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Jeremy Morin Focused On His Game Amid Tough Situation

By Chris Emma-

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Amid a Sun-Times report that he's frustrated by a lack of playing time, Blackhawks winger Jeremy Morin shrugged off questions after practice on Monday.

"I'm not really thinking about that at all," Morin said. "I'm trying to work on my game and get back in the lineup here."

The 23-year-old Morin has played in just 54 NHL games over the course of five seasons with Chicago. He frequently is called up from and sent down to the AHL's Rockford Icehogs.

The report suggested that Morin wants to play or be traded. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville has dealt with players unhappy with ice time before.

"Being patient and being ready is what it's all about," Quenneville said when asked about Morin. "You've got to work hard. Things change quickly."

Part of the problem -- a good one for Quenneville -- is the Blackhawks' lines are stacked with talent. Chicago's a group that's red hot, winning its past six games.

Patrick Sharp is recovered from a lower-body injury and back in the lineup, but he's been relegated to Chicago's third line, working alongside Andrew Shaw and Bryan Bickell because Quenneville doesn't want to break up what's been working on the top two lines.

"It's a healthy situation, but some guys aren't always going to get that spot," Quenneville said.

Chicago also has a healthy competition at goaltender, where Antti Raanta and Scott Darling are filling in for the injured Corey Crawford. It will be Darling in net against New Jersey on Tuesday, making his second straight start.

Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.

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