Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw an atypical power forward

Phoenix goalie Mike Smith is able to sit on the puck before it finds the back of the net on a shot by Hawks winger Andrew Shaw in the second period. The Chicago Blackhawks lost game six 4-0 and the series 4-2 in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to the Coyotes Monday April 23, 2012 at the United Center. | TOM CRUZE~Sun-Times

Updated: February 19, 2013 2:20PM

At 5-10, 180 pounds, Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw doesn’t exactly fit the mold of a power forward, a guy who can plant himself in the crease and stay there.

But size isn’t everything.

“I’ve got a good stick; I move well; I just compete and battle out there,” Shaw said after spending Wednesday’s morning skate on a power-play unit with Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. “I’m not the biggest guy, but I try to act like I am and try to stand my ground.”

Shaw and Viktor Stalberg are getting their chance in a role the Hawks haven’t really filled since Dustin Byfuglien and Troy Brouwer roamed opposing creases. Stalberg worked with Patrick Kane, Dave Bolland, Nick Leddy and Patrick Sharp. Shaw and Stalberg hope to create enough traffic in front of the net, and enough deflections, to lift the Hawks’ power play up from last season’s 26th-place rank.

Shaw had played that role on the power play for the Rockford IceHogs until the lockout ended. Four of his eight goals (in 28 games) came on the power play. Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said Shaw’s uncanny knack for being in the right spot earned him the chance.

“It’s body positioning — plant your feet, don’t let the ‘D’ get the inside on you, have a good stick and try to get as many tips on those pucks as you can,” Shaw said. “Or just releasing in the corner and battling for those loose pucks.”

Kruger’s back

Marcus Kruger was back on the ice after missing two days with the flu. With such an abbreviated post-lockout schedule, that meant he missed 40 percent of training camp.

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