Bryan Bickell played in his 15th game for the Hawks Wednesday and scored his third goal, which is more than some regulars. He has two goals and an assist in his last four games with the Hawks.
At 6-4, 223 pounds, Bickell gives the Hawks some much-needed size up front. He continued to impress coach Joel Quennveille, who called his skills “NHL caliber.”
“He has [contributed] every time he’s come up,” Quenneville said. “He’s been a remarkable callup for us. … Not just scoring, but his speed, size, patience with the puck, recognition with plays — it’s definitely NHL caliber. He’s really helped us on need basis and he does a good job up here”
Bickell was recalled with Tomas Kopecky battling an “upper-body” injury and Troy Brouwer tending to a family issue. He ranks fifth on Rockford with 16 goals. He has 31 points and 58 penalty minutes in 65 AHL games this season.