and his teammates. It’s not unusual to see Stalberg in a footrace with an opponent one moment, then to see him two strides ahead the next.“He’s just as fast as he was last year, but it seems this time he can hang on to that puck and skate at that speed now,” remarks linemate Sharp. “He challenges defensemen on every shift. With loose pucks in the offensive zone and even in the neutral zone, he’s able to get there first and do something with it. He’s a big reason why our line is having success we’ve had.”“I think a big part is you kind of know where to use the speed,Henrik Lundqvist Jersey,” Stalberg adds. “When you get more comfortable, you feel more confidence with the puck. If you can have the puck a little closer to your body, sometimes and you can trick an opponent a little bit if you can just get that first step around him.”Most importantly, he’s handling the pucks responsibly,Anze Kopitar Jersey, and Quenneville can trust that he will take care of the puck even when he uses that extra gear.“He’s better as far as puck protection over the course of the season,Henrik Zetterberg Red Jersey,” Coach Q says. “I think defensively he’s become more reliable and more aware. He’s become a better player and I think offensively and defensively you can see it in his game.”Now poised for his second playoff run with the Blackhawks, Stalberg says that last year’s postseason series against Vancouver was a big stepping-off point for him, and he hopes to use that experience in the upcoming series against the Phoenix Coyotes.“Last year was a good test, you get to see what it’s like,” he says. “That series was a tougher one to play, too. It was fun and I’m sure we’ll be more comfortable going into this situation this year. I feel like I’m playing my best hockey right now which is encouraging heading into the playoffs.”Sharp says that the winger has only begun to tap his deep well of potential.“I think this is just the beginning,” he says. “I think the best is yet to come. He’s got top speed, and it seems this year he’s gained that confidence to hang on to the puck and to go to the gritty areas. It seems our line with Kruger has developed a little bit of chemistry and we’re playing well. But Stalberg is a huge part of that.”If his performance holds true to what we’ve seen in the regular season, no. 25 in red could be a determining factor in the series against Phoenix and beyond.
Healthy Toews tries to build off successful return Saturday,Sidney Crosby Jersey, 04.14.2012 / 3:34 AM/ NewsNHL.com Print E-mail XShare with your Friends GLENDALE, Ariz. – Jonathan Toews wanted a victory Thursday night. He settled for a healthy and successful return to the ice.Playing for the first time in 22 games since su