When Marian Hossa Jersey returned to practice on Friday, he returned to the same line that ended the playoffs: the third.
For a player who was now a top-six constant for a lot of years player, it can be difficult to make the change. But the Blackhawks Hossa may well start where the last season ended, and if that is the case it will.
"I talked to Q it wants to balance the lines. I will go wherever I can help the team," Hossa said following Friday's practice. "I ended the season with the third line and play as much ice time, all the time you're playing you're okay with it."
The 37-year-old Hossa struggled last season, posting just 33 points in 64 games. The overall top line was inconsistent as the Blackhawks had a hard time finding the right wing left to play with Jonathan Toews and Hossa all season. As for Hossa, he looked much better in the postseason, when he recorded three goals and two assists in the Blackhawks' seven games against the St. Louis Blues. During the first-round series, Hossa was with Marcus Kruger.
Therefore, because it worked in the end, coach Joel Quenneville is the willing to try from the beginning.
"There is a possibility that we could start that way," Quenneville said, citing the need for balance in the alignment of the Blackhawks. "You can change instantly, lines Put them all again how it looked last year is an option too Last year in the playoffs year, I thought I did well playing with Krugs;.. A little more of a monitoring role and still feels he can score and provide defense. always play the right way and has a versatility ".
Hossa played many minutes with the European team at the World Cup of Hockey, which ended last week when his team lost to the champion Team Canada in two games. Hossa will not be in the lineup on Saturday when they face the Blackhawks Blues in their last preseason game - as Quenneville him and Toews, who is not scheduled to play said, "I think they're ready to go, ready to [enter] action on Wednesday. "
When Hossa not step back on Wednesday at the opening of the season, which could be in a very different role. He comes from a long offseason, it was probably necessary for him and some other major players in terms of rest and rejuvenation. Wherever it ends in the lineup, Hossa ready to see what the season brings.
"I think for everyone because this team, the core of guys played so long for so many years. Naturally your body needs rest, salt hockey for a while, recharge and come back," he said. "It is hoped that it will perform in the season."
Duncan Keith Jersey will not play in the last preseason game Blackhawks vs St. Louis. Quenneville said Keith is fine.
The alignment will remain fairly young Blackhawks on Saturday, while prospects will have their last chance to compete for points list opening night. Quenneville said, "I think there is still a lot to be determined in these guys. We had lines [the last days] that may seem how things will play, but I would not read that. The functions are still on the line . young group, we are looking for energy. "
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