Huet struggles to remain upbeat
For the sixth consecutive game, Cristobal Huet dutifully settled into what is becoming his all-too-familiar spot at the end of the Blackhawks' bench.
The veteran goaltender was a spectator again Tuesday night as Antti Niemi got the start and the victory when the Hawks thumped the Stars 5-2 at American Airlines Center for their fourth consecutive triumph. The Hawks set a franchise record with their 50th victory of the season, eclipsing the mark set by the 1970-71 and '90-91 squads. They also equaled the mark of the '70-71 and '71-72 teams for most points in a season with 107.
With the Hawks setting records and battling the Sharks for the top spot in the Western Conference, this not where Huet envisioned himself.
"It has been frustrating," Huet said. "It didn't work out the way I wanted it to."
Huet has seen Niemi grab of the starting job and relegate the veteran to backup duty as the Hawks march toward the postseason. Huet, 34, hasn't played since March 25 when he yielded seven goals to the Blue Jackets and he hasn't won a game since March 5 against the Canucks.
"I can only blame myself for not being on top of my game the last two or three games," said Huet, who is 26-14-4 with a 2.50 goals-against average this season. "Right now I'm just trying to stay sharp and mentally positive, to be ready in case the team needs me.
"The important thing is we are in the right place and where we want to be as a team. I try not to make waves."
The Hawks might need Huet on Wednesday night when they play the Blues at the United Center in the second of back-to-back games, but coach Joel Quenneville would say only "we'll see" when asked about his starter. Whether Huet gets the call or not, he realizes he won't be the main man during the postseason unless Niemi falters or is injured.
"If you want to go all the way there are going to be some ups and downs," Huet said. "I don't want to say it's going to happen but in case it happens I just need to work and know eventually my time may come. I must be ready for that."
Until then, Huet is focusing on keeping a positive mental attitude.
"I try to really have fun with my teammates and have fun in practice," he said. "I keep a good attitude around the room. It's a game, you have to enjoy it."
Huet has two years remaining on the four-year, $22.5 million deal he signed in July, 2008 and he didn't want to speculate on his future with the team. Niemi is a restricted free agent after the season.
"A lot of things can happen since the end of a year," Huet said. "Right now our focus and my focus is on the last (three) games and getting ready for the playoffs."
Niemi and the Hawks kept rolling with the victory over Dallas. Colin Fraser had two goals, Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews each had a goal and assist and Patrick Kane also scored as the Hawks equaled the mark of the 1970-71 and '71-72 squads for most points in a season with 107. The victory also helped the Hawks' efforts to finish at the top of the Western Conference with three games remaining.
"It's pretty exciting to be a part of Blackhawks history," winger Ben Eager said. "We have a good team. It's nice to go on a roll this time of year. We want to keep it going and capture first overall in the Western Conference."
One-timers: Winger Troy Brouwer was a scratch because of what Quenneville called "family matters." Adam Burish returned to the lineup after sitting out the previous three games and had two assists. ? Kane's goal was his 30th of the season. ?
