From the if-a-tree-falls-in-the-forest-and-no-one-sees-it file comes news out of Winnipeg that before the Blackhawks left Saturday, coach and General Manager Mike Keenan stormed out of a morning practice to protest his players` work habits.
But since no one from the media witnessed the fit, did it happen? Some players will tell you Keenan`s purpose was mainly to create a furor in the press that will spotlight his disgust.
This orchestrated tantrum has become an annual happening. Keenan was still miffed from Friday night`s 6-2 loss to the Jets, but these practice histronics have become quite predictable.
He has never missed an opportunity to play this role in each of his four seasons with Chicago. Some players simply say ”there he goes again”-and go on by themselves.
Losing ways: With 12 road losses blotting their record and 19 more away games on the schedule, the Hawks appear a cinch to lose 20 or more road games for the sixth time in the last seven years. Last season was an exception with a 21-15-4 mark outside the Stadium. But the Hawks are playing more like the 11-27-2 road record they assembled in Keenan`s first season (1988-89). Fans can only hope they aren`t witnessing another 1982-83 debacle, when the Hawks were 5-29-6 on the road.
On a yo-yo: Mike Stapleton must wonder sometimes whether he is coming or going. The Hawks center was returned to the minors Saturday for the fourth time this season. The only positive aspect of rejoining Indianapolis was that they are currently in San Diego on a West Coast trip.
Out for one: Mike Peluso will be suspended for Tuesday night`s game in Philadelphia. The game misconduct he received Sunday night against Washington at 18:09 of the third period was his third this season, which calls for a one- game suspension.