Marian Hossa played it safe with a groin injury, and the decision appears to have paid off.
The veteran winger returned to the Blackhawks’ lineup Thursday night against the Blue Jackets after sitting out Sunday night’s 3-1 loss to the Ducks at the United Center.
“Before the Minnesota game (Saturday night) I felt a tightness in my groin when I woke up,” said Hossa, who had 11 goals and 10 assists in 23 games entering Thursday night’s game. “In the third period it was getting tighter and was getting tired. The next day it just tightened up (so we) decided to be smart and not push it — especially with three days off afterward. I had a good time to heal, two days without practice. Definitely the groin feels much looser and better.”
In the fold: Three days after extending President John McDonough’s contract, the Hawks did the same for Jay Blunk, the team’s senior vice president of business operations.
“Jay deserves a tremendous amount of credit for what has gone on with the Blackhawks’ business operations over the past two years,” said McDonough, who had his deal extended to 2016.
Blunk is in his third season with the Hawks after 22 years in the Cubs’ front office.
Left thinking: The Hawks faced a right-handed catching goaltender for the seventh time this season Thursday against the Blue Jackets’ Mathieu Garon.
Entering the game the Hawks were 3-3 in those games.
“It definitely makes a difference to me whether the guy catches with his right or his left,” center Patrick Sharp said. “Every shooter in here will tell you he has his spots where he likes to shoot and feels comfortable scoring. When you switch the goaltenders around it kind of changes things.”
One-timers: The Hawks announced that weekend passes for the third annual Blackhawks Convention July 31-Aug. 1 at the Hilton Chicago have sold out. … Former Hawk and current broadcaster Troy Murray dropped the ceremonial first puck as part of the team’s Heritage Night series. … Proceeds from Thursday night’s 50/50 raffle went to the Haiti Relief Fund in the wake of Tuesday’s devastating earthquake.
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Big number: 9
Consecutive games in which Blackhawks winger Kris Versteeg has recorded a point, a career high. He assisted on Brian Campbell’s first-period goal Thursday.
