Blackhawks' Versteeg on Game 3: 'It was like I was standing in a speedway'

Kris Versteeg needed some time to shake off the cobwebs in Game 3 of the Western Conference Final on Thursday.

The Chicago Blackhawks forward had not played in nearly a month, watching every game from the press box since the Blackhawks eliminated the Nashville Predators on April 25 in the opening round. His rustiness was visible against the Anaheim Ducks and Versteeg acknowledged it after the contest in which Chicago lost 2-1.

"The first two shifts it was like I was standing in a speedway," Versteeg told reporters. "It was going pretty quick."

Failing to adjust to the pace of the conference final could explain why Versteeg was unable to convert on a glorious opportunity in the second period.

Andrew Shaw sent a cross-slot pass to Versteeg on a rush, but Versteeg received it with his skates before kicking the puck to his stick, giving Anaheim netminder Frederik Andersen enough time to move laterally and make the save.

Versteeg has one goal in seven postseason appearances. He recorded three points in 15 playoff games with the Blackhawks last year.