Savard: We just played our game

Blackhawks coach Denis Savard brushed off comments by Anaheim Ducks enforcer George Parros claiming that Ben Eager and Rene Bourque were going after Chris Pronger's broken jaw in Wednesday's game at the United Center.

Parros called Eager and Bourque's actions "classless," although Pronger simply gave the Hawks credit for outworking the Ducks.

"We just played our game, whether it was Pronger, (Scott) Niedermayer or anybody," Savard said Thursday. "Part of our success here that we've had is we want to finish checks. We like to play an aggressive style, not only physically but with our forecheck, so we're going to run into people."

Parros attacked Eager in the first period and began punching the Hawks' winger. Eager didn't drop his gloves and watched Parros go to the penalty box for 17 minutes.

"We played a gritty game under control. They took the penalties," Savard said. "I told Eager I don't want him to fight. He's three times the hockey player than a lot of those guys he plays against.

"Hey, it's part of the game. It was a playoff game."

Back to Lalime: Despite rookie goalie Corey Crawford's 3-0 shutout of the Ducks, Denis Savard is coming back with veteran Patrick Lalime tonight against San Jose at the United Center.

"Some coaches might have come back with (Crawford), but I'm looking out for the kid, too," Savard said. "I want him to feel good about what he did. His next game might be next Wednesday (against Carolina), so he'll have a week to think about what he did and enjoy it."

Tip-ins: There's a chance Nikolai Khabibulin might resume skating Saturday. He has missed the last seven games with back spasms. … Dave Bolland (hip) won't play again tonight but might play Sunday against Edmonton.

Tonight's faceoff

Blackhawks vs. San Jose Sharks at the United Center, 7:30 p.m.

TV: Comcast SportsNet

Radio: WSCR 670-AM

The skinny: It's a matchup between two of the hottest teams in the NHL. The Sharks have won seven in a row, while the Hawks have a three-game winning streak and victories in nine of their last 12. Patrick Lalime starts in goal, looking for his third win in a row. The Sharks lead the season series 3-0, but they are all 1-goal victories. Five of the 7 goals the Sharks have scored in regulation were on the power play. The Hawks were 0-for-12 in the three games.

Player to watch: Brian Campbell. Hawks fans can only hope the free-agent defenseman to be likes what he sees tonight in the United Center.

Next: Edmonton Oilers at the United Center, 2 p.m. Sunday

--Tim Sassone