– And the winner is: The Blackhawks are in competition for a banner season as far as awards. Mike Keenan is a Coach of the Year candidate, Doug Wilson a Norris Trophy prospect for best defenseman, Jeremy Roenick a Rookie of the Year probability and winger Greg Gilbert a Selke Trophy consideration for best defensive forward.
More Top Picks Best Lift Chairs Under 1000
– Whistle while you work: Keenan doesn`t want defenseman Trent Yawney to be discouraged by being held out in the last three games in favor of Keenan playing veteran Bob Murray. He wants him to be understanding.
”He has to work at his game and realize we`ll need him before the season is over,” Keenan said.
– Battle of wounded knee: Keenan was too optimistic about winger Al Secord returning in two weeks after he strained his knee Feb. 1 in Los Angeles.
Secord remains sidelined, although he hopes to be able to begin skating again Monday. So the four- to six-week estimate originally released by the club appears to be accurate.
”I`m sprinting on the bike now,” Secord said, ”and finding out what kind of shape I`m in.”
– Young and restless: Latest reports on the Blackhawks prospects show 1989`s No. 1 draft pick, defenseman Adam Bennett, has 56 points (18 goals) in 56 games for the Sudbury Wolves in the Ontario Hockey League.
Last year`s second-round pick, defenseman Mike Speer, has 44 points (11 goals) in 48 games for his OHL club, the Owen Sound Platers.
Trevor Dam, a winger who impressed in last September`s training camp, has 72 points in 49 games for the London Knights.