Up Close with the Pittsburgh Sports Report
Chicago Blackhawks winger Marian Hossa

Former Penguins winger Marian Hossa is in the midst of his first season with the Chicago Blackhawks. After signing a 12-year, $62.8 million contract in the offseason, Hossa missed his new team's first 22 games after enduring shoulder surgery over the summer, after his Detroit Red Wings lost to the Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals. Hossa hasn't missed a beat in Chicago, though, as he had 34 points (17 goals, 17 assist) in his first 37 games with the Blackhawks, who entered the Olympic break on top of the NHL's Central Division standings.

PSR writer Joe Sager caught up with Hossa recently to discuss his transition to a new environment in Chicago and joining another talented team.

JS: You're off to another great year. How well you have fit in with the Blackhawks after spending last season in Detroit?

MH: So far I feel comfortable. I missed the first part of the season. When I got back, I tried to understand the new systems and get chemistry with my new teammates. Right now, I feel comfortable with my teammates and everything is going good.

JS: It seems like the Blackhawks, led by young stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, have the talent to be good for a very long time. Do you agree?

MH: There's quality talent. We signed three big guys (Toews, Kane and Duncan Keith) during the season. That's huge. That shows the team has big plans in the future and years ahead of us. Being a young, skilled team and signing their young stars, the team is showing how bad they want to win and I am glad to be part of it and I am trying to help them do that.

JS: Talk about your shoulder injury. When did you hurt it? How much did it bother you in the playoffs last spring?

MH: I think it was long-term thing, but it was getting worse. I started feeling it playing in Atlanta. It was getting a little weaker each summer as I was working out. Coming into the playoffs last year, I felt it more and more. It was painful after games. After the season, I knew we should do something with it. A doctor told me, sooner or later, I'd have to do something with it and I decided to do it in the off-season. The shoulder is much stronger now and it's getting better.

JS: How tough was it to sit out the first part of this season while you recovered?

MH: Of course, coming to a new city and a new team, it's not easy to watch the guys and not be part of it. I just knew I had to get better. I tried to work out to get better and be ready. It wasn't easy, but time flew by fast. Right now, I am getting comfortable with system and I feel good.

JS: What made you want to sign with Chicago?

MH: I wanted to go to a team that looked like it'd be good for the future. Chicago had big interest in me right away. They were the first team to call me and offer a really serious contract. I didn't have to think about it too much. It's a great sports town. It's a young team with a great future ahead of us. So, it was a pretty easy choice.

JS: The Blackhawks have a pretty storied rivalry with Detroit. What's it like switching sides in that rivalry?

MH: Especially knowing most of the Detroit players from last year-I have lots of friends on that team-it's different playing against that team and being a rival. It's just business. After the game, we still shake hands. It's been interesting. It's a loud building there when we play with people just being fans.

JS: Did you consider yourself a "hired gun" the past two seasons in Pittsburgh and Detroit?

MH: Definitely. I tried that route last year with Detroit. I just knew after they signed (Henrik) Zetterberg and (Johan) Franzen, there probably was not room for me. I wanted to sign somewhere with a long-term deal and I am really happy in Chicago. So far, it's been great

JS: Was it tough being on the other side of the ice last summer with Detroit and seeing your old team, the Penguins, win the Cup?

MH: Definitely. I'd be lying if I said no. It was tough. I don't regret my decisions at all. Lots of people were saying I made a bad choice. It could go both ways. I don't believe I made a bad decision. If I had to do it again, I'd probably do it. Life doesn't always go like we want it. It was a great experience. Pittsburgh won and I congratulate those guys and that's it.

JS: Well, you could actually play against the Penguins again in this year's Stanley Cup Finals. Have you thought about that?

MH: We have a great team, but I am not planning so ahead of schedule. It's a little too far, but, definitely, the expectations are high here and, hopefully, we go there.

JS: How nice has it been playing with some of the best talent in the NHL throughout your career, especially in recent years with Pittsburgh, Detroit and Chicago?

MH: Of course, coming to Chicago, we have a lot of young stars on the team. It's fun to be part of it. It's fun to watch those guys playing when I'm sitting on the bench. It's enjoyable. It's a sellout every night in our building. The fans have been fantastic, so far. It's a pleasure to be on that type of team. Coming from playing in Pittsburgh and Detroit, both have lots of offensive talent. Chicago is a team that reminds me a little of Pittsburgh. It's a young team that's going to get better and better. There are some similarities. I am just glad to be here.

JS: From your experience, how do the Penguins and Blackhawks compare?

MH: It is a pretty similar situation. We have great players on both teams. Each team is young. The guys will just get better and better and it will be fun to watch.

JS: Chicago seems to have something special building, like the way Pittsburgh has progressed over the past few years. Do you see a similar pattern?

MH: For sure. From speaking to some people around hockey, that's what they are all saying. Chicago is great sports town. For a few years, hockey was down a little. Now, you can feel the energy in the city and at the arena. It's been sellouts and fun to play in front of those people. I can feel the buzz in town. As long as we're winning, everyone is happy.

JS: What's it like playing with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane?

MH: They are special guys. They have lots of talent. Toews is a great leader and Kane is a really skilled player. They make unbelievable plays. Both guys are having great seasons. It's fun to be around them.

JS: Do they remind you of playing with the Penguins' Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin?

MH: There are some similarities. First, there's the young age. Both teams have young captains in Sid and Toews. Kane and Malkin have lots of talent. You can see some similarities for those guys.

JS: Do you think you'll remain in Chicago for the entire length of your contract (12 years)?

MH: It is a long way. As long as I keep up with the young guys and stay healthy, I'd love to. It's a great place to play. If the team is playing is well, I'd love to stay here during my whole time and that's my goal.

JS: How excited were you to play for Slovakia in the Olympics?

MH: It's the best tournament in the world. Being part of it is always a thrill and a privilege.

JS: How tough is playing a compacted NHL schedule during the Olympic year?

MH: I like it when you're winning. There are not as many practices. If you're winning, the schedule goes fast and it is a lot of fun. You have to be smart about everything because the schedule is tight and you need to make sure you have your rest. There are lots of playing three games in four nights, those sorts of situations. If you're winning, it's fun.

JS: Well, since the Blackhawks are doing so well, I bet you've all had a lot of fun, then?

MH: Definitely. Right now, we're having a good time.

JS: This could be the last Olympics for NHL players. Do you hope NHL players will be able to compete at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia?

MH: Yeah, that's always fun to be part of. We'll see what will happen. But, why not? It's a privilege for each player to represent their country. I think it's good and it does not happen very often.

JS: Do you have any personal goals set for this season?

MH: I think I am getting comfortable with the system and teammates. We are still dealing with some injuries. I just want to be healthy and help the team win.