Scratched Gustafsson needs to find his groove
After a promising start with the Blackhawks, 23- year- old defenseman Erik Gustafsson was a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game Monday. But coach Joel Quenneville said the trip to the doghouse is more of an admonishment than a punishment.
Gustafsson was a plus- 12 in his first 15 games with the Hawks after being promoted from Rockford on Dec. 28 after Marcus Kruger was injured. But he was a minus- 2 in his last 10 games.
“He hasn’t been as active as he needs to be, and that’s one area where he can help himself and help our team game,” Quenneville said. “Defensively, he’s been OK. He brought us energy right off the bat with him involved in the attack and with the puck.”
Gustafsson knows he has to regain that groove.
“First 15 games I played pretty well, and I think I can come back to that game,” he said. “I think I lost something with my gap and how to use my stick. I have to come back to that game and be more on the game all the time.”
Quenneville didn’t explain why he benched Gustafsson, but the Swede got the message.
“I have to stay positive all the time,” he said, “and look to the next game and try to show them when I get in the next game that it was a bad thing to scratch me.”
Local boy makes good
Forward Vinnie Hinostroza, who did not score in four games of limited ice time ( 8: 46 per game) with the Hawks in October, returned to the team after tallying six goals and 11 points in his last 10 games with Rockford. Hinostroza, a Chicago native, played on the fourth line against the Maple Leafs.
“I definitely think I’m a lot more prepared than I was the last time,” said Hinostroza, who has 10 goals and 27 points in 41 games with the IceHogs this season. “I played a lot more pro games [ with Rockford] and got to know the game a lot better. I’m thankful and excited for the opportunity.”
An Andrew Shaw moment
Forward Andrew Shaw can’t seem to avoid mishaps at the rink. Shaw suffered a cut near his right eye during warmups at the morning skate and went straight to the dressing room. He got stitched up and played in the game, scoring a power- play goal in the first period.
Earlier this season, Shaw lost two teeth and needed 18 stitches to repair a cut on his lip after taking a puck to the mouth while he was sitting on the bench.