(MCT) CHICAGO — After two root canals and the installation of some wiring across his front teeth, the Blackhawks' Nick Leddy said recently, "I look more like a hockey player."

Despite the damage caused by taking a puck to his mouth Feb. 7 against the Coyotes, Leddy is looking more like a very good hockey player these days. The 21-year-old has developed into one of the Hawks' most dependable defensemen and entered Sunday night's game against the Oilers at the United Center with a plus-10 rating _ fourth-best on the team.