The newest Blackhawk believes the team has what it takes to contend for the Stanley Cup despite going 1-6-1 since the Olympic break.
“It’s exciting to know that we have a chance to do something in the playoffs,” said forward Tom Fitzgerald before he played 17 minutes 56 seconds in his Hawks debut Friday night against the Mighty Ducks, which ended in a 1-1 tie.
“We all play this game for a reason. It always was my goal since I became a professional hockey player to win the Stanley Cup. “There are no guarantees in life, but at least now I have that chance. It’s exciting.”
It was an exciting third period Friday. Anaheim’s German Titov beat Jocelyn Thibault to break a 0-0 tie at 6:39. Steve Sullivan countered for the Hawks at 9:09.
Fitzgerald came close to realizing his Stanley Cup goal in 1996, when Florida made it to the finals of before losing to Colorado.
He began his NHL career in 1988-89 with the New York Islanders, then spent time with Florida, Colorado and Nashville.
In July 1998 he went to Nashville as a free agent. Although the Predators were an expansion team, Fitzgerald had no qualms about starting from scratch, as he had done once before with the Panthers.
“Your experiences are what you make of them,” he said. “Why can’t an expansion team be successful? Sometimes hard work can develop young talent. With hard work come results and confidence. I enjoyed my time in Nashville. Playing in front of the Nashville crowd was very energizing, and it was a great place to raise a family.”
The day before the Predators traded Fitzgerald for a fourth-round draft choice and future considerations, he was aware that he probably would have a new address before Tuesday’s trading deadline.
“I knew there could be something done,” he said. “This didn’t blindside me. I’ve played 14 years in the NHL and it’s exciting being in a new situation and getting to know new guys. At the same time, I’m nervous.
“I already know a lot of guys here. I played with Steve Thomas and Joe Reekie when I was with the Islanders. I played with Matt Henderson when he played his first two NHL games in Nashville and with Phil Housley in the world championships.
“Being from Boston, I’ve gotten to know Tony Amonte. The Boston contingent in the NHL is like a fraternity.”
White waived: The Hawks put center Peter White on the waiver list Friday to get the roster down to the NHL’s 23-player limit. If White is not claimed by another team within 48 hours, he can be sent to the Hawks’ Norfolk farm team.
New mates: In Friday’s game, coach Brian Sutter had Fitzgerald skating on right wing on the third line with center Igor Korolev and left wing Mark Bell.
“Tom is very responsible and very stable,” said Sutter. “He’s a lot like (first-line center) Alex Zhamnov away from the puck. They play a very hard-working style in Nashville, very similar to how we play.”
Partnered up: Vladimir Chebaturkin, who has been recalled from Norfolk, is Alexander Karpovtsev’s new defense partner. Chebaturkin is replacing Boris Mironov, out with a separated his left shoulder.
