The Blackhawks grabbed a solid early-season win last night against a fellow Original Six team, Montreal Canadiens. Despite being another in a long string of non-televised home games, this reporter was there in person after scoring some free tickets from someone on the inside.
The Hawks opened the scoring early in the first period when Martin Havlat walked three Montreal players and slid the puck between goalie David Aebischer’s legs. The unassisted goal was the seventh so far this year for Havlat, proving that the trade to bring him to Chicago is the biggest move of general manager Dale Tallon’s tenure.
“We knew he’d be good but my God,” Tallon said after the game. “This guy is going to save my job!”
Bryan Smolinski scored the game-winner and goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin made some spectacular and acrobatic saves to keep the Hawks in the game and earn him the coveted post game “First Star of the Game” award.
“I don’t even know what that is,” Khabibulin said after being honored. “First star of the game? Do I get an award or a car? Cash would be good. Daddy can always use more cash.”
The Blackhawks look good so far in the young season. They are currently 4-2 and things are looking promising for the 06/07 campaign.
