Some questions had arisen about Blackhawks defenseman Igor Kravchuk entering the playoffs. After showing promise immediately upon his arrival in late February, the Ukrainian foundered a little in the final month of the regular season.
But Kravchuk`s stock has risen dramatically in the playoffs. He has been one of the Hawks` key performers in the first round.
”He`s played really well,” coach Mike Keenan said. ”They have tried to run him and he`s held his ground. He has reacted well without retaliating.”
Kravchuk`s views on his transition to the U.S. after growing up in the former Soviet Union remain shrouded in mystery. Attempts to question him are rebuffed. He claims his command of English isn`t that good.
But overhearing his conversations with teammates, it`s obvious that Kravchuk is telling less than the truth. He`s just media-shy.
Double standard: Keenan thinks Brett Hull gets away with penalties because of his celebrity. Even when Hull speared defenseman Chris Chelios in the groin in Game 4, referee Ron Hoggarth decided to assess cross-checking to Chelios and slashing to Hull to offset the calls. Chelios` hits on Hull were standard defensive procedure. in front of the net. Hull`s retaliation for being touched appeared to be the only foul.
”And then later Hull cross-checked Kravchuk in the neck in front of the bench with Hoggarth looking right at the play and there was no call,” Keenan said.
Coming soon: The Hawks are getting healthy, except for Dan Vincelette, still hobbling on a broken foot. But when Greg Gilbert and Michel Goulet return soon from injuries, the team will be close to full strength. Gilbert and Goulet were lineup scratches again Sunday, but Goulet at least warmed up.
Where Keenan will fit Gilbert in the lineup is another question. As Gilbert noted, the Hawks aren`t at a loss for left wings. But Keenan decided to go with Brad Lauer in Game 4 over Tony Horacek and, always a day away from changing his mind, will find room for Gilbert.
HawkVision update: The third time wasn`t necessarily the charm Sunday night for the pay-per-view service when the Hammond, Ind., cable affiliate hooked up its HawkVision subscribers to the SportsChannel America feed by mistake. Instead of the Hawks-Blues game, they received the Red Wings-North Stars contest. An interesting telecast, no doubt, but certainly not worth $19.95. No word on refunds.
Booked up: Stu Grimson is scheduled to host a 5-kilometer walk and 10-kilometer run to benefit the American Cancer Society on June 7 in Glen Ellyn. If Grimson is tied up going for Lord Stanley`s trophy, the Hawks alumni will still be involved. For information, call 708-469-3011.