Blackhawks Notes: van Riemsdyk Has Milestone Goal Stripped
By Chris Emma-
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The puck ricocheted off the board and right in front of Trevor van Riemsdyk. Sunday brought a memorable moment for the Blackhawks rookie defenseman.
With the puck teed up, van Riemsdyk ripped a slapshot past San Jose goalie Antti Niemi and to the back of the net. The horn sounded, Chelsea Dagger played and the Blackhawks celebrated the first NHL goal of his young career. Or so they thought.
Official review on Monday showed van Riemsdyk's shot hit off Blackhawks winger Kris Versteeg and redirected into the net. His first NHL goal was taken away a day later in Chicago's eventual 5-2 win.
"He earned it," van Riemsdyk said Tuesday. "He was in the dirty area there. The puck went off him. I'm happy we got a goal there and happy we won the game."
The celebration for van Riemsdyk was short-lived. Versteeg told him after the game that the goal was likely miscredited. Instead, it became his first career assist.
"I'm not worried about him scoring his first one," Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. "He gets a point out of it as well, so it's not a bad thing."
Added van Riemsdyk: "That's still pretty cool, to get off all the zeroes there. It was just exciting to be a part of that goal."
The milestone puck was presented to van Riemsdyk after the game, with stick tape used to commemorate its significance. So what happens to the puck now?
"Take the tape off it and use it during practice," he joked.
van Riemsdyk, the 23-year-old rookie from Middletown, N.J., is now 15 games into his NHL career. He was largely considered a surprise addition to the roster in training camp.
Quenneville is pleased with van Riemsdyk's play, even without the goal to his name.
"He's been an excellent addition to our team," Quenneville said, "a really good surprise for us."
Carcillo returns to the ice
With a game against the league-leading Tampa Bay Lighting on tap Tuesday night, the Blackhawks were joined by a familiar face in morning skate.
Daniel Carcillo was on the ice with Chicago, skating swiftly just two weeks after suffering an apparent knee injury at St. Louis. The forward's rehabilitation process has gone smoothly.
"I feel strong," Carcillo said. "A lot of work in the gym. Stuff away from the rink, just making sure I'm resting and not doing too much, promote healing better."
Carcillo was a bit of a surprise to join Chicago's roster in October but earned a shot. He hoped to prove that he's more than a physical presence on the ice, but the injury brought a scare that seemed to jeopardize those odds.
Returning to the ice was a welcomed sign, both for the Blackhawks and Carcillo.
"I'm not happy about (the injury), but no point in looking back on it now," Carcillo said. "You've got to move forward, and (I've) already forgotten about it."
Chicago has nine days before it embarks on the annual "circus trip" through the Western Conference. Between now and Nov. 20, three games remain, two of which are at home.
Could Carcillo return to the lineup before then?
"Maybe, we'll see if he gets in before the long trip or not," Quenneville said. "For sure on the trip."
Stamkos, league-leading Lightning a tough task
The Blackhawks have been familiar with a spot atop the standings, ever since their revival. But Chicago (8-6-1) has struggled with inconsistent play lately.
Tuesday night brings a tough challenge, with the league-leading Tampa Bay Lightning (11-3-1) coming to United Center. Their 23 points are best in the NHL, six points better than the Blackhawks, who remain mired in ninth place of the Western Conference.
"It's a big game to prove to ourselves that we can really put these last couple weeks behind us and be a better team," Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews said.
Beating Tampa Bay is easier said than done. Steven Stamkos is tied for second in the NHL with 10 goals, and he seems to have the Blackhawks' number.
"When he's hot, he gets on a roll, he's a threat every time he hits the ice," Quenneville said.
Puck drop comes at 7:30 on Tuesday from United Center as the Blackhawks look to find some consistent play.
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
