What Does Alfred Hitchcock Have Against Marian Hossa?

“If everyone stays healthy,” is the caveat attached to most preseason predictions made by all hockey fans, regardless of team affiliation. Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, the health of one of their most dynamic players has been called into question yet again.

Marian Hossa, who was conspicuously absent from the Blackhawks' 3-2 shootout loss to the Bruins due to an “upper body injury” is traveling with the team and may play against the Coyotes on Tuesday night, but speculation about a potential return of his vertigo has fans worried he will miss many more games this season.

Coach Joel Quenneville said Monday that Hossa, “is doing better today. We're hoping he can play tomorrow [against the Coyotes]."

Hossa has been a force on the ice when he has been healthy, creating space and scoring a goal versus Winnipeg. His strength and inability to be muscled off the puck continues to wow, but this strength isn't helping the team if Hossa's not playing.

Hossa's absence was palpable in the Bruins game, when Patrick Kane was partnered with usual linemate Dan Carcillo and Viktor Stalberg replaced Hossa. Kane was unbelievable on the ice as is his custom this year, but his linemates were largely ineffective in being targets for Kane passes. This combined with a poor showing by the first line and a lackadaisical third period cost the Hawks a point. After last year's mad dash to the finish line, every point is essential even in October.