The injury-riddled Chicago Blackhawks are turning to a familiar face to fill their depleted lineup.
With forwards Artem Anisimov, Andrew Shaw, and Marian Hossa on the shelf nursing injuries, Chicago recalled former playoff hero Bryan Bickell in hopes he can return to form.
After accumulating only two points in 23 games with the Blackhawks this season, Bickell was sent to the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, where he put up 31 points in 44 contests.
Bickell's grit translated to success for Chicago in the past, something he knows he must find again to stay in the NHL.
Bickell said he needs to "be physical and bring back those playoff days where I'm physical every shift and being a force out there," according to Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.
For their part, Blackhawks players are happy to have Bickell back in the room as well.
"We all love Bicks as a guy and I think we're all hoping that he can recapture the player he was and the player he can be," winger Patrick Kane said.
Duncan Keith, who is serving the fourth game of his six-game suspension, also knows what Bickell is capable of.
"Baby steps. Work it in slowly and get that confidence back and anything can happen," Keith said.
But Keith was also quick to poke fun at his teammate.
Duncan Keith said it was good to see Bryan Bickell. "He's got a full head of hair now," Keith said. #Blackhawks
— Mark Lazerus (@MarkLazerus) April 7, 2016
Chicago, which still has a shot at earning home-ice advantage in the playoffs, and even the division title, takes on the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night with first-round seeding at stake.
