Hull, Mikita overwhelmed by Hawks' statue decision

Bobby Hull was truly emotional Sunday night after he was told of the Blackhawks' plan to place bronze life-like statues of him and Stan Mikita outside the United Center next season.

Both Hull and Mikita couldn't thank chairman Rocky Wirtz, president John McDonough and executive vice president Jay Blunk enough for finding ways to remember and honor the organization's past.

Hull and Mikita remember the days under late owner Bill Wirtz and his right-hand man Bob Pulford when the two greatest players in franchise history weren't welcome around the club.

“This organization is the greatest organization that you would ever be a part of,” Hull said. “I don't care where you go or who you work for, this is the greatest group of people that you'd ever want to be a part of.

“As bad as it was before, it's as good now and greater than I could ever say.”

Hull just turned 70 and is nearly as popular today as he was during his electrifying playing days.

“These guys, Rocky Wirtz, John McDonugh and Jay Blunk, aren't ever finished,” Hull said. “You never know what they're going to come up with next. It's such a wonderful feeling to be wanted by such a great organization.

“I'm 70 years old and they're dropping these bombs on me. I must have done something right to have all these beautiful things to be dropped on me at age 70.”

Hull joked with Mikita that they might be getting fired as ambassadors when they got called to McDonough's office on Sunday night to be told of the statues.

“It's tremendous gesture on behalf of Rocky, John and Jay, especially Rocky because he wants this thing to succeed, and they're doing a heck of a job,” Mikita said.

Looking good:

In two games since his recall from Rockford, rookie defenseman Nick Leddy has been a solid presence along with partner Jordan Hendry.

Leddy was plus-1 in almost 17 minutes in Sunday's 5-0 win over the Islanders. He played 16 strong minutes in Friday's win over Ottawa as well.

“I think Nick made some nice plays and Jordan was solid as well,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said following Sunday's win. “They had the puck a lot in the offensive zone, and I like how they came up the zone as well. That's been a nice pair for us.”

Nifty 50:

Patrick Sharp has a shot to become the first Hawk since Jeremy Roenick in 1992-93 to score 50 goals.

Sitting on 25, Sharp is halfway there.

“It's a long way and there's lots of hockey to be played,” Sharp said. “We just have to stay healthy as a team and we'll see what happens. When the puck's going in the net it means you're playing the right way.”

Only three Hawks have scored 50 goals or more. Bobby Hull did it five times, Roenick twice and Al Secord once.