May 21--Blackhawks defenseman Kyle Cumiskey admitted there were plenty of nerves before he took the ice for Game 2 of the Western Conference finals against the Ducks.
But Cumiskey and the Hawks survived his first playoff game since 2010 without any damage in winning 3-2 in triple overtime.
Cumiskey figures to get the call again for Game 3.
"First few shifts I was pretty nervous and throughout the game, playing overtime that long, you don't want to make any big mistakes so hopefully the more I play the more confident I get," Cumiskey said.
Coach Joel Quenneville liked what he saw in Game 2. Cumiskey didn't allow much on the defensive end, which is the key to staying on the ice and on Quenneville's good side.
"I expect him to even improve because he's got another layer with the puck," Quenneville said. "I think offensively he has speed and quickness, he can get involved a little bit more with moving up ice, off the point as well. I think defensively he's fine."
The Hawks had an optional morning skate with several top players opting out. Quenneville did not say if he would tweak his lineup for Game 3.
