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 rattled in fourth in the Norris Division.
Before Sunday`s game against Detroit at the Stadium, their second-last game of the regular season, the Hawks had just 253 goals. However, they had permitted only 229-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.
Ed Belfour will receive some backing for the Vezina Trophy, but the best goalie award probably would go to Montreal`s Patrick Roy.
Coming up: Coach and General Manager Mike Keenan has decided to bring up a second player from the minor-league club in Indianapolis. Forward Brad Lauer will join the Hawks Monday before they depart for St. Louis and a game Tuesday night. Defenseman Adam Bennett was recalled Saturday from the Ice, who are out of the International League playoffs.