"Nik Antropov must be feeling better.

Off-season hip surgery had limited the forward's workouts and slowed him down a bit.

But Antropov now has seven points (four goals, three assists) in his last eight games, including a power-play goal in Sunday's win over the New York Islanders.

The past two games, Antropov has played at right wing on a line centered by rookie Alexander Burmistrov.

"It's only two games,' Antropov said. "We played a little bit better today than we did against Washington [Friday]. We made some plays in the offensive zone and kept the puck. It's still a long way to go to call it chemistry, but we are going to work on it."

Under new leadership

Since Andrew Ladd was named captain and Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom were named alternates on Thursday, the three have combined for two goals and five assists in two games.

Byfuglien has two goals and an assist, including the game-winning score on Sunday. Ladd has three assists and Enstrom the other."