Crawford back, Hawks seek revenge on Flames

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Saturday, Dec. , 2010
Updated 7:53 PM

By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com

The Chicago Blackhawks were positive when they looked back on their lengthy road trip last week. But almost to a man, they all took exception to one game.

except for Calgary

other than Calgary

besides Calgary

Yes, it was all pretty good except for that 7-2 loss to the Flames, arguably the Blackhawks worst performance this season. And while the Blackhawks dont care who they beat right now, as long as theyre getting points, there is a little extra incentive to erase that ugly loss with a better outing against the Flames on Sunday night.

The Blackhawks responded off that ugly loss in Calgary, beating Vancouver the next night 7-1. Coach Joel Quenneville said hed like that same response Sunday.

We have to be excited about taking advantage of home ice, said Quenneville. That last road trip after the Calgary game we played at a different level. Its a chance to redeem ourselves and respond to that type of game. As far as last nights loss, thinking you played OK but not good enough is not going to be acceptable.

The Blackhawks talked plenty about that Calgary game after it happened. There was nothing positive about their performance that night, as the Flames basically exerted their will on the Blackhawks.

When you get embarrassed like that -- whether home or road you dont want that type of performanceyou want to play better, Patrick Sharp said. We came out flat, we had less jump in our skating and we just kind of gave up on it as a team. We responded well the next night which was a good sign but we want to make sure we do that tomorrow.

Their response was a complete 180 in Vancouver the next night. The Blackhawks want that kind of rebound all the time, especially in this critical home stretch. If redeeming themselves against Calgary does it, fine. But whatever bolsters that kind of response at home right now is welcome.

Obviously we want some redemption. But our biggest worry is playing good at home, Troy Brouwer said. We havent been good enough at home all season long. Its a good incentive that Calgarys coming in, theres a little extra pride on the line, but our main focus has to be finding ways to win here.

Crawford back

Corey Crawford will start in goal against the Flames on Sunday night. Crawford was riding a four-game winning streak, including three in a row on that road trip, before Quenneville went with Marty Turco on Friday night.

Its not very often I change goalies when hes got a little bit of a streak, Quenneville said. Unfortunately we didnt score for (Turco vs. Vancouver).

Madden on Byfuglien

Minnesota Wild center John Madden has been noticing how former Chicago Blackhawks teammate Dustin Byfuglien has done in Atlanta. Byfuglien currently has 10 goals and 17 assists for the Thrashers. The veteran had nothing but praise for Byfugliens season thus far, even though he wouldnt have pictured him along the blue line.

Im surprised Buff is playing defense, but thats why Im playing, not coaching, he told the media in Minnesota on Friday night. Hes been unbelievable right up there with the point leaders. Every time I see a highlight hes either scoring a goal or adding an assist.

I hate to mutter the word, Madden said, but Norris might be right behind him.
Briefly

Fernando Pisani (upper body) and Marian Hossa (lower body) are progressing well according to Quenneville. Hopefully sometime next week, one or two will be on the ice, he said.

Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.

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