Injury Report: Marian Hossa skated this morning, expected to skate alongside ...

The Boss Hoss is back in action, and that means the Blackhawks just got even better.

How much difference can a veteran winger who has primarily skated on the third line really make to a team? Especially when that team boasts Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and a host of breakout young stars.

Even with Artem Anisimov out of the action for 3-4 weeks, Coach Q decided to keep his top 6 the same way they were the last time which means Hossa will skate on the third line alongside Hartman and Kruger.

When that third-line vet is Marian Hossa, the answer is A LOT.

The Slovakian sniper already has 22 goals and 17 assists for 39 points in 64 games, and the 38-year-old has done that largely without relying on Toews and Kane. Hossa has been an integral part of the Blackhawk dynasty, and his return after a two-game absence will boost and already red-hot Chicago team.

The Blackhawks have won five in a row, and are sitting atop the Western Conference standings, the first team to officially clinch a playoff spot in the West with a 47-20-5 record, good for 99 points in 72 games.

Can Chicago get any better than this? While Hossa didn’t miss much time, his presence both on and off the ice shouldn’t be discounted. On the ice, he’s a responsible and effective offensive threat. Off the ice, he’s the gold standard to aspire too for a Blackhawks roster teeming with young, talented players.

Marian Hossa has been part of Chicago’s core for good reason over the last eight seasons, so let the fans rejoice as their lineup gets just that much better heading into the post-season.