Will John Scott's Chicago Blackhawks Homecoming Involve Dropping the Gloves?

The Chicago Blackhawks welcome one of their most polarizing players of the past two seasons when John Scott returns to the United Center with the New York Rangers. Scott's homecoming on Friday night brings with it a few questions.

What Kind of Reception Will the Mudersaurus Get from the Fans?

Scott was a guy many of us liked but were infuriated with largely because Joel Quenneville put him into the lineup. Scott did work hard and was a quotable guy while in town. 

I would imagine that the United Center faithful will give him a warm reception. After all, Quenneville can't pencil him into Chicago's lineup. 

Will He Be in the Lineup?

Scott has played in all five games he's been with his new team. His playing time has been typically single digits (he played 2:34 of last night's game with Ottawa), so he should be fine playing back-to-back games.

Is He a Plodding Left Wing or a Plodding Defenseman?

Again, the Rangers have used Scott at right wing on their fourth line in all five of his appearances. If Scott sees the ice Friday, it should be as a forward.

Most Importantly, Will There Be a Member of the 'Hawks Who Elects to Stand Toe to Toe with Scott?

This is really the $64,000 question.

Scott is in the lineup for one thing: physical intimidation. If he's on the ice, he'll be looking to protect his new teammates, not hug and kiss his old ones.

At some point, to give him some face time in front of his former home crowd at the very least, Scott could decide to drop the gloves. To me, there are only two players on the 'Hawks who might take the challenge.

Brandon Bollig is the new John Scott. A smaller, better-skating version of Scott, but you catch the drift.

Bollig wasn't with the 'Hawks during the Scott era and doesn't have the ties that might prevent him from throwing down with a former teammate (like Bryan Bickell). Bollig enjoys the dance sans gloves and could make a name for himself by hanging in with one of the league's best pugilists. I could see Bollig grinning through a bout with Scott.

As for the other guy? You'll think this is crazy, but Andrew Shaw is all about this kind of thing.

Shaw tangled with Dylan Olsen in camp and won. Shaw regularly stood in front of guys with six inches and 50 pounds on him down in Rockford. Shaw vs. the Murdersaurus would be the ultimate David vs. Goliath battle. From what I've seen of this kid with the Ice Hogs and in the NHL, I can't completely rule this out.

I'd much rather see the 'Hawks come out and put the Rangers away early for the two points Friday night. However, if the outcome was decided in the 'Hawks' favor, the likelihood of a tussle involving Scott would be an interesting diversion. Let's see how Scott is welcomed back.