OK, Blackhawks, you talk about pride and confidence. Now it’s time for some punctuality. The Hawks seem to be on a delay in the Western Conference semifinals, falling behind in three straight games. If they don’t want to fall down 3-1 heading back to Vancouver, they need to get rolling from the opening puck drop Thursday night at the United Center and not spot the more playoff-seasoned Canucks a period without resistance.
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CANUCKS AT BLACKHAWKS
CHRIS KUC’S GAME 4 SPOTLIGHT
Blackhawks’ Patrick Sharp vs. Canucks’ Ryan Kesler
Blackhawks’ Patrick Sharp
Position: Wing
Shoots: Right
Age, height, weight: 27, 6-1, 197
Playoff experience: 21 games (6 goals, 3 assists)
2008-09: 26 goals, 18 assists, plus-6 in 61 games
Canucks’ Ryan Kesler
Position: Center
Shoots: Right
Age, height, weight: 24, 6-2, 205
Playoff experience: 8 games (1 goal, 2 assists)
2008-09: 26 goals, 33 assists, plus-8 in 82 games
What to watch
The forwards are alternate captains for their respective teams and have a similar physique, regularseason statistics and playing style. They also have something else in common: Just two points each in the first three games of the series. A strong game from Sharp (two goals) would go a long way toward helping the Hawks even the series at two games apiece while Kesler (goal, assist) can help his club take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a big effort.
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Watching the game
Trouble catching the Blackhawks’ playoff games on Versus? Punch in your zip code to find Versus on your cable system at chicagotribune.com/ versusfinder
