Ben Smith has been practicing and learning while waiting for his chance to get back into the Blackhawks lineup.
Hell get his opportunity tonight.
Smith will play tonight when the Blackhawks host the New York Islanders at the United Center. Smith has been a healthy scratch since playing in both Calgary and Edmonton on the teams circus trip. Its not clear who will come out in favor of Smith, but coach Joel Quenneville said its time to get the young forward back into the lineup.
"Certainly we like to be playing him," Quenneville said. "He had a couple tough ones (in Canada) but hes versatile, gives us some quickness and intelligence. He got going in Rockford and it looks like getting him back in here wed like to get him up to that pace, get him comfortable in our team game and in his own game. We think hes useful, so lets get him in there."
For Smith, its another chance to make an impact. He did it last postseason against Vancouver. He wasnt nearly as noticeable against Calgary and Edmonton last month; then again there werent many great performances from any Blackhawks out of those two.
Smith just wants to get the same type of performances he had in Rockford earlier this season.
Its not an easy transition from the American League, but thats no excuse, obviously. I just want to play and play well and contribute, Smith said. Its all about patience and working hard every day. Thats what Im trying to do.
NHL
Brent Seabrook and Steve Montador skated with the Blackhawks this morning while Dave Bolland did not. Quenneville said yesterday that all three were expected to play tonight.