March 29--It has been only two games since center Marcus Kruger returned to the Blackhawks lineup, but the line of Kruger, Andrew Desjardins and Andrew Shaw is already contributing in a big way.
In both games, Kruger's line has led the Hawks in defensive-zone starts as well as Corsi plus-minus, which means the Hawks are attempting more shots than their opponents when that line is on the ice.
The Kruger line is essentially flipping the ice -- starting in an unfavorable position, gaining control of the puck and generating chances in the offensive zone. This is what that line was so effective at during the playoffs last season.
Saturday against the Flames, the line generated a goal for Shaw. The line did not score Sunday but still had an impact in the 3-2 victory over the Canucks.
Rozsival up for award: The Chicago chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association selected defenseman Michal Rozsival as its nominee for the Masterton Trophy, given to a player who exemplifies "perseverance, dedication and sportsmanship."
Each team's beat writers nominate one player for the award. Rozsival, 37, recovered from a fractured ankle suffered in last season's playoff series against the Wild. Instead of retiring, he rehabilitated and has worked his way back into the rotation.
"It's an honor to be nominated," Rozsival said. "Obviously with age, it's even sweeter."
Ross hearing: A court hearing was canceled Monday for a Hawks prospect accused of sharing video of a woman engaged in a sex act.
Garret Ross, 23, had been scheduled to appear in DeKalb County Court, where he is charged with non-consensual dissemination of a sexual image. Ross had been playing for the Rockford IceHogs, the Hawks' AHL affiliate, until his suspension last week.
His attorney, John Palmer, said there had been no developments to merit the scheduled status update. Ross is due back April 22, when he is expected to be arraigned.
Few playoff tickets left: The Hawks said a "very limited" number of single-seat and standing-room tickets are available for the first two rounds of the playoffs. Tickets for those rounds went on sale Monday. Fans should go to blackhawks.nhl.com for up-to-date information.
Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.
