Blackhawks’ Scott ready to cause ‘chaos’
The Chicago Blackhawks have gotten serious about creating traffic in front of Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo during Game 3 of the Western Conference quarterfinals.
John Scott, all 6-feet-8-inches -- without skates --and 258 pounds of him, is scheduled to be in the lineup at wing for the Hawks for Sunday night’s game at the United Center. Scott hasn’t played since March 20 and doesn’t have a goal this season, but Joel Quenneville summed up why the hulking veteran will get the call.
“Size,” Quenneville said after the Hawks’ morning skate at the United Center.
“I’ve got a big body,” Scott said. “Hopefully I can get to the front of the net and take (Luongo’s) eyes. We’ve let him see too many pucks and the rebounds usually just get swept out of there. If I can get in front, any chance I can -- I know I’m not going to play big minutes -- but anytime I’m out there I’m going to try and get in front and take his eyes and maybe pot a rebound or something.”
“I’ll definitely be there at some point in the game, causing chaos for Luongo.”
For Scott, who signed a two-year deal with the Hawks during the summer, it will be his first postseason appearance after playing parts of two seasons with the Wild.
“I’m jacked,” Scott said. “This is my first playoff game. ‘Q’ kind of hinted toward it (Saturday) and I was jacked up. As soon as he told me I was like, ‘hell, yeah. Let’s do this.’ I couldn’t sleep last night.”
Scott played in 40 regular-season games with the Hawks and had one assist and 72 penalty minutes.
“It’s one of those things where you don’t like to see your top guys get banged around,” Scott said. “Hopefully I can get in there and take a run at a couple of their defensemen.
Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa had this response to the news Scott would be in for the Hawks: “When a guy 6-8 challenges you that can’t skate? Usually you say no and then go around him and score. That’s what usually you do.”
More from Scott: “(Playing the Canucks) goes back to Minnesota days. I’ve beat up a couple of their guys a couple of times. I think that’s in the back of their heads, hopefully. If I can get someone to go (Sunday night) I’ll be happy to oblige.”
Scott will be in the lineup with injuries to Bryan Bickell (cut wrist), Tomas Kopecky (upper body) and Dave Bolland (concussion).
Bolland said he feels ready to play but still needs to clear NHL concussion protocols before rejoining the lineup.
“We’re optimistic and hopeful of next game him being able to rejoin us,” Quenneville said. “Both Bickell and Kopecky got consideration. Close.”
Game 4 will be Tuesday night at the United Center.
Twitter @ChrisKuc
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