In today’s edition of Hawks Headlines, we take a look at what Sheldon Brookbank’s time at forward has meant to both him and to Jeremy Morin, and we also examine Corey Crawford’s career numbers on penalty shots.
-The Chicago Blackhawks were in a tough spot on Sunday night when Brent Seabrook hooked Sam Gagner on a breakaway, giving the Edmonton Oilers’ sniper a penalty shot. Fortunately for Chicago, they had Corey Crawford in net, and he was able to force Gagner into taking a bad shot, and moved his career success rate against penalty shots to a perfect 8-for-8. [CSN Chicago]
-Meanwhile, back-up goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin continued to ride the bench as he waits for an opportunity to get back into the game. Fortunately for him, it does appear that his time waiting for a start will end soon, as Joel Quenneville seems intent on getting him in a game within the next few contests. [Daily Herald]
-In the Hawks’ five games before Sunday’s tilt with the Oilers, Bryan Bickell and Brandon Saad had a combined ZERO points despite Chicago scoring 22 goals. Needless to say, that changed, as the duo combined for three points. [ESPN Chicago]
-When fans come to the United Center, one of the first things they notice is the sheer number of banners hanging from the rafters. Among those are two banners honoring Hawks players who wore jersey #3: Pierre Pilote and Keith Magnuson. The latter of those two defensemen is the subject of a new book. [Second City Hockey]
-For the third game in a row on Sunday, Sheldon Brookbank started at the winger spot on the third line, leaving Jeremy Morin in the press box. According to Mark Lazerus, this lineup decision has less to do with Brookbank’s prowess as a winger and more with sending Jeremy Morin a message. [Chicago Sun-Times]
-For his part, Brookbank is savoring the opportunity just to be in the lineup on a consistent basis, no matter what spot he is in. [Chicago Tribune]
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-Finally, former Hawks defenseman Chris Chelios will be enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame on Monday night, and Corey Masisak has more on one of the best blue liners to ever lace up a pair of skates. [Blackhawks.com]
