Pahlsson's advice: Just play and do your thing

The Stanley Cup ring on Sammy Pahlsson's finger qualifies him to analyze the Blackhawks' chances of going deep into the playoffs.

"The playoffs are tough and long, but we absolutely have a chance," Pahlsson said.

Even though he came to the team at the March 4 trade deadline, Pahlsson's 65 games of playoff experience have thrust him into a leadership role in the Hawks' dressing room.

Many of the younger Hawks who were making their playoff debuts in Game 1 against Calgary on Thursday have sought Pahlsson's advice in the last few days.

"The big thing is to realize how big everything out there is," Pahlsson said. "Every shift, everything you do, can make a difference in a series. But don't think too much about everything or try to make sure everything is perfect. That's not how it works. Just play and do your thing."

Stuff happens: Hawks goalie Nikolai Khabibulin has no explanation for his career success against Calgary.

Khabibulin entered Game 1 with a record of 22-5-2 and 2.06 goals-against average against the Flames, and that didn't count the four times he beat them in the 2004 Stanley Cup Finals.

"I can't explain it," Khabibulin said. "I don't know why it is. But just because I've had success against them doesn't mean anything now. I guess it gives me a little confidence, but once the playoffs start, you start from scratch."

The matchup in goal between Khabibulin and the Flames' Miikka Kiprusoff was expected to be one of the keys to the series.

"I don't worry about the other goalie," Khabibulin said. "He's the last guy I have to worry about because he's at the other end and I don't think he can score from there."

Never a doubt? Patrick Sharp wouldn't have missed it.

After a week of speculation whether the laceration above his knee would allow him to play, Patrick Sharp was in the Hawks' lineup for Game 1.

Two days of practice told Sharp the knee was ready to go.

"I feel I can play and help this team win," he said.

Sharp started the game on the fourth line, bumping Colin Fraser from the lineup.

Like father: Calgary's Brett Sutter is the son Flames general manager and former Hawks captain Darryl Sutter.

Brett Sutter was drafted 179th overall by the Flames in 2005. His dad was drafted 179th overall by the Hawks in 1978.