"Coach Joel Quenneville commended veteran forward Ryan Johnson for his professionalism and work ethic Monday, saying he knows you have to "keep yourself ready because things change quickly in our business."

A day later, things changed.

Marian Hossa was sick Tuesday and couldn't play against the Minnesota Wild at the United Center. So Johnson, who was signed in December for depth, returned to the lineup for the first time since Jan. 5.

"He brings us speed and some experience," Quenneville said. "[His lack of playing time is] a situation where we have a lot of bodies right now and we're winning, so we haven't been able to change the lineup. But I like his approach."

It wasn't the only change Quenneville made, either. After being called upon for his physical presence Sunday against the Philadelphia Flyers, John Scott was a healthy scratch against his former team.

"It's always tough," Scott said. "It's tough mentally to stay into it. It's tough physically to be ready to play. But we have a good coaching staff here [that is] always pushing us and encouraging us. .??.??. I'm not going to [complain] and moan about it. I know my place here, and I'll just be ready to play.""