Steady diet of East foes for Q’s crew
The Blackhawks aren’t an Eastern Conference team, even if their early schedule would indicate otherwise.
Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders was the Hawks’ third of eight in a row with Eastern teams to begin the season. Before they face the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 26, the Hawks will have played almost half of the East.
Coach Joel Quenneville didn’t sound too concerned the East would present any unpredictable challenges.
“We’ve got some real good tests in front of us, but I still think most teams play the same kind of way and I’m sure they’re excited about playing us, as well,” Quenneville said. “It doesn’t matter who it is. We should have an appetite that, ‘Hey, it’s a big game. Let’s get excited about it.’ ”
Growing up
Viktor Svedberg made his debut Friday, playing 16 minutes, 19 seconds and registering two hits. Though he’s far from a finished product, the 6-9 rookie defenseman has made an impression on Quenneville.
“I like his size. I like his reach,” Quenneville said. “He’ll get better off of that, as well, but he got a little more comfortable as the game progressed.”
Svedberg’s progress has been obvious. It’s common for a player with Svedberg’s size to struggle with his skating, a skill he clearly has worked on as his career has moved forward.
“He’s improved so far from what he was just a few years ago when he came into the organization,” Quenneville said. “He’s made big improvements to his movements. His thought process is getting better, as well. He’s got a lot of ‘try’ in him. Getting that first game under your belt is probably a big step, as well.”
Welcome back
Nick Leddy played his first game at the United Center since he was dealt to the Islanders last October for a package of prospects led by Ville Pokka. Since the trade, Leddy signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract with the Islanders and has become one of the most important parts of their blue line.
Andrew Shaw said he was excited to face Leddy for the second consecutive night and predicted Saturday would be memorable for his former teammate.
“He came into the league here, won a Cup here,” Shaw said. “Has a lot of friends, a lot of good fan base here. It’s going to be emotional, but it will be exciting for him, as well.”
Happy anniversary
Saturday was the eightyear anniversary of Jonathan Toews’ NHL debut. On Oct. 10, 2007, Toews scored on his first shot in a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks at the United Center.
“Pretty amazing start to a career,” Quenneville said. “Special player, great leader, great captain.”