Chicago Blackhawks: What to expect when Coach Q returns on Tuesday

Joel Quenneville hasn’t been in the United Center since his last home game as the Chicago Blackhawks head coach. With Coach Q returning to Chicago this Tuesday, here’s what we can all expect.

The Chicago Blackhawks have had many former players come back and play the team during their careers. For the key players, the Blackhawks would have a video package made up for them and shown during the game. There’s a good chance the Blackhawks will do the same thing for Joel Quenneville.

As well documented, Quenneville brought life back to a dying organization when he took over the team in 2008-09. During his first season as head coach, the Blackhawks went to the Western Conference finals. They would lose that series in five games to the Detroit Red Wings but they’d get the last laugh.

Quenneville’s second season behind the Blackhawks’ bench ended up in a Stanley Cup victory for the team. Since that day, he was automatically a legend in the city of Chicago. Quenneville has the same significance to Blackhawks’ fans as Mike Ditka has to Bears’ fans.

During his time in Chicago, fans would see many funny moments out of him. Quenneville had the best one-liners out of any coach in Chicago. He made his mark on the city. In games, Quenneville would fight for his team behind the bench. Quenneville was known for arguing with referees and having outbursts in press conferences.

There’s a good chance we will see some of his best one-liners in this video package on Tuesday.

What we will also see is his former players going up to him. It’ll be a night of celebration for the team and Quenneville. I’m personally excited to see what Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane do. Kane and Toews were Quenneville’s biggest stars.

There might still be an awkward tension between Quenneville and Stan Bowman. It’ll be something to look for. If the organization does it right and has Bowman personally talk on the ice about Quenneville’s accomplishments, we will see how both men feel.

The big thing we will see is how bad these guys want to beat their old coach. Jeremy Colliton would love to get the first win against Quenneville. If Colliton sticks around for a while, this could turn into a friendly rivalry.

Either way, this game will be very exciting. It’s a game I have had marked on my calendar since the start of the season. Many other Blackhawks’ fans feel the same way.

From everyone here at Blackhawk Up, thank you, Coach Q, for everything you’ve done for this team. Now hopefully, the Blackhawks do this right and have the correct way to remember and thank Quenneville for everything he’s done for the team.