Shaw stays useful by doing the little things

• Reprints

Colorado Avalanche right wing Peter Mueller (88) takes a shot against Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook (7) and Jonathan Toews (19) during the first period of an NHL hockey game on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Updated: March 9, 2012 8:21AM

DENVER — Seeing that he’s still with the Blackhawks and in the lineup over more seasoned players and not in Rockford, Andrew Shaw figures he’s doing something right despite the decreased frequency of headline-grabbing plays.

“Obviously, you knew it was going to come to a stop,” Shaw, 20, said. “You can’t come into the league and score every game.”

Coach Joel Quenneville, though, still thinks Shaw is doing a lot of the little things — finishing checks, being aggressive on the forecheck and creating traffic in front of opposing goalies — that others such as winger Bryan Bickell, a healthy scratch Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche, aren’t doing enough of.

“[Shaw] certainly had a great start up here,” Quenneville said. “Over time, consistency is something you look for. I still think he does some things in the game that you appreciate. He keeps himself in the play and around the puck. He’s pretty handy with it, as well. He’s not at that same pace, but he’s certainly been useful in ways.”

Shaw said he’s more mindful of the length of his shifts, which is something Quenneville wants him to pay attention to as the season plays out.

“I try to watch who I’m out against,” Shaw said. “We’re trying to match lines. If it’s not the line we’re playing against, then get off as fast possible and just chip it in instead of going for that extra little forecheck.”

Bruno is better

There were concerns that Andrew Brunette might miss several games with an upper-body injury suffered against the Edmonton Oilers last week. But Brunette, 38, continues to show why he’s one of the most durable players in the NHL.

It turned out his injury wasn’t serious after getting closely examined by team doctors in Chicago after the first leg of the Hawks’ nine-game road trip. He returned to the Hawks’ lineup Tuesday after only missing the game Friday against the Calgary Flames.

“It was just some bumps and bruises you go through the whole season, some wear and tear that kept me out,” said Brunette, who only has missed four games since the 2001-02 season. “It was a little frustrating, but I’m starting to feel better every day here.”

Slap shots

Defenseman Nick Leddy, 20, played in his 100th career game.

◆ The Avalanche is still without standout forward Matt Duchene, who suffered a left knee injury Dec. 29 against the Phoenix Coyotes. He remains on injured reserve.