Goalie Greg Millen made enough of an impression on coach Mike Keenan in his exhibition-game effort Tuesday against Central Red Army that Keenan is looking for a spot for Millen to make his first 1990-91 start in the next couple of weeks.
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”That might be a possibility,” Keenan said, adding that he doesn`t plan to change his system of backing up starter Ed Belfour with Jacques Cloutier.
Millen said: ”It felt great to play again. I just kept telling myself before Tuesday`s game I`d play at my best. If you think about not having played in so long it`s self-defeating. I don`t want to sound conceited, but there must be some reason I played as long and as well as I have in the league. I`ve always believed in myself.”
Money matters: Hawks senior Vice President Bob Pulford recently faxed a new contract offer to Belfour`s agent, Ron Salcer. It was a more lucrative package than Pulford began with before the team knew Belfour was going to lead the NHL in wins (24) and goals-against average (2.41). But it wasn`t near the money Belfour expects as he plays out his option. He is in the driver`s seat now and will take the Hawks to the wire for his next contract.
Wounded knee: Minor-league defenseman Cam Russell was in Chicago Wednesday to have his injured knee checked. ”He was hit on the knee with a puck and he`s being medically evaluated,” Keenan said. ”It might be a chip on the knee. We`ll know more Thursday.”
Indianapolis recall Ryan McGill remained with the Hawks after his impressive showing Tuesday against the Soviets. ”Not many players make the pass he made to Steve Larmer,” praised Keenan, who will start McGill on defense Thursday against New Jersey if Chris Chelios` charley horse is still bothering him.