CHICAGO, (CO) -- Chicago might have allowed more goals the 25 teams in the league. But the Hawks are still in the playoff picture after 60 games, something nobody around the the league tought would be possible before the season started. And the Hawks are now making a case for Jocelyn Thibault as a Hart Memorial nominee.
"In my mind there is no question that Joc (Jocelyn Thibault) is a worthy nominee. He has carried this team the entire season, and if we make it to the post-season. Then its because of him. He might not win it, but if he is not in the discussion, then I am mighty surprised." - Team captain Chris Chelios said.
While the Hawks are still 3 games below .500, Thibault is 3 games above .500. Jocelyn Thibault also sports a solid .910 save pct and a half decent 2,70 goals against average. In fact, Thibault ranks in the top 10 among the leagues goaltenders when it comes to goaltending stats. But the man himself, dosen't want to put the spotlight on him.
"We win as a team and we lose as a team. We have really improved in the defensive side of the game since the start of the season. Had it not been for our shaky start, then I think we would have been among the top teams in the west. After the first 20 games, we found our game and we have played very good." - Thibault said. "Our goal in the second part of the season, is to keep the pace and keep all the chasing teams behind us. The entire team are in a positive vibe now, and we know that we can make the playoffs."
And if Thibault continues to play like he has so far, then more then a playoff spot could be on stake for him...