Here are some news and notes from Hawks practice:
The big news?
Goaltender Antti Niemi will start his fifth consecutive game Tuesday against the New York Islanders.
The injury news?
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said there is a good chance John Madden (lower body) will play against the Islanders.
The trade news?
The Hawks acquired defenseman Danny Richmond and goalie Hannu Toivonen from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for goalie Joe Fallon. Both players were assigned to Rockford (AHL).
"Hannu and Danny will add great depth to our Rockford team and will have an immediate impact on their roster," Hawks GM Stan Bowman said. "I am happy with this move because it bolsters what is already a strong IceHogs lineup."
With Niemi getting another start, it only means they are trying to trade Huet and quick. Some quality goaltenders are there for the trade.. Tim Thomas is on the block.. Vokun.. Turco could be had ....
The question is determining which one would actually be an upgrade ... and worth the cost.
Turco and Vokun are proven winners. If they trade Huet, they need to get a veteran goalie in return or do not trade Huet at all. Trying to go into the playoffs with 2 rookie goaltenders is a huge risk. I would go for Vokun. He has great career numbers and he does not rattle in big games. I like Huet, but there is something that happens to goalies that play in Montreal. Dunno, but remember Jocelyn Thibault? He was fabulous in the juniors and with Quebec/Avs before being delt to the Habs for Patrick Roy. Thibault fell apart mentally. Huet has some of the same traits. Maybe Montreal is hard on their goalies? Like Chicago is on QB's?? lol