Blackhawks’ Campoli: ‘(Game 6) going to be interesting’

Smack-dab in the middle of the Chicago Blackhawks’ dressing room is a large rug with the Indian head logo on it. It’s considered a no-fly (okay, no walk) zone and anyone who treads on it will get a quick rebuke from one of the players.

Even with the rug being cordoned off with red ropes during the postseason, a reporter got a little too close to it for Chris Campoli’s comfort Saturday and the defenseman yelled for the scribe to get off the logo.

For Campoli, the brief moment in time was a indicator that he’d found a new home after spending four seasons with the New York Islanders and another two with the Ottawa Senators.

“I yelled at a reporter (Saturday) for stepping on the logo,” said Campoli, who was acquired by the Hawks from the Senators on Feb. 28 in a trade for Ryan Potulny and a draft pick.

“I think I’m officially a Blackhawk after that. I feel totally part of this team. Right from Day 1 they’ve welcomed me with open arms. The guys have been great, Joel (Quenneville’s) been great (and) the organization is first-class. I couldn’t ask for a better city to play in and I’m proud to say I represent.”

With his former Senators teammates home for the summer after missing the postseason, Campoli couldn’t hide his excitement about playing for the Hawks against the Vancouver Canucks in Game 6 of the Western Conference quarterfinals Sunday night at the United Center. The Hawks need a win to even the series at 3-3 and send it back to Vancouver for a possible Game 7 on Tuesday night.

“For me, it’s exciting to be in this predicament and have this opportunity,” Campoli, 26, said Sunday. “Growing up as a kid you always dream to be in these situations, playing games of importance such as the one (Sunday). Last year having experienced that with Ottawa -- we played Game 5 in triple overtime and Game 6 we lost in overtime--that’s something I learned from. You don’t really understand the games until you’re actually in them. I’m excited about playing. We have another opportunity to extend our season. It’s going to be interesting. They’re a good team. We know that and they’ll be ready.”

ckuc@tribune.com

Twitter @ChrisKuc