Blackhawks’ Quotes Of The Week

Oct 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) scores a goal past Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson (41) during the third period at the United Center. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Ottawa Senators 6-5. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Coaches Corner Joel Quenneville on Pirri and Handzus

"Hanzy [Handzus] did a great job for us last year.  I don’t think he’s been at that level he was at last year, but I think we’re trying to get him healthy and back to that level.  I think it’s an opportunity for Brandon to grab that.  We certainly feel he can play there."

I like hearing Q admit that Zus was not earning his ice time. It’s equally nice to hear that Pirri has the potential to claim the spot.  Q hasn’t really given Pirri or Morin the ice time they would need to really make an impression.  Still, if we they can make the most of their ice time then we may have finally found a decent second line center. The Players Patrick Kane on hitting the -9 mark in +/-

"Sometimes you catch some tough breaks. Other times, there are plays I can probably make to try and help keep the puck out of our net.  It’s a number that obviously doesn’t look good, but it’s not something that’s going to change overnight."

Kane has shown a lot of growth since the lockout.  Outside of a few bad giveaways, Kane has made a number of great defensive plays.  I think he is spot on in his analysis of the situation.  The majority of those goals weren’t on Kane, and yet he is ready to take a look at his game and work.  It’s great to see Kane wanting to continue to improve.

Jonathan Toews on his hat-trick and production of the top lines

"Maybe some of our top guys haven’t been seeing the results they want and seeing the pucks go in.  Doesn’t mean we haven’t been creating chances and playing good hockey.  Tonight was one of those nights it just seemed to fall on my stick on the right spot."

Toews usually starts slow, but Sharp has clearly been bothered by his lack of production.  It was obvious that the top lines were just going through a small slump, specifically Sharp.  The relief was palpable when Sharp scored his second goal of the year.  Hossa has found his game as well.  The Hawks were doing all the right things and just weren’t getting the bounces.  Toews gets the hatty and it seemed to really help boost the offense.  The captain does well to acknowledge the things the team is doing right.

#1 Quote Of The Week

Brandon Bollig talks about scoring a few goals early on in the season, as well as fighting.  Specifically, if he thought about going for a Gordie Howe hat trick.

"I did, if it wasn’t a 5-1 game that would probably have been the first thing on my mind, but like I said there’s a time and place for that. It’s still very much a part of my game, it’s part of my nature. Just like when a goal scorer doesn’t score a goal for a while he gets kind of itchy. I enjoy the role but I enjoy scoring goals more so maybe I’ll try to do that more often."

This seemed poignant with the Ray Emery debacle over the weekend.  I am a fan of fighting, but I prefer it to have a reason, and a willing participant.  The more important point he makes is that he is doing enough damage by playing well.  If Bollig can continue to grow his game, then the Hawks are just that much more difficult to play against.