Erik Gustafsson trying to turn around his training camp for Blackhawks

Erik Gustafsson was not trying to hide his disappointment.

His blank stare supplemented his criticism to answer a question about how his training camp has gone so far.

"It's been good in practice at the start of camp, but practice games have not been so good," Gustafsson said. "It was difficult to play - and no excuse - but it's difficult to play against my own team of the moment."

Gustafsson had the opportunity to play against another team Sunday night when the Hawks fell 6-3 to the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena, the fourth of six exhibition games to play before the season opener Oct. 12 ..


Gustafsson knows the competition to make the list in blue is more rigid than a year ago, thanks to the additions of Brian Campbell, who occupy a place in the top four, and Michal Kempny, the KHL product is a safe bet so that it is in the coach Joel Quenneville rotation.

Gustafsson said he began to worry too much about making a mistake, it was a self-fulfilling prophecy. Worrying resulted in errors, which led to more disturbing and so on.

Despite the numbers game, Gustafsson is trying not to worry so much this season.

"I'm just going to have to think about it, not too much," Gustafsson said. "Only I have to go out and play ... That's what Q and all the boys liked. That's what I did when I first came. ... I have it all in my head. Do I have to think too much about what I'm going to do ".

Quenneville said it would be difficult for Gustafsson to break the ice on the opening night.

"Our competition in the final part has really emerged this year with depth and other guys who came into our organization and really moves ahead - do not mean in front (Gustafsson) - but when you look at the numbers we're almost double-digit number of players who can play, "Quenneville said.

And the Hawks in general as to carry only up to eight defenses at a time. Gustafsson hopes he is one with time, even if not to start the season.

"It will be more difficult this year," Gustafsson said. "We'll see what happens at the end."

Checking the check: The defense Niklas Hjalmarsson will have a telephone hearing with the Department of Security NHL player on Monday in connection with a check Hjalmarsson stream at the head of the Blues' Ty Rattie on Saturday. Hjalmarsson received a match penalty for success in the victory of the Hawks 4-0, meaning it was automatically suspended pending review NHL game. A telephone hearing means Hjalmarsson could face a possible suspension of up to five games and fined more than $ 5,000.