Blackhawks fire head coach, hire assistant

After losing 12 of 15 games, the Chicago Blackhawks went on the offensive Monday, switching coaches and styles. The Blackhawks fired defense-oriented coach Trent Yawney, replacing him with assistant Denis Savard – a Hall of Fame player whose No. 18 hangs from the United Center rafters.

With the new coach should come a faster pace for the Blackhawks.

Yashin injured

Alexei Yashin will be out at least two weeks with a sprained right knee, and the New York Islanders’ leading scorer could miss a month. Yashin was injured late in Saturday night’s 4-1 victory over Washington.

Crosby questionable

Sidney Crosby played an entire practice, but the 19-year-old Penguins center remained questionable for tonight’s game against the New York Islanders in Pittsburgh. Crosby has missed three games since injuring his groin Nov. 20 in Philadelphia.

Leighton to Nashville

The Predators claimed goalie Mike Leighton off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks. Leighton will serve as the backup to Chris Mason, who took over the starting job Saturday after Tomas Vokoun tore ligaments in his thumb.

Sharks thin at forward

The San Jose Sharks put left wing Milan Michalek on injured reserve, losing another high-scoring forward to the injury bug. San Jose already is playing without injured right wing Jonathan Cheechoo, who led the NHL last season with 56 goals.

On the ice

Red Wings 2, Stars 1: At Detroit, Kris Draper and Mathieu Schneider scored short-handed goals in the third period as Detroit beat Dallas to end a five-game winless streak.

Kings 3, Devils 2 (SO): At Los Angeles, Mike Cammalleri scored during regulation and Los Angeles got shoot-out goals from Anze Kopitar and Alexander Frolov to beat New Jersey.