How much was at stake for the Blackhawks Sunday night? Oh, anywhere from $800,000 to $1 million.
That would be the profit the Hawks stand to make from at least two home playoff games in the best-of-seven opening-round series. By beating Toronto Sunday, the Hawks will open at Detroit Wednesday and Thursday before returning home for Games 3 and 4 Saturday and Sunday.
The profit figures include ticket sales, concessions and the team`s share of the parking proceeds.
– This was the third consecutive year that a playoff spot was decided in the Stadium on the final day of the regular season. Last year, New Jersey won a playoff spot in the Patrick Division by beating the Hawks, and was the surprise team of the playoffs. Two years ago, the Hawks defeated Toronto to clinch a playoff spot and knock Minnesota out of the race. This year, the North Stars are the longshot choice from the Norris Division to go to the Campbell Conference finals. That`s based on how well their defense and goaltending has meshed in recent weeks.
– The Hawks slid into the National Hockey League record books on Hartford`s two power-play goals Saturday night. Those were the 121st and 122d power-play goals given up this year by the Hawks, eclipsing Pittsburgh`s record of 120 allowed last season.
– The 1950s are a popular decade these days, but not for the Hawks. They now have posted a losing record for three straight seasons for the first time since the `50s. And the last time they had fewer than 17 home victories in a season was 1958-59. They finished the regular season with 16 home triumphs.
– Because of injuries, center Denis Savard played only 58 games this season. The fewest games he`d played in his previous eight Hawk seasons was 70, two years ago.
– Bad news for Everett Sanipass, whose once bright future has been dimmed this year. Coach Mike Keenan didn`t even start the young left wing in Sunday`s critical game, scratching him from the lineup along with forward Brian Noonan and defenseman Bob Murray. Keenan picked Bob Bassen, who had sat out Saturday night, over Sanipass.