Kevin Shattenkirk sought the advice of former Blue Al MacInnis at the end of the last season and realized he wasn't fully prepared for the playoffs.

Shattenkirk enjoyed a very productive regular season, notching 43 points for the second consecutive campaign, but the blueliner felt he didn't perform to his potential in the postseason, partially due to his physical conditioning. In addition to improving his fitness over the summer, the offensive rearguard gained some tactical advantages from his conversation and feels he's better prepared than he's ever been. With six points in five games, it would appear his changes have made a difference.

Kevin Shattenkirk was back in the lineup for TPS Turku on Thursday after playing just part of the first period in Tuesday's loss to HIFK.

He was limited on Tuesday with what was believed to be a hand injury, but it apparently wasn't serious as he returned to log 29:14 of ice time during Thursday's 3-2 shootout victory versus JYP Jyvaskyla. Shattenkirk scored his second SM-liiga marker in the match to give him six points in seven games.

Kevin Shattenkirk scored a goal in TPS Turku's 4-2 win over Jokerit in SM-liiga play Saturday.

Blues' teammate Kris Russel registered a helper in the contest, while Ottawa star rearguard Erik Karlsson scored for Jokerit.