Blackhawks center Bolland finally gets back on the ice

Center Dave Bolland, one of the Blackhawks' unsung heroes, skated Tuesday for the first time since undergoing back surgery on Nov. 10.

Even better news is Bolland could return to the lineup at some point before the Olympic break in mid-February.

Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said Bolland would return sooner than injured winger Adam Burish, whose tough rehab from a torn ACL in his knee likely won't allow him to play again until March.

"I was glad to get those skates on because it's been boring hanging out in the trainer's room and the gym," Bolland said. "Everything is great, no more pain down my leg, no more numbness."

Bolland's back began acting up last season but he played through it. The Hawks tried medication to shrink the bulging disc during the off-season, but that didn't work.

Bolland missed most of training camp and tried to play through the pain again, getting several cortisone shots, but it became too much after 13 games. The decision was made by Bolland and the organization to have surgery in order to allow him to return before the playoffs.

"We just said let's get this done with so I can come back," Bolland said. "I just want to get out there and start playing. I've never been out this long."

Bolland's return will present Quenneville with a difficult decision, but the kind every coach likes: How to fit even more talent into the lineup.

It's possible Bolland will center for Marian Hossa with Patrick Sharp going back to his customary position at wing. Bolland had great success playing with another highly skilled winger last season in Martin Havlat on what was the Hawks' most consistent line with Andrew Ladd.

"Whoever Q wants me to play with, I'll play with," Bolland said. "It would be great to play with Hossa, but we'll wait and see at the first practice."

The plan is for Bolland to rejoin the team for practice at some point on the eight-game road trip that starts Saturday in Columbus.

Bolland isn't worried about having future back issues.

"They said I have to watch it, but as long as you keep track of it everything should go well," Bolland said. "There are a lot of guys who have gone through back surgery and have played their whole lives."

Burish's rehab only allows him to skate every other day for now.

With the recent success of the fourth line, Burish isn't thinking about how he might fit back into the lineup.

"I don't get really worried about that kind of stuff," Burish said. "I know I'm going to come back and make a difference. People are going to notice me. I'm going to come back and give this team a spark right at the end of the season when they need it."