Red-hot Havlat talk of the Hawks these days

Neither Martin Havlat nor Sammy Pahlsson skated in Saturday's practice for "maintenance" reasons, according to coach Joel Quenneville. But there still was plenty of talk about the recent play of Havlat.

"Havlat's been on fire," Patrick Kane said. "I don't think anyone in the league is better than him right now. He's unbelievable."

"He's been pretty consistent all year," Quenneville said. "His production maybe has been increased lately, but the consistency of his game has been very effective. "You've got to commend him; he's been making it happen.

"He's got some (playoff) experience. He's playing like he's been around that environment, and we're going to need that experience."

Eager to return: After sitting out the last three games due to a suspension, Hawks winger Ben Eager is looking forward to getting back on the ice for the stretch run.

"It wasn't nice," he said. "I had a few days off and it was an expensive holiday, but I'm ready to go here."

Whether he will be back in the lineup Sunday will be a game-time decision.

Adding up: The Hawks' 68 power-play goals are the most by the team in 16 years. The 1992-93 squad holds the record with 94.

He said it: Defenseman Aaron Johnson on being minus-1 Friday to snap a 31-game streak: "My first minus game - I don't know if it's disappointing, it's just the way it goes."