On This Date In Chicago Blackhawks History

Denis Savard #18 Chicago Blackhawks (picture courtesy of legendsofhockey.net)

On this date in Chicago Blackhawks history,

On March 19, 1998 at a packed house at the United Center, The Chicago Blackhawks retired Denis Savard’s #18 and becoming the 5th number retired in Chicago Blackhawks franchise history.  Savard was the first pick and 3rd overall by the Blackhawks in 1980 and he produced from the start. Savard’s rookie season included 28 goals and 47 assists and a highlight reel of spectacular plays.

Savard played on my favorite Blackhawks line of all-time with Al Secord and Steve Larmer and they put a lot of pucks in the nets and a whole lot of great memories except that they could never get pass the Edmonton Oilers in the 1980’s.

Savard ranks fourth all-time in Blackhawks goals with 377 2nd all-time in assist with 719 and along with Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita the only three Blackhawks to collect over 1,000 points while wearing the Blackhawks sweater.

The spin-o-rama was Savard’s trademark move and in Dallas Saturday night Patrick Kane gave his version of the move!

On this date 15 years ago #18 was retired for all-time for an all-time great!

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