Hawks’ Bickell making his points
Blackhawks left winger Bryan Bickell will try to stay hot Sunday against Detroit at Joe Louis Arena.
Bickell has points in three of the last four games, including his third goal in Friday’s 4-3 overtime win over Columbus.
“I think Bicks has had stretches here as a player where he seems to be effective in all aspects,” said Hawks coach Joel Quenneville. “He’s physical. Defensively, he’s more responsible than he has been. And offensively, he’s got a great shot and that line seems to be really working well together as a unit as far as rotating and having some zone time and offensive cycles and scoring off them.
“Bicks has definitely improved. He’s really stepped it up this year.”
Bickell is just trying to do his part as the Hawks continue to streak into the history book. They have gone an NHL-record 21 games without a regulation loss to start the season.
“It doesn’t feel like we have the record we do right now,” Bickell said. “We’re approaching every game to get the 2 points. The streak doesn’t really mean anything to us.”
Quenneville agrees the focus is simply on the next game.
“We were hoping to have a good start and go from there,” Quenneville said. “I don’t think we envisioned this at all. Trying to get better off of these levels is what we’re all about.”
The Red Wings offer a challenge to the Hawks to keep the streak going.
“They’ll be ready for sure,” Quenneville said. “It’s our first time in their building so it’s going to be a great challenge and a great test.”
Foley to be honored:Pat Foley will be recognized for 30 years as the Hawks#146; play-by-play voice on April 19 prior to the game against Nashville at the United Center.#147;Pat#146;s voice has been synonymous with Chicago Blackhawks hockey for over four decades, so it#146;s only fitting that the organization honors him in this way,#148; president and CEO John McDonough said. #147;We stand in appreciation of how well Pat has represented the team over the years and how well he connects with generations of fans on a daily basis.#148;Foley called his first Hawks game in 1981.Working overtime:Brent Seabrook#146;s overtime goal Friday was the third of his career.Seabrook last scored in OT on Oct. 12, 2009, when the Hawks rallied from a 5-0 deficit to beat Calgary. That#146;s still the biggest comeback in franchise history.#147;I think there#146;s a little more room out there (in overtime). I don#146;t think I change my style or try to be a little more aggressive out there,#148; Seabrook said. #147;You have some chances to jump into the play and take some chances.#148;