All of the Blackhawks’ big boppers were in the lineup for the first time Wednesday night. Jim Cummins was serving a suspension when Enrico Ciccone came to the team at the trade deadline. With Cummins back in the lineup, the Hawks had a stable of fighters that would make Don King envious.
Cummins, Ciccone, Bob Probert and Cam Russell are all handy with their dukes. “It gives us a definite physical edge over most teams,” said Blackhawks coach Craig Hartsburg. “We’ve got to take advantage of it, but we’ve also got to be smart. If we can dominate that part of the game we’ve got a chance to win most nights.”
More Top Picks Best Stockpots
Healing: Goalie Jeff Hackett’s broken finger on his glove hand is still giving him some trouble, but he’s ready to go back in the nets–Hartsburg permitting. “I’d like to get in two or three games at least,” said Hackett before Wednesday’s game.
He said Hartsburg had promised him he’d get in at least one before the playoffs start. Did he say which one? “Yep.” Can you say which one? “Nope.”
Hackett resumed practice Monday after going 10 days without skating and says that helps. “You can’t go into a game without practice,” he says. “I like to play a lot and practice a lot.”
Playing with pain: Murray Craven played Wednesday night although he said his aching back is not 100 percent healed. “It’s close enough,” he said. “Besides, I don’t have any choice. We only have 20 guys.” Ciccone, who took a wicked slash on his left wrist Sunday from Dallas’ Benoit Hogue, said the injury was “about 80 percent” better.
Remember this: The Maple Leafs are one of the teams the Hawks could meet in the first round of the playoffs, and the Hawks were happy to send them a message in Wednesday’s 5-2 victory. “This was a big win for us,” said Bob Probert, “because if we do meet up with them in the playoffs it shows how well we can play them in their building.”