Blackhawks coach Craig Hartsburg was pleased with the work of new defenseman Igor Ulanov in the two weekend victories.
“He’s steady back there,” says Hartsburg. “He’s a smart player. He’s played in world-class competition and he doesn’t rattle much. He’s going to be a very positive addition for us.”
Especially since it appears that Steve Smith’s return is not imminent.
“It’s just a time thing,” said Smith, who has not played this season because of a bad back. “They think I need four or five pain-free days before I can come back. I haven’t had any yet.”
Hackett’s hopes: Backup goalie Jeff Hackett is more upbeat about his return to action. Hackett has not played since pulling a groin muscle Tuesday night in Miami but said he skated ” a little” Sunday. “I think I’ll be ready by Thursday,” when the Hawks play Toronto.
Hackett says he’s been doing “a lot of work on the StairMaster and a lot of exercises to strengthen it so it won’t happen again.”
Murphy’s law: Joe Murphy, whose first goal of the season was the game-winner Sunday, wants it understood that he never asked for a trade in his widely publicized postgame tirade last week.
“I was just upset because I have a lot of pride,” said Murphy, who indeed did not himself bring up the “T” word.
Hartsburg said the case is closed.
“I’d be upset too if I wasn’t in the lineup,” he said.
Suter’s story: Gary Suter, who entered Sunday’s game as the leading scorer in the NHL among defensemen with his six goals and three assists, added an assist on Murphy’s game-winning goal.
More Top Picks Best Japanese Tea Trays