Savard wins in coaching debut

Tuomu Ruutu scored with 1:48 left to give Chicago a 2-1 victory over visiting Dallas last night in Denis Savard's first game as the Blackhawks' coach.

Ruutu's shot trickled between goalie Marty Turco's pads after the Chicago center started the play by stealing the puck from Mike Modano.

The goal, Ruutu's fifth of the season and fourth in five games, gave the Blackhawks just their fourth victory in 16 games and their first over Dallas since Jan. 20, 2002.

The Blackhawks fired coach Trent Yawney Monday, replacing him with longtime assistant Savard. They promised to deliver more aggressive forechecks and pick up the tempo, but the game was more of the same the first two periods. The pace was plodding, the opportunities on offense scarce until the third.

Predators 3, Flyers 2 -- Martin Erat scored with 5:09 left to help visiting Nashville win its third straight.

Steve Sullivan and Alexander Radulov also scored, and Chris Mason stopped 24 shots for the Central Division-leading Predators. Mason has been strong in goal since replacing the injured Tomas Vokoun (thumb), improving to 5-1-1 this season.

Sharks 2, Wild 1 -- Steve Bernier's fluke goal helped visiting San Jose beat Minnesota for its fourth straight victory.

Bernier missed a pass by Christian Ehrhoff, only to have the puck bounce off his right skate and into the Minnesota net in the second period. Minnesota had a season-low 16 shots on goal and lost for the third time in its last four outings.