Hawk homers: Blackhawk fans who criticize the club for its steadfast refusal to televise home games can anticipate the possibility of some Stadium games being shown on Chicago`s SportsChannel station if the team advances to the Campbell Conference finals against the winner of the Calgary-Los Angeles series.
Owner Bill Wirtz has made no announcement yet, but there`s precedent for the move. The Hawks televised their home games in Chicago when they made the conference finals in 1983 against Edmonton.
Wirtz would want to see a sellout in the offing before he gave permission, but don`t you think Wayne Gretzky might help sell some tickets if it`s the Los Angeles Kings versus the Hawks?
– Winging it: Keith Gave, the Detroit Free Press` beat reporter for the Red Wings, was very convinced by the Hawks` recent improvement in their opening-round victory over Detroit in six games. He predicted the Hawks would defeat the Blues in the Norris Division finals in five games, saying Chicago has ”far more talent” than St. Louis. Those are fighting words to Blues coach Brian Sutter.
– In the dugout: As expected, defenseman Doug Wilson`s healing groin muscle sidelined him from Game 1 Tuesday. But he could be ready to play in Game 2 Thursday, coach Mike Keenan said. It seems more realistic to expect him for Game 3 Saturday in Chicago, or perhaps as late as Game 4 Monday night.
– Savvy play: History says Denis Savard should score almost a goal a game in the Blues` series. In 15 previous career playoff games vs. St. Louis before Tuesday, he`d tallied 14 goals and 8 assists.
– On the way out?: Blues forward Tony McKegney, who didn`t dress for three games in the five-game series against Minnesota, was held out of the lineup again Tuesday by Sutter. The Hawks didn`t mind, because McKegney had five goals against them this season. The speculation is Sutter will be sure to peddle the well-traveled well-traveled after the season.
More Top Picks Tinted Glasses For Kids When Theyre Worth Trying