Blackhawks' Toews: Western Conference Final 'getting more and more personal'
The Western Conference Final is turning into an all-out war.
The Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks have played over four periods of extra hockey while battling to a 2-2 series tie, learning to truly hate one another in the process. Ducks forward Matt Beleskey already said he was "sick" of facing the Blackhawks, while Chicago captain Jonathan Toews seemed to understand that sentiment.
"It's getting more and more personal," Toews told reporters at a press conference prior to Monday's Game 5.
That growing animosity is leading to plenty of power play opportunities that could sway the course of the series. Chicago scored just once in nine chances with the man advantage during its two home games, including going 0-for-5 in Game 3, which the Blackhawks lost 2-1.
Toews doesn't mind the increase in emotion, which comes with the territory deep in the postseason. If anything, it's part of what he enjoys about the pursuit of the Cup.
Toews: it gets more and more fun to play in these situations and we have guys that rise to those occasions.
— Shawn Roarke (@sroarke_nhl) May 25, 2015
The physical toll of playoff hockey doesn't concern Toews, who will make his 109th career postseason appearance Monday. He prefers taking a mind over matter approach to dealing with the wear and tear of playing against Anaheim.
Toews on physical toll of this series: I think there comes a point when you stop listening to what the body is telling you.
— Shawn Roarke (@sroarke_nhl) May 25, 2015
Toews is second on Chicago with 14 points in 14 playoff games.