Traveling Blackhawks keep things loose

The frequent-flier miles are adding up in a hurry for the Blackhawks, who took off for Anaheim on Thursday on their fifth long-distance trip in less than two weeks.

Patrick Sharp says the players try to catch up on their sleep when possible, or at least give that appearance depending on who your seat mate is.

"I sit next to Duncan Keith," Sharp said. "He always wants to talk about hockey, so I try to pretend like I'm sleeping - put the headphones on."

When they get to the hotel, Sharp says a lot of guys like to pass the time by playing Mario Kart.

"(It's) been a big part of our success over the past seven years," Sharp said.

So who's the best among the Hawks?

"I've got the standings in my back pocket," Sharp said. "Hammer No. 1, Shawzie's 2. And this is gonna cause some problems, but I'm No. 3."

Opportunity knocks:

Many of the Blackhawks are somewhat spoiled, having reached the Western Conference finals for three straight seasons. But newcomers such as Antoine Vermette have a great appreciation for the fact that this doesn't happen every year.

"It's very special," said Vermette, who is in the playoffs for only the second time in six years. "(You don't want) to take it for granted.

"When I came into the league I was with Ottawa - great team - and as a young guy you hear the older guys making sure (you) realize how fortunate you (are) to be on such a great team. As a course of a career goes on, it goes by quick and those chances they don't come by too many times."

Patrick Sharp agreed and hopes the Hawks that were here last year learned from the crushing defeat to the Kings in Game 7 of the West finals.

"Knowing how close you were last year to going to the Finals and advancing and coming up 1 goal short definitely weighs on our minds," Sharp said. "We want to make sure we capture the opportunity this year."

Hits keep comin':

It's no surprise that the Ducks' Ryan Kesler was borderline cocky after losing Game 6 at the United Center. He still steadfastly believes that the number of times the Hawks have been hit will ultimately mean Anaheim will prevail Saturday.

"Yeah, they're elite players over there," Kesler said. "They make plays; they take hits. Saying that, we invested in them the whole series physically for this Game 7, and every hit that we've had - I'm sure you guys (reporters) will count 'em - it's all for this Game 7. … It's all going to add up for Game 7."

Patrick Sharp didn't quite see it that way Thursday.

"I think we're good; I think we're healthy," he said. "We've got a defense corps that wants to be on the ice. They're fighting to jump over the boards and want to play the heavy minutes. Up front I think we're feeling pretty good.

"Whether it's a physical game, whether it's a wide-open game, we like that style of play. We'll be ready for whatever they throw at us."