Today was a good day if you are a Blackhawks fan. First off, the Blackhawks were able to knock off the Colorado Avalanche by a score of 2-1 this afternoon at the United Center. It was announced that every single ticket in the stadium was sold — including the standing room only. That hasn’t happened since the first season the United Center was in business. It’s a great accomplishment and shows that hockey really is back in Chicago. As for the game, Patrick Lalime was great in goal, making 21 saves, and the Hawks received goals from Martin Havlat and Dustin Byfuglien in the winning effort. I would give the SCH Hawks Player Of The Game award to Lalime. This team is now six points out of the final playoff spot with 24 games to go, so they sure have a chance at a possible playoff berth.
In other good news, it has been reported tonight that the Hawks have re-signed young defenseman Brent Seabrook to a three year deal worth $10.5 million. Seabrook is still only 22 years old but I think has already developed into a top pairing defenseman, and he has complemented Duncan Keith quite well on the blue-line. He’s become a young leader for this team and probably deserves a permanent “A” when Jonathan Toews gets the “C”. Good to see he will be around for at least the next three seasons.