Chicago Blackhawks: John Scott's Audition Reveals No New Information

Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville held John Scott under the microscope Tuesday.

Coming on the heels of a blowout loss to Vancouver Sunday, Quenneville opted to shuffle the deck heading into Tuesday's game with the St. Louis Blues. The biggest surprise came hours before the contest, when Quenneville made the decision to give the much-maligned defenseman an on-ice audition.

Quenneville wanted to see what Scott could do when given regular shifts, he explained.

Scott skated throughout the contest, totaling 11 minutes. He proved a couple of things Tuesday night as the 'Hawks lost 3-0 to the Blues for their second straight regulation defeat.

Too bad what he showed was already common knowledge.

It was apparent that the Murdersaurus was doing his best to play defense after not being used in that capacity in the first month of the season. However, he and Steve Montador were a shaky pairing to say the least.

Kevin Shattenkirk may have been holding back laughter as he easily outmaneuvered Scott along the left side. This set up Vladimir Sobokta's first-period goal that proved to be all the Blues needed to win.

In Scott's defense, Montador was more responsible for the goal, but Scott was definitely pylon-esque on the play.

Scott did attempt to find someone on the St. Louis bench willing to dance and approached Ryan Reaves midway through the second period. Reaves, who had already logged a short bout with Daniel Carcillo in the first period, declined the invitation.

Scott was credited a hit five minutes into the game.

True to his word, Quenneville stuck with Scott throughout the game. Scott skated six of his 15 shifts in the third period. The third pairing skated half the time the top-four defensemen did, but the 'Hawks didn't go with five players on the blue line. At least not literally, anyway.

So what did we find out Tuesday?

1. John Scott is not a real mobile defenseman.

2. He's too slow to deliver big hits.

3. He can't find anyone to fight him most nights.

Didn't we know this already?

Didn't Quenneville know this already?

I give Quenneville credit for not following his talk of playing Scott with a three- or four-shift effort as has been the case in previous Scott sightings. However, that's all I'm willing to concede.

Let's face it. The 'Hawks are officially in a slump. Blame for Tuesday's pitiful defeat should be spread all around the lineup. Chicago was flat in all areas of the game. It's not likely that Sami Lepisto and Sean O'Donnell's presence would have made much difference in the outcome.

However, if the point is to field the team that has the best chance of winning a hockey game, why were they scratched in favor of Scott?

It's on to Columbus for the struggling Blackhawks, leading us to wonder if Scott will get another extended spin on the back end Thursday night. For most of us, Scott's performance doesn't merit another start.

If Quenneville hasn't seen enough by now, we may all be treated to another audition. Terrific.