Even if he hasn’t put up the offensive numbers anticipated this season, Marian Hossa is always a missing piece when he’s out of the Blackhawks Green Jersey’ lineup.
Now he’s feeling better, and his return will bring even more balance and stability to the Blackhawks’ forward lines.
The Blackhawks will check with him in the morning but it looks like Hossa will play on Wednesday night when the team takes on the St. Louis Blues. Hossa, who was injured against the Anaheim Ducks on Feb. 13, was back on the Blackhawks’ top line with Andrew Ladd and Jonathan Toews at Tuesday’s practice. For Hossa, the recovery time for his lower-body injury could prove beneficial, in terms of rest heading into the stretch run.
“There’s always something bad for something good happening. You don’t want to get hurt but if you do you try to take advantage of it and hopefully that’s going to be the advantage,” said Hossa, who sounded like he’s ready to go in this week’s games vs. the Blues and Dallas Stars. “Obviously it’s going to be a great test for our team, a two big games on the road [and] Mom’s trip. So couldn’t have timed it better.”
Ladd said he didn’t play with Hossa much during his first stint with the Blackhawks – Ladd teamed with Patrick Sharp and Patrick Kane at times, but mostly played with Dave Bolland. But Ladd figures the three will connect quickly.
“I think first and foremost, playing the right way defensively for the three of us is the best way to create offense. So, I think if we do that, then things will take care of itself,” Ladd said. “I think anytime you get a player like that back, it’s a big boost to the group. So hopefully me, him and Jonny can find some chemistry and get things going pretty quick.”
