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Chicago Blackhawks poised to go back to Game 2 lines against Ducks

Chicago Blackhawks center Antoine Vermette passes the puck during the second period of the Ducks' win in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at Honda Center.

Chicago Blackhawks center Antoine Vermette passes the puck during the second period of the Ducks’ win in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at Honda Center.

(Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
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The fresh legs experiment didn’t go quite the way the Blackhawks wanted.

So it appears -- based on morning-line rushes -- that Chicago is opting for its Game 2 lineup, meaning two forwards, youngster Teuvo Teravainen and veteran center Antoine Vermette are back in for Game 4 Saturday night.

They were healthy scratches for Game 3.

“It’s not easy, obviously,” Vermette said in the hallway after Saturday’s morning skate. “But you’ve got to move on, that’s behind us and get ready for tonight.”

Vermette has one goal and two points in 10 games this postseason. He has the goal-scoring abilities -- a career-high 27 back when he was in Columbus in 2009-10 -- and has seven goals in 29 games against the Ducks. The Blackhawks acquired him from the Coyotes at the trade deadline.

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The line of Patrick Sharp-Vermette-Teravainen had its moments earlier in the series, particularly in overtime of Game 2 at Anaheim.

“I think that line can be a factor offensively,” Chicago Coach Joel Quenneville said. “I think defensively they’ve been reliable in stretches, as well. Just some pace and energy across the board. That four-line rotation that we felt was best in Game 2 is what we’re looking for.”

Said Vermette: “Obviously you’ve like to get more in that [scoring] department. I like my game. I’m playing well. I had a strong game, last game. Chances are there.”

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He was asked if the Ducks are a bigger, faster version of the Minnesota Wild. Chicago swept the Wild in the second round.

“They have key guys like they had,” Vermette said. “They’re dangerous. They play a tight game. They’re big guys as well. It’s not too far off. We’ve got to play our game. We’ve been successful when we establish our team speed. That’s one aspect we’ve got to look at.”

Twitter: @reallisa

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