Hawks' confidence soaring
The greatest show on earth may be occupying the United Center for the next two weeks, but the best show in town is hitting the road.
That would be the young, enthusiastic and highly entertaining Blackhawks, who kick off a six-game road trip Wednesday at Columbus, turning over the UC to the circus, as they do each November at this time.
But unlike years past, the Hawks are heading out of town brimming with confidence, thanks to a three-game winning streak and victories in five of their last six games.
"We have a lot of confidence now and we're going to take it out on this road trip," rookie Patrick Kane said.
"Our confidence level continues to grow," Hawks coach Denis Savard said. "You can see it. I can see it on the bench. I can see it in the games, in practices, the feeling in the locker room.
"Right now our group is confident. But they have to stay respectful because it's not what you did for me yesterday, it's what can you do for me now."
Even this road trip appears to set up favorably for the Hawks. Instead of packing their bags for two weeks to play six or seven games, the trip splits into two three-game segments with a four-day layover at home in between for rest and practice.
The Hawks go to Columbus, Nashville and Detroit this week before returning home for a break. They then head to Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver.
The Hawks don't play at the United Center again until Nov. 28 against Tampa Bay.
The best hockey teams evolve into a tight-knit group, and the Hawks are taking on that look. Long after Sunday's emotional 3-2 victory over Detroit, many players still were sitting at their locker stalls, talking about the game and congratulating one another.
In the past, players couldn't get to the showers fast enough to leave the UC and scatter into the night.
On and off the ice, the United Center is becoming alive again for hockey. In three of their last five home games, the Hawks have drawn crowds of more than 15,000, with 19,045 turning out Sunday even with the game on home television.
"It was exciting," Savard said of Sunday's atmosphere. "Our players were (excited). It can only help. And I know for a fact that those people will be back pretty soon. The most important thing is we want them here because they're like an extra forward for us."
The news might get even better for the Hawks this week if Martin Havlat returns from his shoulder injury.
Savard said Havlat would be plugged into the first line with Robert Lang and Jason Williams, which would give the Hawks one of their most balanced lineups in years.
The second line of Kane, Jonathan Toews and Tuomo Ruutu has been lights out, and the third line of Patrick Sharp, Rene Bourque and Dave Bolland is developing chemistry with results.
"They're a complete team now. They don't have to just rely on their goaltender," said Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood after Sunday's game.
"We have the talent and work ethic here," Kane said. "I don't know if we expected it to happen this quickly, but we want to keep this thing going."