Chicago Blackhawks: 6 Players Who Raised Their Games With Hossa and Kane Out
The Chicago Blackhawks have played ten games since Marian Hossa suffered a practice injury last month. They have played eight games without Hossa and Patrick Kane, who left seconds into a Dec. 5 contest with Calgary.
Few would have been surprised if the Blackhawks had struggled mightily without these two big goal scorers. After all, team depth has been in question for much of the current season.
If there was a good time for other players to step up, this was it.
The Blackhawks have gone 6-3-1 since Hossa went down and 5-2-1 since Kane joined him on the injured list. What could have been a disastrous stretch for Chicago has instead been a rallying point for a team that has played without purpose at some points this year.
It's possible that Hossa will return Dec. 26 against Columbus, with Kane to follow later next week. Whenever they both get back on the ice, it's likely that they will be joining a stronger unit than they left earlier this month.
Here are six Hawks that cinched up their belts and raised their games over the last few weeks.
Jonathan Toews
1 of 6
Reminding us yet again why he's wearing the "C," Toews has brought his play up a level with his two teammates missing.
Toews has six goals and 13 points in the last 10 games and has been terrific at both ends of the ice. He has been tough in the corners and the face off circle as well.
The captain has more than done his job, but has also inspired several lower-line guys to step up.
Fernando Pisani
2 of 6
Pisani may seem like an odd choice. He himself had been out for an extended time after being injured in the Nov. 26 game at Anaheim. He missed eight games before returning Friday night against Detroit.
Since his return, however, he has played stellar defense and spearheaded the Hawks' three-game winning streak.
He has also tallied a point in each of those games, including the game-winning goal in a 3-2 win over the Kings Sunday night.
Pisani's return was well timed, as Viktor Stalberg (who should play on Dec. 26) has missed the last three games.
Troy Brouwer
3 of 6
Brouwer showed signs of life on the "Circus Trip" after a horrible start to the season. Since Hossa and Kane went down, he has scored five goals, including the game-winner against Dallas Dec. 8.
He has also been getting to the net more consistently and playing the physical style that seems to make him a better player.
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Dave Bolland
4 of 6
Bolland had five points in his first 19 games this season.
He has seven points in the last 10 games.
He has tallied points in four of Chicago's six wins in that span and helped anchor big defensive efforts in the last three victories.
Jack Skille
5 of 6
Skille has had to bring his game from the fourth line to the top line since Hossa and Kane became unavailable.
He's getting an additional seven or eight shifts a night and has been sighted on the ice on the power play as well. Skille has done a nice job bringing an energetic, physical presence to the lineup, while continuing to fire off shots on goal.
Skille notched an assist in the win over Detroit, then lit up the Predators for a pair of goals on Wednesday.
Bryan Bickell
6 of 6
The rookie winger has nine points in his last eight games and is currently riding on the crest of a five-game scoring streak.
His six goals since Hossa was hurt equal Toews for the team lead in that span.
He had what turned out to be the game-winning goal against the Red Wings Friday and has shown off a high wrist shot that has found the net in four of the last five games.
In the face of injuries that could have derailed the Blackhawks this month, Bickell's play has been just what the doctor ordered.
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