HAWKS POUNDED INTO BREAK

ANAHEIM-- The Anaheim Mighty Ducks are making a push toward the playoffs with some talented young players.

Dustin Penner and Corey Perry scored third-period goals lifting, Anaheim to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night.

Penner scored on a wraparound 17 seconds into the third period and Perry tapped in a pass from Ryan Getzlaf 3:03 later to help Anaheim move three points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The Ducks have earned points in 13 of their last 16 games, going 9-3-4 since Jan. 9.

Penner, Perry and Getzlaf are all rookies, part of a young nucleus of players that have helped fuel the recent success in Anaheim.

The three young forwards have combined to score eight goals in the last nine Ducks games.

"Those guys have definitely all contributed," said Anaheim center Andy McDonald. "They had a really strong game tonight. Were going to need that if we want to go to the playoffs."

McDonald extended an 11-game scoring streak with an assist on a first-period goal by second-year NHL forward Joffrey Lupul. The point streak is the longest current streak in the NHL, with McDonald generating five goals and 13 assists during the 11-game span.

Teemu Selanne also had an assist to extend a three-game assist streak. Todd Marchant added two assists. Lupul scored a second goal into an empty-net goal.

"Its the best way to go into the break," said Anaheim goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere who made 24 saves in the win. "We can go into the break feeling pretty good about ourselves. We have been playing well as of late. We put ourselves in a position where in March and April we can battle for a playoff spot."

The Blackhawks have not won in Anaheim since Feb. 7, 2001, going 0-7-2 in their last nine games at the Arrowhead Pond. Chicago has just one overall win in its last 11 games against Anaheim.

"It was important for us to come out and try and get some results," said Chicago forward Patrick Sharp who tied the game 1-1 with a second-period goal. "For the most part we did that, but we had a few letdowns and it cost us."

Penner broke the 1-1 tie by gathering the puck behind the Blackhawks goal, fending off several checks by Sharp and sweeping around the cage to swipe the puck under goalie Adam Munro.

"I waited to make contact and then spun off, like I've been trying to do on a consistent basis," said Penner. "I just tried to put a good shot on net."

The Blackhawks head into the Olympic break ending a six-game road trip with a 1-4-1 record.

"It's been a difficult year for everybody so far, and getting away from the game sometimes doesn't hurt," said Chicago coach Trent Yawney. "Its almost like a new start with the break as long as it is."

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