Kane deserves Hossa as a linemate

The line of Bolland-Kane-Byfuglien started the season strong in the two games against Florida in Finland.  Since returning stateside, the line's production has done a slow fade.  In fact, add together the two games in Helsinki with the miracle comeback against Calgary, and those three games account for nearly half of Kane's point production (7 pts.) on the season.  Plus, Kane has added his most recent assists while skating with Patrick Sharp and Kris Versteeg.  Kane's feed to Sharp netted the gamewinner a week ago against Montreal and he added two assists Friday night against Colorado with Versteeg as his centerman.

It had to be refreshing for Kane to skate with other forwards with a comparable skill level.  With Kane as the only legitimate offensive threat on the ice, opposing defenses have been able to double-team the slight 20-year old.  Add Hossa on the other wing and the double-teams stop.  Kane will then benefit with more open ice to operate and he will find it easier to create his own scoring chances.

When healthy, the Toews line has been the most consistent offensive threat for the Blackhawks.  The captain has good chemistry with Sharp and the other wing is interchangeable between Versteeg and Andrew Ladd.  Plus, the Toews line will benefit if Kane and Hossa draw the opposition's top defensive pairing which generally had been reserved for Toews & Co. earlier in the year.  You can make an argument for pairing Toews and Hossa, I just believe the benefits are greater if Quenneville matches Hossa with Kane.

As for the technicality that Hossa and Kane are both right wingers and left handed shooters, I'd prefer Hossa remain on the right side of the zone as he will be the more consistent scorer.  Kane's passing ability will not waver no matter his positioning and he has shown the ability to create plays from any spot on the ice.  Don't read too much into the reports that Hossa was playing center last week during Blackhawks' practice.  The former Red Wing is a winger and that's were he will be playing for Quenneville and the Hawks.

As for the centerman to complete the Kane-Hossa line?  All depends on the health of Bolland.  There is speculation that Bolland may opt for back surgery which would shelve the center for a couple of months.  If Bolland is out for an extended period, there may have to be a casting call for the role.  Consider Thomas Kopecky a dark horse candidate for the part.  Kopecky would add some toughness to the line and Quenneville would have to be intrigued at reuniting Hossa and Kopecky who are former Detroit teammates and fellow countrymen.

Most importantly, the Blackhawks must heal for Quenneville to construct the lines as he envisioned when Hossa was signed this past summer.  The Hawks will take a step in the right direction as both Toews and Ben Eager are expected to return to the Hawks lineup Monday night at the United Center against the Los Angeles Kings.  I'd say I'm excited to watch Toews and Eager in action again, but I have DirecTV.  Someone will have to let me know what happens.