Blackhawks

DENVER – Chris Stewart formulated a plan as he fidgeted on the bench, readying himself just in case the shootout dragged out that long.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Blackawks had some good chances in the second period of their 3-1 loss to Phoenix on Thursday, but only scored on one of them.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Peter Mueller scored his first goal of the season and Martin Hanzal added a goal and an assist as the Phoenix Coyotes beat the Blackhawks, 3-1, Thursday night.

CHICAGO – Patrick Sharp ended a long goal drought – and finished off the Montreal Canadiens, too.

CHICAGO – Patrick Sharp scored with 4:10 left to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 victory against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night.

The ASSOCIATED PRESS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Pekka Rinne made 22 saves for his first shutout of the season and fifth overall, and Joel Ward scored on a second-period power play in the Nashville Predators' 2-0 victory against the Blackhawks on Thursday night.

CHICAGO – Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville was hopeful that forward Jonathan Toews and defenseman Brent Seabrook would be available before the close of the week.

CHICAGO – Goaltender problem? The Blackhawks? What goaltender problem?

Even though he didn’t play Saturday night – actually, because he didn’t play – Brent Seabrook suffered a loss despite the victory by his Blackhawks.

CHICAGO (AP) – Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews, still recovering after taking a thunderous hit two days ago, missed his second consecutive practice Friday.

By PAUL LADEWSKI

CHICAGO – The Blackhawks lost a hockey game Wednesday, but at least it was their emotions and not their goaltender that got the best of them this time.

CHICAGO – Cristobal Huet quickly is becoming the favorite whipping boy of Blackhawks fans … and it’s hard to fault the paying customers for their discontent.

Things turned out pretty well for Jonathan Toews last season, and things are going OK this year, too. Scoring early in the season, obviously, is overrated.

CHICAGO – Jack Skille is enjoying his time with the Blackhawks. He just doesn’t know when he’ll be there to stay.

CHICAGO – The Blackhawks’ 4-3 win against Edmonton on Wednesday was a little less dramatic than the Hawks’ previous two home victories, but it didn’t resolve the team’s still shaky goaltending situation.

CHICAGO – The Blackhawks’ 4-3 win against Edmonton on Wednesday was a little less dramatic than the Hawks’ previous two home victories, but it didn’t resolve the team’s still shaky goaltending situation.

CHICAGO – The Blackhawks continued their domination of the Flames, whom they beat eight times in 10 games last season, with Monday’s 6-5 overtime victory at the United Center.

CHICAGO – The Blackhawks aren’t always pretty, but say this much for them: You had better not snooze on them, or you’re liable to miss something that’s never been done before.

CHICAGO – The Blackhawks were puttin’ on the ritz in their home opener Saturday night, but that’s a given for a team that treats every home game like it’s a Hollywood on Ice production.

CHICAGO – The “Madhouse on Madison” is much more calm this time around for the Blackhawks.