Now that everyone has hopefully caught their breath following the three-OT Game 1, it's time to look ahead to Game 2.
Both teams will be practicing today, then discussing their outlook on Saturday's game, at United Center. The Blackhawks skate at noon, the Bruins at 2:30 p.m.
Also tonight, the NHL will announce the first wave of its award winners for the 2013 season. Two Bruins are among the finalists – Adam McQuaid for the Bill Masterton Memorial (dedication to hockey) and Patrice Bergeron for the Frank J. Selke Trophy (best two-way player). Those two awards plus the King Clancy, Lady Byng, and Jack Adams awards, the Mark Messier Leadership Award and the general manager of the year awards will be revealed beginning at 5 p.m. on NHL Network and streamed online at NHL.com.
On Saturday, the major awards (MVP, best goalie, rookie of year, most outstanding player) will be doled out during a pregame show at 7 p.m. on NBC Sports Network.
***
Links from Chicago
The Chicago Tribune created a graphic that illustrates the decibel levels in the United Center during Wednesday's game.
In the Chicago Sun-Times, Mark Potash writes the Blackhawks have versatility to win in a variety of ways.
On the Madhouse Enforcer blog, James Neveau ponders whether Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews can find his offensive groove again.
The Chicago Tribune also produced a fascinating video – a time-lapse of Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford in Game 1. Watch it here.
***
What you may have missed
In Boston.com's daily Championship Today video, Steve Silva has a rundown of Thursday's key story lines.
Our new Stats Driven blogger, David Sabino, explains how the Bruins' knack for finding themselves in overtime games follows an NHL trend.
A Chicago firm apparently didn't get the message from the Toronto series and has begun selling "Chicago Stronger" shirts.
Hot on social
While Boston has an amazing national anthem singer of its own in Rene Rancourt, it's only right to give respect where it is due and the Blackhawks' Jim Cornelison is up there with the best of them.
I can't remember the last time I heard the national anthem played in full on a radio broadcast before a game, but here's a hat tip to The Sports Hub and Dave Goucher and Bob Beers for stepping aside and airing the full anthem before Game 1. Classy move.
What's coming
We'll have another episode of Championship Today on Boston.com this afternoon/evening, and you can follow the latest updates from this afternoon's activity in our Game 2 live blog right here.
