Chicago Blackhawks

DETROIT – The Blackhawks aren’t accustomed to losing multiple games and so when they faced some adversity this week against the Detroit Red Wings, coach Joel Quenneville was curious to see how they would respond.

DETROIT – Jonathan Toews had been the Blackhawks voice of reason this week, reassuring anyone who was willing to listen that there was no reason to panic.

DETROIT – Jimmy Howard sat in front of his locker for nearly 25 minutes Wednesday morning, settling in as one of the reasons the Detroit Red Wings hold a 2-1 edge over the Blackhawks in the Western Conference semifinals.

DETROIT – Wander from one dressing room stall to another, fight your way through the scrum of TV cameras and microphones, and the answers all tend to sound the same.

CHICAGO – Everything started so well.

CHICAGO – A simple switch by the Blackhawks that sent Patrick Sharp to the top line and Brandon Saad to the second line has earned at least one vocal supporter.

DETROIT – Oh, it seemed like such a sucker bet, didn’t it?

DETROIT – Jonathan Toews always expects himself to be at his best, but throw the Blackhawks captain into a scoring drought that has lasted seven playoff games and the pressure to get the offense going only grows.

CHICAGO – Here’s what I know about ice:

CHICAGO – The Swede has been freed.

CHICAGO – Mike Babcock looked like a walking advertisement for Sprite as he strolled out of the Detroit Red Wings’ victorious locker room Saturday and entered a room filled with reporters.

CHICAGO – Let’s say you play for the Blackhawks.

CHICAGO – Dave Bolland chuckled at the question about his gruff leader.

CHICAGO – In 446 career games that have included more than 8,500 minutes of ice time, Patrick Kane has been tempted to drop his gloves and pound an opponent with bare fists.

CHICAGO – Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and his teammates are doing plenty of things right to maintain a perfect record on the penalty kill during the playoffs.