Coach Darryl Sutter called Michel Goulet a future Hall of Famer, but at the same time acknowledged Tuesday that he can’t find a spot in the Blackhawks’ lineup now for the 33-year-old left wing.
Goulet has been healthy enough to return from back spasm problems the last two games, Sutter said. But his absence has extended to six games in a row with the arrival last week of left wing Patrick Poulin in the trade with Hartford.
“Michel’s not a guy who can play any other position but left wing,” said Sutter, “and he’s not a guy you can spot on the checking line. It’s tough to get him in now.
“Troy Murray and Dave Christian are in the same situation. I’d rather have those three than kids, though. They can all be used in different situations, and I don’t know any team who only plays just 12 forwards all season.”
No fat: Poulin needs to upgrade his work habits, Sutter insisted, but he can’t trim much fat off the 20-year-old trim body. Tests showed his body fat is under 10 percent and his 6-foot-1-inch frame is carrying 221 pounds. That’s free-safety numbers.
“He’s pretty solid,” Sutter said.
Collector’s item: The last team picture ever to be snapped at the Stadium was taken Tuesday. Here’s a trivia item for collector’s. Look closely at Bob Pulford’s place in the upcoming picture. He will be tacked on later since the general manager was attending NHL meetings in California and missed the photo session.