"Even in the midst of a four-game winning streak that has catapulted them to the top of the Western Conference standings, the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to fortify their team.

To that end, the Hawks recalled forward Ben Smith from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Thursday. After playing in six regular-season games and then starring in the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Canucks with three goals in seven games last season, Smith was a candidate to make Hawks' roster to start. The 23-year-old suffered a concussion following an illegal hit from the Detroit Red Wings' Brendan Smith during a Sept. 29 exhibition game and ended up starting the season with the IceHogs."