Hawks get break to recharge

Shortly after the Blackhawks beat the Blues 1-0 on Wednesday night at the United Center, captain Jonathan Toews drew the attention of the entire dressing room.

Holding a game puck, Toews said, “It took us a couple, but it’s the first of many.”

He then happily handed the puck to Jeremy Colliton.

Though Colliton admitted it was a relief to notch his first NHL win as a coach, he doesn’t plan to dwell on the victory.

“Just [have to] carry on,” Colliton said Thursday.

Colliton gathered the team for a brief film session before an optional practice at MB Ice Arena, which only nine players participated in, including struggling veteran Brandon Saad. Colliton felt he needed to give some of the veterans a day off to recuperate before the Hawks host the Kings on Friday.

“Guys have been going pretty hard here for a stretch, and by no means are we taking our foot off the gas, but we want to be full energy tomorrow,” Colliton said.

Despite the fatigue, Colliton believes players are adjusting well to his new system.

“We have to be realistic about how quickly they’re going to pick it up,” Colliton said. “Overall, we got to be pretty pleased with the transition. We got three out of four points [in the last two games], so we’re on the right path.”

Olczyk to be honored

Hawks TV analyst and former player Eddie Olczyk will take the ice for “One More Shift” before the game Sunday against the Wild. The honor for Olczyk, who beat Stage 3 colon cancer last season, accompanies the NHL’s “Hockey Fights Cancer” night.