TAKING THE TEMPERATURE

CHICAGO – Here’s what I know about ice: It’s a few million years older than I am. It reduces swelling. It’s a pain to scrape off of my windshield.

CHICAGO – The Swede has been freed.

CHICAGO – Mike Babcock looked like a walking advertisement for Sprite as he strolled out of the Detroit Red Wings’ victorious locker room Saturday and entered a room filled with reporters.

CHICAGO – Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews absorbed all kinds of physical punishment Saturday during a 4-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.

Marian Central graduate and Comcast SportsNet Chicago freelance reporter Jen Lada finds herself in the midst of hockey euphoria with the Blackhawks pushing for their second Stanley Cup in three years. Lada manages a busy media life while also being a full-time mom, which, despite proving to be a difficult balancing act, continues to bring Lada fulfillment.

CHICAGO – Let’s say you play for the Blackhawks.

CHICAGO – Dave Bolland chuckled at the question about his gruff leader.

CHICAGO (AP) — If you want to stop a Pavel Datsyuk, Jonathan Toews or Patrice Bergeron, it helps to have a Pavel Datsyuk, Jonathan Toews or Patrice Bergeron.

CHICAGO – In 446 career games that have included more than 8,500 minutes of ice time, Patrick Kane has been tempted to drop his gloves and pound an opponent with bare fists.

CHICAGO – Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and his teammates are doing plenty of things right to maintain a perfect record on the penalty kill during the playoffs.

CHICAGO – After the Blackhawks seized a two-goal lead late in the third period Wednesday, 21,000-plus fans were ready to lose their voices for the remainder of the work week.

CHICAGO – Dave Bolland has proved to be a versatile center during six-plus seasons with the Blackhawks.

CHICAGO – A black-and-white sign that hangs above the home bench at the Blackhawks’ practice facility offers a simple 10-word message.

CHICAGO – A red practice sweater would have been fine. Black, too.