Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville didn't have much to say about Marian Hossa's status Thursday before Game 4 against the Phoenix Coyotes.
But Quenneville has spoken with him and plenty of players have exchanged texts with him, so they are somewhat encouraged.
Phoenix Coyotes agitator Raffi Torres has been suspended indefinitely pending his in-person hearing with NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan Friday in New York for his leaving his feet and hitting Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa in the head in Game 3.
Some Coyotes have said they haven't seen the hit by Torres that sent Hossa to the hospital, while others say they won't comment on it. But, as it always happens in these instances, his teammates and coach have defended him.
Now, Coyotes general manager Don Maloney is on the record, too.
Phoenix Coyotes winger Raffi Torres has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL with an in-person disciplinary hearing set for Friday in New York.
By Ben Meyer-Abbott
bmeyer-abbott@suntimes.com
Twitter: @BMACST
The Phoenix Coyotes offered an interesting study in contrast with regards to headshots the past several days.
Phoenix Coyotes coach Dave Tippett faced the media before Game 3 of his team's first-round series against the Blackhawks. He listed goalie Mike Smith, who was struck in the facemask by Hawks' rookie winger Andrew Shaw in Game 2, as a game-time decision.
Below is a transcript of his Q & A session with reporters:
The wait is finally over. And Andrew Shaw didn't receive any good news Tuesday afternoon.
The Blackhawks rookie has been suspended three games, starting with Game 3 at the United Center, for his head-to-mask hit on Phoenix Coyotes goalies Mike Smith in Game 2.
By Ben Meyer-Abbott
bmeyer-abbott@suntimes.com
Twitter: BMACST
Not that the Blackhawks' first-round match up with the Phoenix Coyotes hasn't been without its fair share of chippiness, but it pales in comparison to some of the 5-on-5 brawls going on in some of the other series.
Blackhawks rookie forward Andrew Shaw was only able to get his helmet off before being surrounded by the media. With his disciplinary hearing for his hit on Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith set for 1 p.m. on Monday, everyone wanted to know his thoughts.
The Chicago Sun-Times' "3 stars" from Game 2 of the Blackhawks' first-round series against the Phoenix Coyotes:
Adam L. Jahns is a native Chicagoan. Jahns has been with the Sun-Times since 2005, covering the Hawks since 2009. He's also helped cover the Bears, Cubs, Sox and high schools. Follow him on Twitter:@adamjahns
