NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - New Chicago Blackhawks coach Denis Savard accentuated the positive as soon as he took over this week. So far, his players are responding.
Jeffrey Hamilton scored a career-high three goals, including the overtime winner, and the Blackhawks beat the Nashville Predators 4-3 on Saturday night. Chicago is 3-0 under Savard, who replaced the fired Trent Yawney on Monday, and is perfect in three games against Nashville this season.
"The coaching change is one thing, but to say this is the reason we are playing better reflects poorly on the players," Hamilton said. "The easiest thing to do is to replace the coach. Savard came in right away and told us what he expected. He was positive with everybody."
Hamilton's hat trick propels surging Blackhawks past Predators 4-3