Game 4 big spark for Blackhawks' offense

ANAHEIM, Calif. - After three games of the Western Conference finals, Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Brandon Saad had combined for just 2 points.

Then came Game 4 on Saturday at the United Center. The trio lit up the scoreboard for 6 points - 3 coming from Saad, 2 from Toews - during the Hawks' 5-4 double-overtime victory.

Coach Joel Quenneville doesn't like to focus solely on the scoresheet, especially when it comes to his top line because he knows they're often up against the other team's top players.

But Toews said a night like Saturday's can really help the top line's confidence.

"It's huge for us because the three of us feel we're playing good hockey," Toews said. "I think everyone expects us to score. I feel like we've been close; they just haven't been going in."

Toews added 2 goals and Hossa an assist in the Hawks' 5-4 overtime loss in Game 5 on Monday. Toews' goals erased a 4-2 deficit. He has 7 goals in the postseason, while Hossa has 9 assists.

"(When you produce) there's no doubt that you feel a lift in your confidence," Toews said, "and I think the rest of your game starts to flow a little better when you score regardless of whether you're in the play or not.

"If you're out there for a goal, it gives everyone energy."

Travelin' men:

When the Western Conference finals switches locations, the Blackhawks and Ducks are waiting until the next day before flying out. In the past, when faced with a long flight, teams would fly home the same night.

The reason for the change, according to Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau is simple: The players need their sleep, and they'll get more of it by staying in town.

"I think rest at this time of the year is a weapon," Boudreau said. "You have to use it, rather than wasting a day of getting home at three in the morning. Because your kids don't know you're on the road, they're still getting up at seven, jumping into bed with daddy."

Boudreau also pointed out that today's athlete is much more inclined to be smart after the games by eating and going right to bed.

"I don't think we could say the same for the '70s and '80s," Boudreau said.

Asked what he did after games as a player in those days, Boudreau responded: "What's the next question?"

Plenty at stake:

Anaheim coach Bruce Boudreau was asked if the nastiness between the Ducks and Blackhawks is a result of the overtimes or what's at stake. He chose the latter, saying the players will do "whatever it takes" to lift Lord Stanely's Cup.

"That's all because you grew up from 5 years old, when you're playing ball hockey in the driveway, you're dreaming about holding that thing," Boudreau said. "So you do whatever it takes in all the cases, which is what makes hockey so great. It makes it super."

TVR update:

Defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, trying to come back from a wrist injury, skated Monday in Chicago. Coach Joel Quenneville wasn't sure if TVR will become an option at some point.

"I can't really say for sure on that," Quenneville said.

Tip-ins:

The Hawks are the first team in NHL history with 4 multiple-OT wins in one postseason. … The Ducks outhit the Hawks 41-23 in Game 5. … Anaheim won 60 percent of the Game 5 faceoffs with Ryan Kesler prevailing on 14 of 19 (74 percent). Antoine Vermette had a rough game for the Hawks, winning just 8 of 23 faceoffs (35 percent). … Corey Crawford stopped just 1 of Anaheim's first 3 shots on goal, but then turned away 23 of the next 24 before Matt Beleskey beat him in overtime.

He said it:

"You reach a certain point where you stop listening to what your body's telling you."

- ­Jonathan Toews on dealing with a series with so many OTs.