Already shaken by the loss of one of their top players, the Blackhawks got another jolt early Tuesday when a minor earthquake hit Southern California. Everyone came out of that experience unscathed and later in the day they also survived a stint on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."
Yes, it has been a whirlwind couple of days for the Hawks to start a three-game trip that begins Wednesday night against the Ducks. One player whose head likely is spinning more than that of others is Nick Boynton.
The veteran was recalled from AHL Rockford and is expected to be in the lineup against Anaheim filling in for Brian Campbell.
"If and when I get the opportunity I'll play the way I can play," Boynton said. "Be hard to play against and try to play smart. I try to play solid in my own end, don't make mistakes, move the puck and just help out any way I can."
Boynton was acquired in a trade March 2 from the Ducks give the Hawks depth on the back end and his services were needed sooner rather than later when Campbell went down. The former NHL All-Star feels fortunate to join one of the top teams in the NHL as it prepares for the postseason.
"It's definitely an opportunity I have to take advantage of," said Boynton, who will wear No. 24. "I'm very fortunate in the way things worked out."
On the defensive: Forward Dustin Byfuglien, who began his NHL career as a defenseman, participated in some drills with the defense during Tuesday's practice and could find himself in the mix if needed.
"I wouldn't mind trying it," Byfuglien said.
Byfuglien has 16 goals and 12 assists this season as a winger but said he could make the adjustments needed to play on the back end.
"It's just getting the timing and the players and what they like to do when they come down," Byfuglien said. "You usually pay attention to that when you're a defenseman."
Sick bay: Veteran defenseman Kim Johnsson (upper body) did not make the trip to California but could meet the team in Arizona for Saturday's game against the Coyotes.
Goaltender Cristobal Huet missed practice with the flu and Corey Crawford was recalled from Rockford on an emergency basis. Antti Niemi will get the start against the Ducks.
Yes, it has been a whirlwind couple of days for the Hawks to start a three-game trip that begins Wednesday night against the Ducks. One player whose head likely is spinning more than that of others is Nick Boynton.
The veteran was recalled from AHL Rockford and is expected to be in the lineup against Anaheim filling in for Brian Campbell.
"If and when I get the opportunity I'll play the way I can play," Boynton said. "Be hard to play against and try to play smart. I try to play solid in my own end, don't make mistakes, move the puck and just help out any way I can."
Boynton was acquired in a trade March 2 from the Ducks give the Hawks depth on the back end and his services were needed sooner rather than later when Campbell went down. The former NHL All-Star feels fortunate to join one of the top teams in the NHL as it prepares for the postseason.
"It's definitely an opportunity I have to take advantage of," said Boynton, who will wear No. 24. "I'm very fortunate in the way things worked out."
On the defensive: Forward Dustin Byfuglien, who began his NHL career as a defenseman, participated in some drills with the defense during Tuesday's practice and could find himself in the mix if needed.
"I wouldn't mind trying it," Byfuglien said.
Byfuglien has 16 goals and 12 assists this season as a winger but said he could make the adjustments needed to play on the back end.
"It's just getting the timing and the players and what they like to do when they come down," Byfuglien said. "You usually pay attention to that when you're a defenseman."
Sick bay: Veteran defenseman Kim Johnsson (upper body) did not make the trip to California but could meet the team in Arizona for Saturday's game against the Coyotes.
Goaltender Cristobal Huet missed practice with the flu and Corey Crawford was recalled from Rockford on an emergency basis. Antti Niemi will get the start against the Ducks.
