The Blackhawks are back home and back to work.
Following their six-game road trip and a day off to travel, the Hawks returned to the ice for practice today. Coach Joel Quenneville put the team through its paces at Johnny's Ice House in preparation for Tuesday night's game against the Blue Jackets. Before the circus trip, the Hawks swept a four-game homestand en route to winning eight consecutive games.
"Hopefully we can play the way we did when we went on that trip," Quenneville said. "We haven't play Columbus all year, so we're looking forward to that."
It's nice to be home. It seems like a long time away. We're happy to be back."
Photo: Patrick Kane worked with the second line in practice today. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)
The top line had a new look as Patrick Kane dropped to the second line to skate with Dustin Byfuglien and Kris Versteeg. Meanwhile, Patrick Sharp was added to the line with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa.
"It was fun while it lasted," Kane said of playing left wing alongside Toews and Hossa the last three games. "I'm playing with Versteeg and Byfuglien now and they're obviously very skilled players, too. I don't know if it's balancing out the lines or getting me back to my old position. I'm happy with wherever they put me."
Quenneville said the main reason was to give the Hawks two dangerous lines and stretch opposing defenses. While that may be the case, Kane has shown during his two-plus seasons in the league that he plays better on the right side and prefers that spot.
Cristobal Huet wil get the start in goal against the Blue Jackets in a game during which the Hawks will wear their alternate jersey. The new sweater is a variation of the ones worn during the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field.
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