5 things Hawks must do on ice to make changes count
In a sense, the Blackhawks have come a long way in a year. Season-ticket sales have risen from 3,500 last season to a franchise-record 13,000-plus this season. The front-office staff has more than doubled and is re-energized. All home games will be on TV for the first time.
Huet will start in goal for Blackhawks
Coach Denis Savard said that Cristobal Huet will start in goal in the Blackhawks’ season open Friday night against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
HAWKS' NET GAIN
As a kid, Blackhawks goalie Cristobal Huet never dreamed about making it to the NHL. Growing up in France -- hardly a hockey hotbed, even in the French Alps, where Huet lived -- that wasn't a realistic goal.
Khabibulin says he's happy to stay
Seeing the Blackhawks sign another top-level goalie in the offseason was one thing. Training camp was even more life-changing for Nikolai Khabibulin. Not only was he no longer the Hawks' highest-paid player, but his starting job also was in jeopardy.
Eager suspended for three games
Blackhawks left wing Ben Eager drew a three-game suspension from the NHL on Wednesday for a stick-swinging incident in a preseason game last Thursday at Dallas.
Hawks' Eager suspended three games
Ben Eager, the left wing on the Blackhawks’ fourth line, drew a three-game suspension from the NHL Wednesday for an incident in last Thursday’s preseason game at Dallas. Eager, then on the Hawks’ bench, swung his stick at Sean Avery of the Dallas Stars, who was on the ice.
Khabby in fold -- for now
As illogical as it may seem, Nikolai Khabibulin -- despite little practice time and no exhibition game appearances -- could start in goal for the Blackhawks when they open the season on the road Friday against the New York Rangers.
