The Chicago Blackhawks' recall of Brandon Pirri Monday afternoon, via the team's official website, is a welcome addition to a struggling lineup. The 'Hawks need a kick in the pants following three straight losses. Pirri may not put this team on his back, but using the young center might allow Chicago to do something they haven't done much lately.
That would be rolling four effective lines.
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville iced a curious third line Sunday night in Chicago's loss to the Jets. Michal Handzus centered Kris Versteeg and defenseman Michael Kostka against Winnipeg in what turned out to be a limited appearance.
Quenneville wanted more from Bryan Bickell so the big wing was scratched Sunday. None of the players on the makeshift third line played more than Vertsteeg's 10:54. Neither Kostka or Handzus could even crack double digit minutes. In fact, Handzus' 8:14 and Kostka's 7:26 of ice time was the lowest of the Chicago skaters.
The Blackhawks fourth line of Brandon Bollig, Marcus Kruger and Ben Smith has been Quenneville's checking lin ...
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Article written by Jon Fromi