An emotional day for Savard, Hawks

While Cubs fans were whooping it up in Daley Plaza, not too far away Blackhawks coach Denis Savard, his team and the organization's support staff -- two busloads full -- had a more somber morning.

Along with an overflow crowd of the who's who in hockey, including NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, they spent it attending the funeral of Blackhawks owner Bill Wirtz.

"It was unbelievable," Savard said. "I was very impressed. It was a great day; a sad day, but I know he's going to a better place. He's always going to be with us."

In addition to attending the funeral Monday, Savard also had to make final roster cuts as his team prepares for its season opener Thursday at Minnesota.

Among the cuts were a pair of former first-round draft picks -- forward Jack Skille and defenseman Cam Barker -- who were assigned to the Blackhawks American Hockey League affiliate in Rockford, along with forwards Petri Kontiola and Dave Bolland.

Defenseman Karel Pilar, claimed on waivers last week, was put back on waivers.

Of all the cuts, Savard said those of Skille and Bolland were the toughest.

"We were very pleased with Jack's play," Savard said. "Him and Bolland, they're really close to being here. For as young as they are, they're pretty close. I wouldn't be afraid to have them up here, but it's kind of a numbers thing."

Barker's story is a little different.

"We felt coming to camp we were going to give him a chance to be here, but he's not quite ready," Savard said. "He had a decent camp, but we expect more out of him. Going to (Rockford) should help him. He's going to play in a lot of situations, get a lot of minutes."

Two names not on the cut list were prized rookies Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

"I think Toewser is more mature than Kaner, but we liked what we've seen from Patrick," Savard said. "We've said all along that we liked the skill and the vision (Kane) has on the ice. (Sunday against Minnesota in the final preseason game) he made four or five great plays.

"He might not play every night, but we'll see where we're at."

Toews, who is nursing a broken index finger, remains questionable for the opener.

"I'm not sure he's going to be in the opener. It'll probably be a game-time decision," Savard said. "I know he's telling everyone he's OK, but we want to make sure."