Blackhawks Claim Kings at Fault

The Chicago Blackhawks said the Kings are to blame for the fight-marred third period during Sunday’s 4-2 victory by L.A. The Blackhawks said the Kings instigated matters at Chicago when they jumped on finesse forward Denis Savard during a fight with the Kings’ Kai Nurminen 15:38 into the period.

Chicago Coach Craig Hartsburg said he put in his physical line of Bob Probert, Basil McRae and Jim Cummins only to counter a Kings line that included, Ian Laperriere and Matt Johnson.

“Putting those guys in was like a slap in the face for Hartsy,” Savard said. “We had to respond.”

Chicago did just that as Probert and Cummins combined for 52 penalty minutes. League officials will examine the tape to see if Probert will get suspended for swinging his stick at Johnson.