcus Kruger has been as noticeable as any of the Blackhawks in these first three games.
For the young Swedish center, he hasnt gotten attention for his scoringyet. Its been for keeping others from doing that. And he has played that defensive role very well in the early going.
The Blackhawks are off to a 3-0-0 record, and Krugers defensive contributions have been part of that early success. Be it on the fourth line or on the penalty kill that has nixed nine of 10 power plays its faced, Kruger has been defensively sound.
I always try to play that two-way game, Kruger said. Maybe back home (in Sweden) it was more of an offensive role. But when I got over here it was more defensive. Thats something I want to bring more here, the offensive side of the game. But I think thats going to come eventually.
And the penalty-kill work is something Kruger has worked on and enjoyed.
Ive tried to take pride in doing that job and prepare myself for doing that. Weve been doing a pretty good job there, Kruger said. Its off to a good start but its something you have to build on all year.
Coach Joel Quenneville likes what Kruger has done thus far.
Hes been outstanding, he said. There are a lot of guys I can say that about. But 'Krugs' has a purpose to his game. I like his thought process and thats helped his game as well.
Right now, Kruger is centering the fourth line with Brandon Bollig and Michael Frolik. His instincts have served him well on both sides of the puck. It didnt hurt that Kruger spent the lockout playing with the Rockford IceHogs, where he said he played a lot of minutes and in all situations. Michael Frolik, who joins Kruger on the fourth line and the penalty kill, sees a bright future for Kruger.
I think he proved last year hes a good player, said Frolik. Hopefully we score some goals and keep rolling four lines. Hes a good player and hopefully it stays like that.
ASSIST, NO ASSIST
Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford was originally given an assist when Duncan Keith was announced as the power-play goal scorer against St. Louis on Tuesday night. But when the goal was eventually awarded to Brent Seabrookit went off his skateCrawford lost his assist.
Oh, they took it away? Crawford said in a postgame interview, when he was told of the change. Oh well, thats fine.
BRIEFLY
Brent Seabrook now has 13 blocks through three games. As of Wednesday afternoon, that was best in the league.
Patrick Kane and Nick Leddy enter Thursday nights game in Dallas on individual three-game point streaks.

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