Different vibe this year for Blackhawks

GLENDALE, Ariz. — What a difference a year makes.

Last year the Blackhawks backed into the playoffs on the final day of the season. This year they made it with time to spare — not too much — but enough.

“We just barely made it in last year — went down to the last game,” Patrick Kane said. “I don’t know if we had much confidence in our team.”

It’s a different story this year, a different vibe.

“Yeah, a little bit,” Duncan Keith said. “I feel like we’re a better team than last year and a little tougher, which always helps out, too.

“We’ve brought in some older guys who have played a lot, and they bring some experience and that confidence, too. We’ve got a good mix of some skill, some speed and some size, so I think we feel a lot more confident than last year.”

It doesn’t hurt that Jonathan Toews returned to the lineup just in time for the playoffs, upping the positive vibe that much more.

“I would say so, yeah,” Kane said. “I think we have a better team in here. The biggest thing right now is that we’re healthy.”

And it looks like the fun is back for the Hawks, both on the ice and in the locker room.

“This year I just think it’s more exciting,” Kane said. “We have a confident group in here.

“We know we can go far if we do the right things.”