Article updated: 5/11/2013 8:07 PM

Blackhawks’ defense will be tested in next round

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Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson and defenseman Duncan Keith defend the goal against Minnesota Wild left wing Jason Zucker after Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford was on the ice on the other side of the net Tuesday in Game 1 of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at the United Center in Chicago.

John Starks | Staff Photographer

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Whether it's San Jose or Detroit facing the Blackhawks in the second round, there will be a difficult matchup waiting for the shutdown defense pair of Duncan Keith and Niklas Hjalmarsson. "I think at the end of the day you have to play them the same way no matter who it is," Keith said. "All good players like to have time and space with the puck, so just being on them quickly and not giving them time and space is key."

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