Ben Eager told me over the phone that the one player he was looking forward to facing the most was his old roommate Dave Bolland.
But that won't happen Saturday when the Hawks meet Eager and the Thrashers in Atlanta.
Bolland skated Thursday apart from the team, but didn't practice Friday with the Hawks at the United Center. Coach Joel Quenneville said Bolland, who was placed on injured reserve with a rib injury, is still "day-to-day."
"He's not too far away," Quenneville said. "We're hoping he can play middle of next week."
That would be against the Phoenix Coyotes at the United Center on Wednesday.
There was encouraging news about Marian Hossa (upper body). The winger took part in all drills during Friday's one-hour practice.
Hossa won't play Saturday at Atlanta, but Quenneville didn't rule out Sunday's game against the Edmonton Oilers at the United Center.
Lines from practice Friday
The most notable changes was winger Jeremy Morin, who was ecalled Friday, slotted in on the second line, and Tomas Kopecky being dropped from the top-six to the third.
Stalberg -- Toews -- Kane
Brouwer -- Sharp -- Morin
Bickell -- Dowell -- Kopecky
Scott -- Pisani -- Skille
Why does Q keep playing Scott at wing?? He barely has enough speed to play D and his puck handling skills are terrible. Why did Ben Smith go back to Rockford? The kid has a nose for the puck and is very strong in the corners. Sometimes I scratch my head with Q's lineups. This team appears to be in the Cup Hangover mode for sure. And what is up with Toews and Kane...??????
The person who is pushing for Scott to stay with the team, ought to publicly come forth and state why?