Perlini motors to first goal with Blackhawks
When Jeremy Colliton made Brendan Perlini a healthy scratch last week, the Blackhawks coach said he was looking for the forward's “RPM(s) to go up away from the puck.”
Well, that's exactly what happened in the first period Sunday night at the United Center as Perlini raced down ice and tapped in his first goal as a Hawk during a 7-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks.
The goal, which gave the Hawks a 3-2 lead at 12:54, was made possible thanks to an impressive individual effort by Dylan Sikura after he deflected a pass from Perlini at center ice. Sikura beat Sharks defenseman Justin Braun to the puck and — after being dragged down by Braun — managed to get off a weak shot that hit Martin Jones' left pad. A split second later, Perlini arrived on the scene and recorded his third goal of the season.
Perlini was a minus-6 and had just 3 shots on goal in his first six games with the Hawks after being acquired in the Nick Schmaltz trade. He has 10 shots in his last four games.
Quenneville rumors:
Social media exploded Sunday afternoon when Dave Isaac of the Courier Post said that “multiple sources” told him that the Philadelphia Flyers planned to fire Dave Hakstol and hire former Hawks coach Joel Quenneville. A short time later, Fox Sports Midwest's Andy Strickland said he reached out to Quenneville, who denied he'd accepted a position with Philly.
“I never heard anything about that,” said Hawks defenseman Duncan Keith. “But whatever he wants to do. I have a lot of respect for him as a coach. Had a great relationship with him. I'm sure wherever he ends up — if he wants to coach again — that he's going to do … a good job.”
Quenneville's contract with the Hawks pays him $6 million per year and runs through next season. He was fired by the team on Nov. 6.
Anisimov closer:
Artem Anisimov (concussion) participated in morning skate Sunday but is still not cleared for game action. The Hawks' center, who has 4 goals in his last 9 games, was in good spirits in the dressing room and says he remains day-to-day.
“It seems like he's feeling better, so excited about that,” said coach Jeremy Colliton.
Slap shots:
Jonathan Toews put together back-to-back 3-point games last week for the first time since March 16-18, 2013. Toews had a goal and 2 assists against Pittsburgh on Wednesday and 2 goals and an assist vs. Winnipeg on Friday. ... The Blackhawks have allowed 65 goals and are 3-10-1 in the last 14 games. In 11 of those 14 contests, the Hawks have allowed 4 or more goals. ... The Sharks' Joe Pavelski had 15 goals in his last 20 games going into Sunday's game against the Hawks.