‘Sandpaperness’ Bolland on duty to raise Hawks’ game

CHICAGO | Almost to a man, the Blackhawks were at a loss for words Friday on how to raise their game above the defensively-stifling level of Game 1 against the Detroit Red Wings.

Hawks’ Oduya, Kruger clip Wings in 3rd

CHICAGO | Nine o’clock lightning finally sparked the United Center late Wednesday to brighten up a scrum of an opener of the Western Conference semifinals.

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.

Hawks say they can handle increased physical play as Wild series opens

CHICAGO | Almost unstoppable with their speed and skills all season, the Blackhawks have a small Achilles heel at which playoff opponents might try to target.

Confidence, good spirits by-products of Hawks’ hot start

CHICAGO | Increased confidence, team camaraderie and the pure joy of winning have sprouted out of the Blackhawks’ record-breaking 24-3-3 start.

Goalies’ downers just blips in dominating Hawks season

CHICAGO | Cynics might have dived cackling toward the United Center ice like flesh-hungry crows in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds” halfway through the first period Sunday.

Another win, another hero for Blackhawks

CHICAGO | Daniel Carcillo scored the tiebreaking goal with 49.3 seconds left in regulation and the Chicago Blackhawks won their 11th consecutive game, beating the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 on Wednesday night to extend the best start in NHL history.

Kane proves slow-mo’s a go for another Hawks victory

CHICAGO | Speed traditionally kills in the NHL.

Scouting combine shows NFL's global progress

INDIANAPOLIS | Ezekiel "Ziggy" Ansah knew nothing about the NFL when he was growing up. Now, he could be a first-round pick in April's draft.

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.

GEORGE CASTLE: Pardon the interruption, The Roar is back at the UC

CHICAGO | The Roar returned, way late compared to other years on an Arctic night, but it was there in midseason form.

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Patrick Kane breaks in for a first period goal

Marian Hossa

Marian Hossa introduced before the start of Tuesday's Blackhawks game against St. Louis.

Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp

Patrick Kane, left, celebrates his first period goal with Patrick Sharp as the Blackhawks beat the St. Louis Blues 3-2 in their home opener Tuesday.

Hawks aim to win back fans’ loyalty; Bolland gets shot at 2nd-line center

CHICAGO | Even though their first post-lockout practice Sunday drew a packed house at Johnny’s Ice House, Blackhawks management is following Rocky Wirtz’s admonition to never underestimate paying customers.

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.

Devils oust Rangers in OT win

NEWARK, N.J. | Adam Henrique scored off a wild scramble in front at 1:03 into overtime and the New Jersey Devils defeated the New York Rangers 3-2 to advance to their first Stanley Cup finals since 2003.

Hawks even go OT in their travels home Sunday

CHICAGO | The Blackhawks punched in for overtime in all five of their Western Conference quarterfinals games — but couldn't start to collect comp time on their travel day/off day Sunday.