Follow JJ on Twitter @jaeckel!
How important is Marian Hossa to the Blackhawks?
Last night’s first star of the game in a 4-1 victory over the Red Wings with 1 goal and 2 asissts, Hossa was fresh off an injury, but his return was none too soon.
I’m not sure what the Hawks’ record is without Hossa in the lineup over the last few seasons, but I’m going to guess it’s around .500.
And to me at least, it’s no surprise, as no player really typifies the Hawks at their best moreso than Hossa, in terms of his own playing style: smart, fast, great in all three zones.
And that’s what the Hawks needed last night. A 60 minute effort, speed, responsibility over 200 feet of ice—after a couple of subpar, and deflating, losses to Colorado and Nashville.
Again, the Hawks seem slotted into the 4-5 seeds in the upcoming playoffs—probably not too terribly much they can do about that. But what they can do is get their game into top gear regardless of where they finish.
To that end, 2012 #1 draft pick (and would be #2 center) Teuvo Teravainen will be on his way to North America soon as his season in the Finnish SM-Liiga has ended.
The Hawks travel to Philadelphia tomorrow night to face a Flyers' club that is 7-2-1 in their last ten. No easy task. Back with a preview soon.
JJ
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»