Blackhawks' Richards back where it all began
TAMPA - Eleven years after winning it all, Brad Richards returned to the city where his NHL career all began.
Richards, surrounded by one of the bigger throngs during Stanley Cup media day on Tuesday, was drafted by Tampa Bay in 1998, won a Stanley Cup here in 2004 and continued playing for the Lightning until he was traded to Dallas in 2008.
His feelings about this area remain strong, and his ties to former teammates even stronger.
"There's so many friendships you create on any team," Richards said. "But when you win, it's a whole different level."
Richards said a few former mates were in Chicago when he played his 1,000th career NHL game and was handed an engraved silver stick at the United Center by Hawks GM Stan Bowman in November. Richards remains especially close with Martin St. Louis and Vincent Lecavalier.
"I got to see Vinny last night with our kids together, which is a total different feeling than it was 10, 15 years ago," Richards said. "All that stuff is just so many great memories, and no matter what happens this week, you can never take anything away from my 2004 team.
"I'll never try to compare runs - they're all special.
Richards reached this stage of the postseason last year with a Rangers team that lost to the Kings in five games. The 35-year-old veteran said Tuesday the decision to come to the Hawks was "a no-brainer."
"(I) never really got into any other conversations because ... when the Blackhawks call, in the last 6-7 years, you perk up pretty quick," Richards said. "It's been a pleasure and an honor to play for this organization."
Said Bowman: "You saw the ability that he can bring to the table in terms of experience. … (He) knew he would be playing with some talented players, however it worked out. So that's how the discussion went. "I think it didn't take too long to convince him that this is an appealing option."
Best for last?
Still without a goal thus far in the postseason, Bryan Bickell is hoping that changes when the Stanley Cup Final gets underway Wednesday.
"It's nice to score a goal every once in a while. Hopefully I've been saving them for this round," Bickell said.
The big forward can bring a physical presence that nobody else on the Hawks has, but his play fell off in Games 5 and 7 of the Western Conference finals. A costly turnover led to Anaheim's winning goal in Game 5, and he played just 4:22 in Game 7.
Could be, might be:
It will be interesting to see if and when rookie defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk gets on the ice against the Lightning. TVR has been rehabbing from a wrist injury and he did make the trip to Tampa.
If he plays, Kyle Cumiskey or David Rundblad will likely go to the bench.
"I think it's getting pretty close," van Riemsdyk said. "I just gotta keep my mind right and be ready to go when my number is called."
Baby news:
Kris Versteeg flew to Tampa one day after the team, after he and his wife welcomed son Jaxson into the world early Tuesday morning. Jaxson James Versteeg weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces. The Blackhawks said Brittany and "baby are doing great!"