Blackhawks ‘optimistic’ Bolland will play in Game 4

If the Chicago Blackhawks are going to go down fighting in their Western Conference series against the Canucks, it appears they will do it with some reinforcements.

Center Dave Bolland, who hasn’t played since suffering a concussion March 9, likely will return to the lineup Tuesday night as the Hawks look to stave off elimination at the United Center.

“We’re optimistic (Bolland) could play,” coach Joel Quenneville said Monday. “He’s been waiting a long time to get back in the lineup. Based on the timing he’s ready to play. He wants to play. You have to like his competitive spirit. The bottom line is, he’ll do anything he can to be part of the team again.”

Bolland’s defensive play against the Canucks -- in particular top scorers Henrik and Daniel Sedin -- was key to the Hawks advancing past Vancouver in last season’s postseason.

“(Bolland’s) had some success against these guys,” Quenneville said. “He’s just happy to play and take advantage of a great challenge.”

Quenneville also put winger Bryan Bickell in the “optimistic” category. Bickell missed the Canucks’ 3-2 victory over the Hawks in Game 3 with a cut wrist suffered Friday night in Game 2. Brent Seabrook, who was shaken up following a hit by Raffi Torres in the second period, is also expected to be in the lineup.

Veteran winger Tomas Kopecky, who left Game 1 with an upper-body injury, will not play.

[email protected]

Twitter: @ChrisKuc