Newly acquired Brendan Morrison gets vote of confidence from Marian Hossa

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The Blackhawks' Patrick Kane dons a Superman cape ­— and Clark Kent glasses — in the breakaway challenge of the All-Star skills competition. | Sean Kilpatrick-AP

Updated: March 1, 2012 8:19AM

OTTAWA, Ontario — All-Star winger Marian Hossa voiced his approval for acquiring ­veteran center Brendan Morrison, ­especially because he felt that the Blackhawks definitely needed help in the middle.

“I believe [we needed a center], especially because [Patrick Kane], he’s more comfortable on the right wing,” Hossa said ­Saturday before the skills competition at Scotiabank Place.

“We have basically [Jonathan Toews] and [Dave Bolland] is playing unbelievable on the third line, shutting down [others]. On the second unit, [Marcus ­Kruger], I think, did a good job, but with more experience we’re going to be stronger.”

Hossa knows he’ll see time with Morrison, 36, with Patrick Sharp possibly at the opposite wing. Morrison had success with Calgary Flames star Jarome Iginla.

“He’s got lots of experience,” Hossa said. “He can pass the puck. He’s pretty speedy. You never know, it could work. It could be fun.”

Super Kane

Hawks winger Patrick Kane transformed into Superman to win the breakaway challenge ­Saturday. Hossa placed a Superman cape and Clark Kent-like glasses on Kane for his second of three attempts.

Kane then slid on the ice as if he were flying and beat St. Louis Blues goalie Brian Elliott. On his third attempt, Kane attempted a slap shot and the puck (a glued-together fractured puck) exploded. For his efforts, fans voted him the winner.

“It was fun and a cool experience and cool when you think about some ideas that can actually work,” said Kane, who was inspired by Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard’s dunk from a slum-dunk competition. “I thought it would be cool to wear it and slide on the ice like I was flying.”

Slap shots

The Hawks sent rookie forward Jimmy Hayes to Rockford with Morrison now on the roster.

◆ The NHL announced that the 2013 All-Star game will be in Columbus Jan. 26-27 at the Blue Jackets’ Nationwide Arena. The NHL awards show also will remain in Las Vegas. The Wynn will host the 2012 awards on June 20.