Johnson singing new tune as member of the Hawks

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It took only one game for Ryan Johnson to feel the difference between being a Blackhawk and facing them, especially after suiting up the last two years with the Canucks.

“It was great to be on the feeding point of the national anthem instead of standing on the other side,” Johnson said. “You always enjoyed it, but you dreaded it because you knew the Hawks were going to come out with a little jump and build off the energy in the building.”

Hearing “Chelsea Dagger” for the first time in a Hawks sweater was even better. Johnson would cringe when he heard the now-famous goal song the last two years.

“I can say that’s the first time I’ve been happy to hear that goal song in a long, long time,” Johnson said. “That took some getting used to because I’m used to every time I hear that song, putting my head in my hands, especially in the playoffs over the last few years. It’s nice to be on the receiving end of both.”

It has only been two games — both wins — but Johnson has been noticeable, especially in the faceoff circle, winning 10 of his 14 draws. The fourth line he centers should change once Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane and Viktor Stalberg return. When the Hawks are healthy, having Johnson on board gives them a ton of options.

There are system changes to get used to, but Johnson is adjusting.

“Some of the down-low stuff is certainly different,” Johnson said. “Some of the neutral-zone things are a touch different. It’s just when you’re thinking out there, you stop skating, and skating is my biggest asset.

“I’m just trying to get those things in my head, get comfortable and then let my legs take over. It won’t take long, but when you start thinking out there, you start standing still.”

Health beat

Hossa (lower body) and Stalberg (head) skated before the game Sunday as part of their recoveries, but Kane (ankle) did not.

“The last couple of times he was on the ice, he didn’t get through practice,” coach Joel Quenneville said of Kane, who left Saturday’s practice after tweaking his injury. “So we figured we’ll give him a little time here.”

Hossa and Stalberg look like real options for Wednesday’s game against the Predators. Sunday was the first time Stalberg skated since leaving Wednesday’s loss to the Avalanche after getting boarded by Ryan O’Byrne.

Culli concerns

Quenneville had a brief chat with defenseman Jassen Cullimore about the Hawks’ decision to put him on 24-hour waivers Friday, which he cleared Saturday. Cullimore never left the lineup. The NHL holiday trade freeze went into effect Sunday.

“When in the middle of it, it’s tough to comment on it,” Quenneville said. “Afterward, you’re seeing different decisions made — more business decisions than hockey decisions sometimes. You don’t want to read too much into it and look ahead. That’s kind of where he’s been at and where we’re at. He’s a good pro. He was good about it. I liked his game [Friday] night in that situation.”