Coach Q still trying to find niche for Brendan Morrison

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 31: Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Vancouver Canucks tries to check Brendan Morrison #17 of the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period in NHL action on January 31, 2012 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) R:\Merlin\Getty_Photos\138030370.jpg

Updated: March 9, 2012 8:21AM

DENVER — Blackhawks center Brendan Morrison was warned by his new teammates.

“With [coach] Joel [Quenneville] here, the guys said you have to be ready to mix and match and have to be prepared to play with different guys,” Morrison said. “That’s fine. You have to kind of do that wherever you are in your career.”

After making his Hawks debut on a line with Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa, Morrison, 36, was moved to the fourth line Friday against the Calgary Flames, and that’s where he started Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche. Quenneville said he’s still trying to find where Morrison works best, although he always alters lines.

Morrison, who was acquired during the All-Star break from the Flames for defenseman Brian Connelly in a trade that quickly came together, considered his first three games as a Hawk as “average.” He’s still trying to reach a point where he can contribute consistently after missing time to rehab his knee in Calgary.

“For me, it’s just getting my game back as far as playing,” Morrison said. “That’s a big thing. I haven’t played a whole lot. Even before the break, I missed six games. I don’t want to use it as an excuse, but that’s kind of a reality of it. It’s just being more comfortable on the ice.”

Morrison, though, has no problems handling the point on the power play. The point men have switched often this season because of injuries and the Hawks’ inability to consistently set up the power play and get shots through.

“It’s been a couple of years, but my whole time in Vancouver, seven to eight years, I was on the point,” Morrison said. “In Washington, I played a little bit on the point. I’m comfortable back there. I’m fine.”

It has been trying for Morrison to find a role on the Hawks and regain his own stride at a time when the whole team is struggling.

“I’ve been around long enough to not put too much on yourself,” he said. “But, yeah, you want to do well.”