Now that we have gotten past Denis Savard`s return to Chicago Oct. 28 and Chris Chelios` return to Montreal Feb. 6, natural objects of attention because they were in the big trade swap last June, there is a different focus Wednesday night for the Canadiens` visit to the Stadium.
Montreal goalie Patrick Roy is back from injury, and the Vezina Trophy winner is expected to face Hawk Ed Belfour, this season`s leading candidate for the prize. Belfour`s 2.42 goals-against average in 62 games leads the league over runner-up Roy`s 2.61 in 39 games.
Still fighting: If there is a potential loser in the Hawks` acquiring Paul Gillis Tuesday it is Mike Hudson. Gillis, who also can play the wing, will take over fourth-line center duties that Hudson has held at times.
”Hudson`s in competition for playing time,” coach Mike Keenan said. ”Not unlike before.”
Face it: One of the Hawks` vulnerable areas is their inability to dominate on faceoffs. Keenan admitted that`s another reason for the Gillis deal.
”He`s a fairly good faceoff man,” he said. ”He`s someone we can rely on game in, game out, and know what we`re going to get.”