The Chicago Blackhawks recognize that scoring goals will be particularly hard against the Boston Bruins. After all, the Bruins held the Pittsburgh Penguins to just two goals over four games in the Eastern Conference finals. "They're a great team defensively, especially," Brandon Saad said. "We're just going to have to be patient with it. We played a lot against Minnesota, they pride themselves on a defensive game too. But this is a whole other level. We're going to have to embrace the challenge." This figures to be a very close series with a lot of players on both sides that have built reputations as playoff heroes.

Brandon Saad and Patrick Sharp switched lines at Wednesday's practice. Saad moved to the second line to play with Dave Bolland and Patrick Kane, while Sharp skated alongside Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. "We'll see on the lines," coach Joel Quenneville said. "I know that it's something we'll talk about going into the game."

Brandon Saad was back practicing with the top line again Monday afternoon. Saad was skating with the fifth line on Saturday and coach Joel Quenneville let some not-so-subtle shots out at the rookie through the media. We thought he might get a game in the press box but it appears like Saad will be back with Jonathan Toews to start the Hawks' second-round series.

Brandon Saad and Viktor Stalberg practiced on the fifth line Saturday. Should this occur during the next round, then both will find themselves in the press box as the Blackhawks will roll with 12 forwards and four lines. Saad struggled in the first round. "Keep it simple and advance the puck, don't always feel like you have to make a play. Use your speed, put the puck in areas, and just have some more offensive zone shifts," Quenneville said about the rookie. Look for Saad to get back on the top line but he may need a game or two in the press box.

Brandon Saad was named a finalist for the Calder Trophy on Monday, but he only has the playoffs in mind now. "Right now, I'm focused on playoffs, me personally," he said. "It's always nice to get individuals awards and be recognized but the main goal right now is beating Minnesota." Saad led all rookies with a plus-17 rating and posted 27 points in 46 games.

Brandon Saad is getting used to the intensity that comes with the playoffs. Saad played in two NHL playoff games last season but it is different this year as he is a member of the top line in Chicago. "Definitely the intensity picks up," Saad said. "Other than that, hockey is hockey. Games mean more, but in the end you have to come to play regardless. I'm feeling better every game." Saad has been held off the scoreboard thus far but will look to break loose Tuesday in Game 4.

Brandon Saad scored his fifth goal in as many games Sunday. The rookie has been hot in the last month with six goals and 18 points in his last 16 games. Saad was drafted 43rd overall in the 2011 Draft, a draft that many thought you could get just as good a player in the 45th slot as you could 10th overall. Well, Saad is certainly proving that statement correct as he lines up on the top line with Jonathan Toews. He deserves to be in the conversation for the Calder Trophy and based on his play of late should be in someone's fantasy lineup at this time.

Brandon Saad scored a goal in Chicago's 4-3 shootout loss Thursday. Saad is now on a three-game goal scoring streak. That's just a small part of his recent breakout, which includes five goals and 18 points in his last 17 games. He's now in a tie for third place among rookies with 21 points and has propelled himself into the Calder Trophy race.

Brandon Saad scored a goal in Chicago's 3-2 shootout win Monday. Saad seems to be picking up right where he left off in March. He had three goals and 15 points in 14 games last month. Saad's a great guy to hang onto right now to see how long this hot streak will last.

Brandon Saad concluded an amazing month of March as he had The rookie had three goals and 15 points in 14 games in the last month to put himself into consideration for the Calder Trophy in this shortened season. The great month now gives him six goals and 19 points in 33 games with a plus-11 rating. He is worth picking up in deeper fantasy pools at this time.