Can Blackhawks continue penetrating Kings' superb defense?

Saad dismissed the notion that perhaps the Kings are fatiguing due to the exertion of being stretched to the limit in their third consecutive series.

"You can think about that, but Game 7, everyone gets pumped up regardless, and we've been in two Game 6s already, so they've only had a few more games."

Saad, Shaw and Kane have combined for three goals and 11 assists in the last two victories, which have both featured two third-period Chicago rallies led by the masterful improvisation of Kane.

"And our power-play scoring in the last two games can really ignite our offense as well," Quenneville said.

"The biggest thing for us is being strong defensively," Smith said. "Adding 'Sharpie' on there, I think we can add an element of offense that this team needs. We have the guys that score but if we provide that second-tier offense — obviously 'Sharpie' is not second-tier offensive guy — but for Kruger and me to contribute a bit, that would be nice.

"It's exciting for us to get a bit more ice, a bit more opportunity and try to make the most of it."

Sharp said Quenneville kept the message simple when he addressed the Blackhawks during their morning skate.

"We know what to expect," Sharp said. "Just enjoy it, have fun, we've been in big games before. It's going to be a fun atmosphere and we're ready for it.

"He says the right thing at the right time. He knows our team will be ready to go tonight."

Given the compelling back-and-forth of the series, in which the Kings answered a two-goal Game 2 deficit to hand Chicago its first home playoff loss of the postseason, winning three straight before Kane's dominance, Smith said there's another powerful motivator at play.

"We know it's been a special series, a lot of up-and-down, fast-paced games," Smith said. "We want to be on the winning side of it.