"The good news Wednesday is that the Blackhawks won. The bad news is that Marian Hossa -- the Hawks' best player to start the season -- was hurt, suffering an upper-body injury.

After disappointing back-to-back losses put a damper on a four-game winning streak and some early momentum, the Hawks were in need of some rejuvenation after a hectic schedule to start their title defense.

So after getting two days off and a day of practice, the lines were significantly shuffled for the first time this season and a directive for a check-first approach was issued by coach Joel Quenneville.

The Hawks responded by doing just enough to edge a solid Los Angeles Kings team 3-1 Wednesday at the United Center. Regardless, the loss of Hossa, who started the season with seven goals and 11 points in 10 games, really put a damper on things.

It comes at a time when the Hawks were about to return to full strength. Defenseman Brian Campbell (sprained right knee) is due back soon. Hossa played only 10 minutes, 13 seconds Wednesday, playing only three shifts in the second period. He left the bench and didn't return for the third.

''We'll re-evaluate and reassess it [today] and see how he is,'' said Quenneville, who wouldn't specify whether the injury was serious. ''I know he came off there [in the second period]. I don't know if there was a direct blow. ... I don't know yet.''

Jake Dowell, Viktor Stalberg and Patrick Sharp scored, Duncan Keith had two assists and Marty Turco was strong again for the Hawks, making 33 saves."