Rasmussen Called Up
Dennis Rasmussen wasn’t anticipating anything.
When coach Joel Quenneville said last week that the Blackhawks would recall a forward before heading on this road trip, Rasmussen wasn’t aware of it. He was just going about his business with the Rockford IceHogs.
On Sunday, however, it was Rasmussen who got the call. Yet as excited as Rasmussen is to be here, he’s still not building any expectations into what could happen in his time here.
Rasmussen was recalled from the IceHogs on Sunday, a day before the Blackhawks headed to Los Angeles for their six-game road trip. It was good news for Rasmussen, who has eight goals and eight assists in 44 Rockford games this season.
“It’s a pretty big opportunity for me to be here. Obviously I’m really happy,” Rasmussen said following Monday’s practice. “It’s my first time being called up and it’s fun to be here with the guys after being with them in [training] camp.”
If and when he plays, however, is up in the air. When the Blackhawks play the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, Quenneville plans to have the same lineup he did prior to the all-star break. If and when Rasmussen plays, Quenneville will likely use him at center, his primary position.
“He gives us some size up the middle,” Quenneville said. “He’s a responsible guy, a two-way type of center man. He’s strong, has a nice shot. We’ll see how he does up here. Certainly he can play some wing as well but we’re thinking center when he does play.”
Rasmussen isn’t coming up here with any expectations. If he plays, he’ll do what’s worked for him in Rockford.
“I try to be a two-way player, be responsible on both ends of the ice and just try to help the team as much as possible, winning pucks and using my speed to make good plays,” he said. “It’s a goal to play up here this year. I know it’ll be tough. But now I’m here and it’ll be fun. I’m going to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
