Blackhawks try to stay sharp during playoff break

CHICAGO | Practice was long over when Joel Quenneville was stopped by two young boys waiting to get on the ice. They asked if he would sign their sticks, and the former NHL defenseman happily obliged.

Hossa lowers boom on Wild

CHICAGO | The Blackhawks waited four playoff seasons and one severe concussion for Marian Hossa to be the load that opponents could not bear.

The Blackhawks Patrick Sharp and goalie Corey Crawford

The Blackhawks' Patrick Sharp and goalie Corey Crawford celebrate their 5-2 win over the Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals at the United Center.

The Blackhawks' Andrew Shaw shoots against the Wild's Torrey Mitchell

The Blackhawks' Andrew Shaw shoots in Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals Friday at the United Center.

The Blackhawks celebrate a goal by Michael Frolik

The Blackhawks celebrate a goal by Michael Frolik to give them a 1-0 lead in the first period Friday against the Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals at the United Center.

The Blackhawks' Michael Frolik scores a first-period goal

The Blackhawks' Michael Frolik scores a first-period goal for a 1-0 lead in against the Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals at United Center.

Blackhawks fans celebrate a goal by Michael Frolik

Blackhawks fans celebrate a goal by Michael Frolik to give the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead in the first period against the Wild in Game 2 of the Western Conference quarterfinals at the United Center.

Hawks finally beat Harding, Wild after war of attrition

CHICAGO | Playoff surprise No. 1 for the Blackhawks: backup Minnesota Wild goalie Josh Harding suddenly playing Tuesday night to trade save for save with counterpart Corey Crawford for almost four periods.

Blackhawks beat Red Wings in overtime

CHICAGO | After a three-game absence, Corey Crawford took his turn Friday night as grist in the Blackhawks’ only burning issue left: which goalie starts in the playoffs.

Blackhawk star rookie makes appearance at The Charleyhorse

MUNSTER | This was a case where mother knows best.

Boldirev was a pre-TV Blackhawks star

GRIFFITH | Meet Ivan Boldirev.

Blackhawks extend streak to 19 games

CHICAGO | Marian Hossa scored 1:44 into overtime and the Blackhawks beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Monday night to stretch their NHL-record opening points streak to 19 games.

Blackhawks set NHL record with win over Sharks

CHICAGO | For 17 games, nobody has been able to beat the Blackhawks in regulation.

Blackhawks beat Kings, get point in 15th straight

CHICAGO | Call them the Goldilocks Blackhawks.

Blackhawks are only bystanders as lockout damages their franchise, NHL

CHICAGO | Patrick Kane revels in October, almost as much as he did for the month of June two years ago, when his tough-angle overtime goal in Philadelphia snared an uncommon pro sports championship for his adapted city.

Illiana Blackbirds seek host families for upcoming Junior hockey season

ST. JOHN | During his professional hockey career, former Blackhawks winger Reid Simpson was more of an "intimidator" than an "intimidatee."

PUBLISHER'S LETTER

I have been preoccupied over the last several months with wonderful projects to rebuild and promote the Region—mainly on behalf of the John Will Anderson Boys and Girls Club to upgrade and refurbish the Tolleston school in Gary into a facility for young people. I’ve been writing about it in …

Hawks changes seem certain after 2nd straight first-round knockout

CHICAGO | Vacation time appears limited this spring and summer for Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman and his hockey operations staff.

BLACKHAWKS GAME 6 NOTEBOOK: Teammates welcome Shaw back from suspension

CHICAGO | Blackhawks rookie Andrew Shaw's energy has been missed since he turned the voltage up a bit too high in his collision with Phoenix Coyotes goalie Mike Smith in Game 2, resulting in Shaw's three-game suspension.