Want to feel better about the Blackhawks` chances of getting out of the Norris Division and into the Campbell Conference finals for the third time in the last four years?
Just consider that the Hawks have won six consecutive games in the division. Their last loss in the Norris came on New Year`s Eve at Minnesota, 6-2.
Since then, they have beaten divisional opponents Toronto (three times), Minnesota (twice) and St. Louis. Their 24 points in the division from a 10-8-4 record was second only to Detroit`s 26 points (12-6-2) before the Red Wings played Toronto Monday night.
The Hawks have two critical showdowns this month with Detroit, at Detroit`s Joe Louis Arena on Feb. 22 and at the Stadium on Feb. 27.
Out of town: Goalie Ed Belfour was unable to receive his award as Blackhawk Man of the Year at Monday night`s SportsChannel-March of Dimes dinner in Chicago because his wife Rita`s mother is seriously ill. The Belfours traveled to see her in a town just outside Winnipeg, Manitoba.
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Also traveling were new Hawk forwards Tony Hrkac and Tony Horacek, who returned to San Jose, Calif., and Philadelphia, respectively, on Sunday to attend to personal business. They will rejoin the Hawks in time for Tuesday`s practice.
Two-for-one: Fans attending Thursday night`s game at the Stadium against Los Angeles may see two milestones for the price of one ticket. Hawks right wing Steve Larmer will play in his 777th straight game, putting him third on the all-time consecutive games list in the National Hockey League. Buffalo`s Craig Ramsay played 776 in a row from March 27, 1973, to Feb. 10, 1983. In addition, Hawks left wing Michel Goulet`s next goal will make him the 17th NHL player to score 500.
Numbers game: Defenseman Steve Smith will be wearing a new number Thursday. He changes to No. 5 (Steve Konroyd`s former number), while his No. 3 moves over to defenseman Cam Russell`s uniform.