In this Friday edition of Hawks Headlines, we take a look at how the players are preparing for the Western Conference Final, how Peter Regin has burst onto the scene and made an immediate impact in the playoffs, and the music that Kris Versteeg plays to get himself psyched up for games.
-We start out with the Blackhawks as a whole as they rest up before they begin the Western Conference Final on Sunday afternoon. The team is prepared for whatever challenges await them, and they are trying to learn from their experiences in tangling with the Minnesota Wild. [ESPN Chicago]
-Several of the Blackhawks have dealt with injuries so far in the postseason, including Niklas Hjalmarsson’s neck injury, but despite their ailments that would likely keep them out of regular season games, they are gutting it out in pursuit of a second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. [Chicago Tribune]
-The Blackhawks aren’t the only people waiting to see who wins the series between the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks. Fans and bloggers are too. [Second City Hockey]
-With no Blackhawks hockey to dissect, Sam Fels did a nice job of breaking down the series from the Eastern Conference. [Real Fans Program]
-Peter Regin has jumped into the lineup and made an immediate impact on the team with his fresh legs and smart play. [CSN Chicago]
-The Blackhawks will be watching the Kings and Ducks do battle on Friday night, and as Ben Smith illustrates, they will be doing so both with a fan’s eyes and those of a scout. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Sports
-What does Kris Versteeg listen to before he hits the ice? He answered that question for the Hawks’ website. [Blackhawks.com]
-The San Jose Sharks blew a 3-0 series lead over the Kings in the first round of the playoffs, and as a result they are expected to make some serious changes. Long-time defenseman Dan Boyle will be let go via free agency, and the team will likely use a compliance buyout on former Blackhawks star Martin Havlat, according to Kevin Kurz. [CSN Bay Area]
-Finally, a Los Angeles real estate magnate could be interested in bringing NHL hockey to the Seattle area. Could that be the recipe to balance out the conferences once again? [Pro Hockey Talk]
