Chicago Blackhawks

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.

CHICAGO (AP) — Maybe it was the extra rest, or another raucous crowd at the United Center. Maybe it was just the resumption of one of the NHL's biggest rivalries.

CHICAGO – A red practice sweater would have been fine. Black, too.

CHICAGO – A black-and-white sign that hangs above the home bench at the Blackhawks’ practice facility offers a simple 10-word message.

CHICAGO – Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville assumed the role of a Detroit Red Wings defender Monday as he tried to poke-check the puck away from some of his players.

CHICAGO – One bad-angle overtime goal was enough to grab the attention of the Blackhawks. Once that shot went in for Jason Zucker, it was all over for the Minnesota Wild.

CHICAGO – Who’s next?

CHICAGO – Marian Hossa scored twice to back a strong effort by goalie Corey Crawford, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Minnesota Wild 5-1 Thursday night to win their first-round playoff series 4-1.