After Chicago started this season without many of the key characters involved in recent disputes and verbal barbs with the Canucks, there were some who felt the rivalry was cranked down a notch.
Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp says that it not the case and this series is only adding fuel to the fire on their side of it.
"Anytime you play a team in the playoffs once it becomes a rivalry," he said. "Going back two years ago, we had a great series with Calgary and every time we've played them since in the regular season it's been a heck of a game. I don't think the (Vancouver) rivalry is ratcheted down at all. Two teams that both want to win. Two teams that are playing hard. It's still there."
Stay Connected
NHL.TV™
NHL GameCenter LIVE™ is now NHL.TV™.
Watch out-of-market games and replays with an all new redesigned media player, mobile and connected device apps.
Introducing the new official NHL App, available for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones and tablets. A host of new features and improved functionality are available across all platforms, including a redesigned league-wide scoreboard, expanded news coverage, searchable video highlights, individual team experiences* and more. The new NHL App on your tablet also introduces new offerings such as 60fps video, Multitasking** and Picture-in-Picture.
*Available only for smartphones
** Available only for suported iPads