Blackhawks' Hinostroza, Schmaltz wish Hartman all the best
One game.
That's all it took for ex-Blackhawks forwards Ryan Hartman and Tommy Wingels to pay dividends for their new teams.
Hartman scored the game-winning goal in Nashville's thrilling 6-5 victory at Winnipeg with 60 seconds remaining, and Wingels ripped home a second-period shot that tied Boston's game against Carolina 3-3. The Bruins went on to win 4-3 in overtime.
"I saw (Ryan) and Tommy had really good nights," Blackhawks forward Vinnie Hinostroza said after practice Wednesday. "I was happy for them. They're good dudes."
After practice Monday, Hinostroza contacted Hartman, who was traded to the Predators. He said Hartman "was definitely sad" at first but also excited to be joining a Stanley Cup-contender.
Nick Schmaltz also saw highlights of Hartman's goal, which came on a slap-pass by Roman Josi.
"He's going to fit well there," Schmaltz said. "They play a hard-nosed, straight-line type of game. It's going to be good for him, and I'm always going to be cheering for him no matter where he is."
With the Hawks almost out of playoff contention, will Hartman's ex-mates become Predators fans?
"I'd want the best for Hartsy," Hinostroza said. "I'd want him to win."
Said Schmaltz: "I'm not rooting for the team, but if they win, it's fun to see him win."
As for coach Joel Quenneville rooting for Nashville?
No chance.
"I'm a Blackhawk fan," he said, smiling.
Crawford update:
Joel Quenneville said he hopes Corey Crawford can return to the ice after the Hawks return from a three-game road trip, which ends Sunday in Anaheim. Crawford hasn't practiced since a morning skate in Arizona on Feb. 12.
Quenneville echoed GM Stan Bowman's comment that when Crawford is healthy, he should play. Playing a few games may help Crawford's confidence for next season.
"You get back out there and you know exactly that you're ready to play," Quenneville said. "Our focus is if you can play, why not play?"
Keith wants to win:
Duncan Keith is in a spot he hasn't been in for a decade - on a team that will miss the playoffs. The future Hall of Famer defenseman was asked what the goal should be for the Hawks in the final 19 games.
"We want to win games," Keith said. "It doesn't really matter where we're at in the standings. It's about winning hockey games at this level.
"Of course we want to (also) use the next 20 or so games to improve every day - individually and as a team. Develop more and more chemistry.
"Every day is a day to try to get better."
He said it:
"I didn't sleep a wink. I was just more anxious, nerves, excitement."
- Ryan Hartman on how he felt before his first game with Nashville.