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By TimM SASSONE Daily Herald Sports Writer How can things get any better for the Blackhawks? Having Michel Goulet back in the lineup is definite ly one way. Goulet, who has yet to play in the playoffs because of a strained groin muscle, might be available tonight in Game 4 of the Norris Division fi nals against Detroit at Chicago Sta dium. Goulet went full speed at practice Thursday, then pronounced himself ready to go. “We'll see how I feel (today),”’ Goulet said. ‘“‘But I would like to play.” Of course, the final decision rests with head coach Mike Keenan. “We'll see,’’ Keenan said. “If he’s not 100 percent, and we can end the series, he’ll have even more chance to rest. You can’t use a playoff game to get in shape. You should use your off-ice work for that.”’ Goulet last played March 31 against the Red Wings in the final game before the strike. He was both ered by a groin problem prior to that game. ‘But I played and I felt it snap,” Goulet said. ‘‘A lot of times you can play and not aggravate an injury, but not that time. You never expect injuries to last that long. It’s been five weeks.” Goulet has been hesitant to return until the injury is fully healed, and his teammates have given him am ple time to get well by winning seven of their first nine playoff games. “Everybody’s playing well, every line in every situation,” said Goulet, who isn’t concerned that it might be tough for him to reclaim his old job. “That’s what hockey’s all about, fighting for a job.”’ Keenan has used the same lineup for the last six games, all victories by the Hawks. But listening to Keenan Thursday, he didn’t sound all that reluctant to put a healthy Goulet back in the lineup. Goulet was the Hawks’ third-lead ing scorer during the regular season with 22 goals and 63 points. He was also a plus-20 defensively, which ranked fourth on the club behind Chris Chelios (plus-24), Jeremy Roenick (plus-23) and Steve Smith (plus-23). ‘Any time you have a player like Michel Goulet capable of playing, you’d like to use him,”’ Keenan said. “His offense will definitely help us, but he’s just a good, solid hockey player.” If Goulet is ready to return, he would likely replace either Stu Grim son, Brad Lauer or Greg Gilbert. “I haven't even thought about that,’’ Keenan said. “I have no idea what I would do.”’ After missing five weeks with a strained groin muscle, Michel Goulet is ready to return to the Blackhawks’ lineup. Daily Herald Photo/Gilbert Boucher
Newspaper Details
Arlington Heights Daily Herald Suburban Chicago
Arlington Heights, Illinois, US
Fri, May 08, 1992
Page 395
Full Page
Clipped by
Robert G.
USA 28 Apr 2026
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