Desjardins back skating; no timetable for return
As a defensive- minded forward and a penalty killer, it always has been Andrew Desjardins’ job to step in front of slap shots. And that won’t change the next time he’s on the ice, even though the last time he put himself in harm’s way he suffered a lower- body injury that has cost him three weeks and counting.
“That’s one of those things you can’t really think about,” Desjardins said after participating in his first morning skate of the regular season Sunday. “You’ve just got to do the right things, and obviously use your body in whichever way possible to prevent goals. I’m going to put that [ out] of the back of my mind, just play and not worry about that too much.”
Desjardins suffered an apparent foot injury when he blocked a shot in the third period of the Blackhawks’ preseason finale at St. Louis on Oct. 8. He started skating on his own Saturday and rejoined his teammates for an optional skate Sunday morning. Desjardins has been fitted with skate protectors, which lessen the chance of getting hurt on a blocked shot off the foot. While they’re common in the NHL, Desjardins had never worn them. The first significant injury of his career was enough to convert him.
There’s no exact timetable for Desjardins’ return, but Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said he’ll have a better idea after seeing how the veteran responds the next couple of days.
“Maybe by the weekend, we’ll have a clearer idea,” Quenneville said. “He certainly looks pretty good out there. Conditioning’s part of it, but you’ve also got to make sure the injury is fully healed and you’re ready.”
Desjardins led all Hawks forwards in short- handed ice time last season. He knows he can’t be the savior of the team’s historically bad penalty kill, which has allowed 15 goals on 32 power plays, but he’s eager to get back on the ice and help.
“The guys have been working hard and trying to correct some of the mistakes that have been occurring,” Desjardins said. “[ It’s] a team thing, and one player is not going to change that completely. But you obviously want to be out there to help when you can.”
Drawing board
Artem Anisimov entered Sunday two points off the league lead with five goals and five assists through eight games. But his 37.1 faceoff percentage is second- worst in the league among players with at least 100 draws. After going a dismal 35- of- 100 in his first seven games, Anisimov’s 8- of- 16 effort Friday at New Jersey was a big step in the right direction.
“A little bit, just a little bit,” Anisimov said with a laugh. “Like 5 percent better.”
Anisimov has worked with faceoff specialist and Hawks development coach Yanic Perreault.
“We talk about what I need to do, and we pick two or three things that I need to focus on,” Anisimov said. “I tried to focus on the last game and it was helpful.”
Roster report
Gustav Forsling missed his second consecutive game with an upper- body injury. Quenneville said the rookie defenseman “possibly” could play Tuesday against the Flames.
After being a healthy scratch for four games in a row, Vinnie Hinostroza was in the lineup. Ryan Hartman was a healthy scratch for the first time.