Chicago Blackhawks hope to keep it short and sweet against Kings

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks broke out a familiar cliche when they arrived back home Friday.

Leading the Kings three games to one in the Western Conference finals, they promised to play Game 5 on Saturday as if they were behind.

“You know the other team’s going to come at you hard,” captain Jonathan Toews said. “But it’s up to you to motivate yourself.”

Nothing new there. Toews did talk some strategy, however, saying his team has a formula for playing hard.

“We keep saying in the locker room that we need all four lines and no one has to go out there and try to do too much,” he said. “We want to keep our shifts short and when one line has a good shift and creates some momentum, the next line goes out there and tries to continue that.”

The Blackhawks have also found a new star in Bryan Bickell, who is tied for the team high with eight goals in the postseason.

At 6-4, 233 pounds, the winger is known for size. Coach Joel Quenneville explained that he has additional qualities.

“With his speed, be it off the forecheck or off the rush, he’s a threat to shoot through the screen and then he’s got some other assets, as well,” Quenneville said. “Right now you’d have to commend him on how he’s putting everything together.”

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