Thursday, April 28, 2011
Posted: 6:56 p.m.
By Tracey Myers
CSNChicago.com
Patrick Kane sported a shiner around his right eye, one of several colorful souvenirs he probably has after getting knocked around pretty well by the very physical Vancouver Canucks.
So might it be a good idea for the Chicago Blackhawks to get another guy who can give some of that back?
Yeah, I think so, Kane said. Going forward that would be nice to have.
The Blackhawks wont go through a big roster overhaul again this summer. They wont be facing the money crunch that demanded it last summer. But they do need to acquire some grit and mettle again to let the opposition know the Blackhawks are not going to stand for their stars getting beaten up.
See, as much as getting rid of a lot of guys last summer, it was getting rid of the same type of guys that hurt. Dustin Byfuglien, Andrew Ladd, Brent Sopel, Kris Versteeg, Ben Eagerthey muscled their ways into tough areas, crashed nets, won puck battles and defended teammates against physical opponents. They were the abrasive grease that helped the sleek Blackhawks machine and its skill guys running at top speed.
NHL
Much of that was gone this season, or at least it wasnt there on a consistent basis. Hats off to guys like Viktor Stalberg and Michael Frolik taking it upon themselves to throw a few licks out there, despite it not really being part of their game. But so many of the Blackhawks skill players had to do it all: get pucks, score and most of all, defend themselves against opponents who were trying to erase them.
I think there's something to that extent. Whether it's team toughness or across the board, we need to be tougher to play against, coach Joel Quenneville said. Whether we address personnel, that's an area we like to make sure we're definitely harder to play against.
Jonathan Toews said that for guys like him and Kane, a summer like this is good to mature physically and be able to play that style more. Sure they could do that, but they have enough on their plates. Just go out and get another guy who can take the physical pressure off the guys who were expected to carry this team to the postseason late in the game.
The Blackhawks put up the good fight against the bruising Canucks and were one goal away from taking a trip to the second round in San Jose. Their top players took their knocks this season in the process and were still getting battered in Game 7. Acquiring a guy who can get in someones face and keep Kanes safe when that happens could be just what the Blackhawks need to get back to long postseasons.
It's always nice to have someone who can fight and be a force on the ice who can also play, Kane said. We had guys who could do it this year, guys like (Bryan Bickell and Troy Brouwer). (John) Scott had a good presence in the series. But it would be nice to get someone, for sure.
Tracey Myers is CSNChicago.com's Blackhawks Insider. Follow Tracey on Twitter @TramyersCSN for up-to-the-minute Hawks information.