The Indy Shuffle continues. Brought up to the Blackhawks Sunday were defenseman Cam Russell and forward Brian Noonan. But Russell, who broke his nose in a game Saturday night, was sent back after the Hawks` game with Washington. Noonan filled in Sunday for Wayne Presley, who sat out with a sore shoulder. The Hawks also sent Everett Sanipass back to Indianapolis. He is ready to play again after rehabilitating from a hairline fracture of his right foot.
– The Hawks have been playing good hockey without resorting to needless fighting. Going into Sunday`s game with Washington, none of Chicago`s last seven games had included a fighting major among the penalties.
– Although former Hawks goalie Bob Mason is now Don Beaupre`s backup with Washington after being recalled from the minors, the rumor mill still persists that Capitals General Manager David Poile is searching everywhere to find another netminder. Mason had such a poor preseason, his stock dipped perilously low. Reportedly, Poile is looking at Calgary`s Rick Wamsley and St. Louis` Greg Millen.
– The Indy Ice have won their last three games in the International Hockey League after a so-so start, and their record now is 3-2-2. The team is averaging crowds of almost 4,000 a game. Defenseman/winger Mike Peluso is spicing up the action with plenty of fights, drawing 55 minutes in seven games.
Chicago`s Mike Rucinski, the IHL`s fourth leading scorer last season, has scored seven points in the last three games. Goalie Jimmy Waite is 3-2-1 with a 2.64 goals-against average.
– Starting Sunday`s action, the Hawks and Minnesota boasted the second best record in the National Hockey League over the last 10 games. They were both 6-3-1. The New York Rangers were the best at 6-1-3.