from Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail,

“I don’t think I’ve played up to par for myself the first three games of the series,” said Kane, following Blackhawks practice Sunday. “It would be nice to turn that around and play good in Game 4 – take it as a new game, wipe the slate clean, come out with a good attitude Monday and see what happens.”

According to Kings defenceman Drew Doughty, the game plan against Kane and Sharp thus far has worked to perfection.

“You want to frustrate them, give them no room and play them physically,” Doughty said. “We know that Kane likes to pick up the puck, kind of be fancy, have a lot of room and gain speed that way. So we’re just trying to limit the ice for him – and play him hard. It’s the same with Sharp. Even though they haven’t done much lately, we know they’re going to have their best game in Game 4. We got to be prepared for that.”

You have to think all the hockey the Blackhawks have played over the past two seasons – a deep run into June last year, when they won the Stanley Cup, followed by an early start to this season, followed by their Olympic participation, followed by another run to the third round – may be taking a collective physical toll on them.

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