Like everyone else, Niklas Hjalmarsson is playing the waiting game while negotiations continue to determine whether NHL players will participate in the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.
The Blackhawks defenseman captured a silver medal with Team Sweden in 2014 in Sochi, Russia, and would like to add to his hardware collection.
"First of all, I'm going to try to make the team—it's tough to make that team — but if they want me to go, I definitely want to. I probably never will go to South Korea ever in my life unless it would be for the Olympics. And to play for the Three Crowns is always a big honor. It's such a great group of guys who play for our national team and just the atmosphere being around the Olympic athletes and the Olympic village from last time was a great experience. I'll be really disappointed if they don't let us go."
With the Games less than a year away, time is beginning to run short but Hjalmarsson remains hopeful.
"I don't know what's going on, I guess they are negotiating, so I'll just kind of see what happens," he said."But I hope they make the right decision."
Familiar faces: For the fourth consecutive game, captain Jonathan Toews skated with the same linemates during the Hawks' game against the Jets on Friday night at the MTS Centre. Toews centered a line with Nick Schmaltz on his left and Richard Panik on his right. The top line has been a work-in-progress all season but it appears coach Joel Quenneville has settled on the trio — for now. Not coincidentally, Toews' production has seen an uptick.
"It makes a world of difference," Toews said. "When you start playing well or start getting a feel for what it's like to play with a couple of linemates you want to continue to build on that confidence and know where everyone is going to be on the ice. Whether (shots) go in or not I think as long as we're working we'll get our chances."
Respect: Hawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz issued a statement on the death of Red Wings and Tigers owner Mike Ilitch at 87.
"Mike was a very generous man who had an immeasurable impact on the city of Detroit, and the sport of hockey," Wirtz said. "Mike also touched many lives within our own organization. He will be remembered as a successful businessman, philanthropist and an incredible family man."
Net change: With the Hawks set to play the second of back-to-back games Saturday night against the Oilers in Edmonton, Quenneville said there is a "good chance" backup Scott Darling will get the start in goal.
Darling hasn't started since a 5-3 loss to the Jets on Jan. 28.
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