Blackhawks offer advice to World Series-bound Cubs

With the Cubs getting set to take on the Cleveland Indians in the World Series, teams like the Blackhawks, Bears and Bulls are understandably taking a backseat to the biggest story in sports.

Current and former Hawks players were asked Monday what advice they could give to the North Siders, who are attempting to end a 108-year title drought.

"You don't want to get caught up too much in it," Jonathan Toews said. "Sometimes it's almost easier mentally to not watch the highlights and not watch the recaps on TV.

"(Don't) focus too much on what's going outside of what your job is."

Toews helped the Hawks end a 49-year title drought in 2010 when he was just 22 years old, which is close to the same age as players like Javier Baez, Addison Russell, Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras. One of Toews' teammates then was Troy Brouwer, whose Calgary Flames played the Hawks on Monday at the United Center.

"We didn't really pay too much attention to (the pressure)," said Brouwer, who was 24 in 2010. "It seems like that's how they're handling it as well.

"I'm happy for them (and) I'm happy for the city. It's good to see and I hope they can put the distractions aside and pull it out."

But is Toews actually rooting for the Cubs?

Ex-Hawk and current Flame Kris Versteeg wasn't so sure.

Said Versteeg: "I was always a Cubs fan. Toews was a White Sox fan. So I know how he's probably trying to play it off right now that he's actually cheering.

"But I'm excited about it."

Sitting again:

Vinnie Hinostroza was a scratch for the third straight game Monday when the Hawks took on the Flames. The rookie, who has just 1 shot on goal in four games, admitted to being frustrated but also knows he must be better when the next opportunity arises.

"I was getting rid of the puck too fast where there were plays to be made," Hinostroza said. "I was chipping the puck in and chasing it where I could've kept control and made plays."

Meanwhile, Dennis Rasmussen played in his fourth straight game. He was on the fourth line skating with Marcus Kruger and Jordin Tootoo.

"Rass has come in here and has given us some important minutes and he's been reliable as well," said coach Joel Quenneville.

Quenneville gave defenseman Michal Rozsival his first start and sat rookie Michal Kempny.

Fighting cancer:

Blackhawks players wore lavender jerseys during warm-ups before they took on Calgary to help raise awareness and money for cancer. Each jersey - as well as the lavender ties worn by coaches, broadcasters and players - will be auctioned off and be accompanied by an autographed photo.

A cause like this hits home for many players and coaches, including goalie Scott Darling, whose mom beat breast cancer twice.

"I think about it every day," Darling said. "I've got the breast cancer ribbons on my mask, I've got 'em tattooed on my arm. We're very fortunate that she's doing great now. ...

"I'm really happy with the way the NHL, and the Blackhawks especially, do a lot of stuff for it."

Shining star:

Artem Anisimov was named the NHL's second star of the week thanks to his 4 goals and 3 assists in three games. Oilers goalie Cam Talbot (3-0, .970 save percentage) was the first star and Red Wings defenseman Mike Green (3G, 2A in four games) was the third star.