Defense is the name of the game for the Blackhawks. They are rated one of the better teams in the National Hockey League despite the fact they are en route to scoring the franchise`s fewest goals during an 80-game schedule since 1979-80.
Twelve years ago, they scored 241 and gave up 250 in finishing first in the Smythe Division. Since then, their lowest total has been 277 goals in 1983-84, when they were in fourth in the division.
After Sunday`s game against Detroit at the Stadium, their second-last game of the regular season, the Hawks had just 254 goals. However, they had permitted only 231-second to Montreal.
Spotlighted: A number of NHL trophy and All-Star team contenders were playing Sunday night, led by Most Valuable Player candidates Jeremy Roenick of the Blackhawks and Steve Yzerman of Detroit.
The Wings also have the potential Rookie of the Year winner in defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom. He and teammate Vladimir Konstantinov could be the blue-line pair chosen for the all-rookie team.
Detroit`s Sergei Federov will receive consideration for the Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward (plus-23), as will Paul Ysebaert (plus-41).
The Hawks` Brent Sutter is another Selke hopeful. Chris Chelios could finish in the top three in voting for the best defenseman, but isn`t expected to beat out New York Ranger Brian Leetch.
Double-header: Rather than practice Monday morning and fly to St. Louis in the afternoon to prepare for Tuesday night`s game at the Arena with the Blues, coach Mike Keenan has altered plans. He has two workouts scheduled Monday, one in the morning at the Stadium and an afternoon session at Illinois-Chicago. The Hawks won`t travel to St. Louis until Tuesday morning. After the strike layoff, Keenan is working to get his players at a physical peak for Saturday`s playoff opener with the Blues.