Keith’s ability to log big minutes relished

On the one hand, you’ve got to love defenseman Duncan Keith’s attitude about logging nearly 50 minutes of ice time in the Blackhawks’ triple overtime victory over Boston in Game 1 on Wednesday.

“I don’t really think about it too much to be honest with you,” Keith said. “I’m just out there playing the game. I’ve played a lot of minutes my whole life, even as a kid growing up.

“I want to be out on the ice.”

On the other hand, there might be a worry that all those minutes might ... nah, you’ve still got to love Keith’s attitude about being out there on the ice.

His coach sure does.

“Duncs is a thoroughbred,” Joel Quenneville said. “I think he’s one of those guys, his conditioning level is at a different level than most players. He’s able to absorb big minutes.

“He relishes ice time. He loves to play more. I think the more you play defense, it’s easier to play better.”

In Game 1 against Boston, Keith logged 48:40, this coming off a 40-plus minute night in the Hawks’ double overtime clincher against Los Angeles.

Big minutes for a guy who is used to playing big minutes, though not so much this season.

“This year is one year we conscientiously tried to cut down his minutes because the scheduling was so tight,” Quenneville said. “As the season has progressed and in the playoffs, he’s picked up more minutes.

“He’s one of those guys, you can’t overtax him.”

Well, to a point.

“I think everybody likes to be on the ice a lot,” Keith said. “Forty-plus minutes is a lot ...

“Obviously you don’t want to play those type of minutes every game, but you take it as it comes.”