Mike Richards News

Defenseman Slava Voynov agreed to a new six-year, $25 million contract Tuesday with the Los Angeles Kings, who signed yet another young cornerstone to a long-term deal.

Though a decision on whether he will be in the lineup Saturday night remains up in the air, the good news for the Boston Bruins is that high-scoring forward Nathan Horton participated in practice Friday.

Chicago grabbed a stranglehold in the Western Conference finals against Los Angeles by doing what no other team had done in the playoffs: beat the Kings on their home ice.

June 11, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; A general view of the Los Angeles Kings logo projected to the ice before game six of the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals against the New Jersey Devils at the Staples Center.

Corey Crawford posted 29 saves and 10 different Blackhawks registered at least one point in Chicago's 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals from United Center.

Jun 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick reacts after giving up a goal to Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith during the first period in game five of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center.

There have been seven champions in the salary-cap era, and the team that hoists the Cup this month will become the league's only two-time winner of the new era.

There are few athletes in all of sports that take as much of a beating from the fans in their respective sport than Patrick Kane does.

Anze Kopitar denied during a conference call Sunday that he had issues with a knee injury suffered while playing in Sweden during the lockout.

Duncan Keith spent a few extra seconds with Jeff Carter in the handshake line Saturday night, no doubt apologizing again for the high stick in Game 3. "The whole suspension thing, obviously, I've said enough about it," Keith said.

The Hawks sure didn't make it easy on our tickers, but they are now the 2013 Western Conference champions.

Brent Seabrook #7, Patrick Kane #88, Jonathan Toews #19 and Bryan Bickell #29 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate after Kane scored a first period goal against the Los Angeles Kings during Game Five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center on June 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.

It's hard to believe that a few weeks ago, the Chicago Blackhawks were on the verge of elimination against the Detroit Red Wings as they trailed 3-1 in the semifinals of the 2013 NHL Playoffs .

Chicago, IL, United States - Los Angeles Kings coach Darryl Sutter said center Mike Richards could play in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals against the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday at United Center.

Mike Richards took part in the Los Angeles Kings' morning skate Saturday and it's not out of the question he could dress in Game 5 of the Western Conference finals.

Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and the rest of the Chicago Blackhawks' top offensive players resurfaced during their victory in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals Thursday at Staples Center.

Forget for a moment where the Los Angeles Kings are today. Think, instead, of how they got here - and where they'll be in years to come.

Maybe it was talking with his dad Patrick Sr. that helped. Or maybe it was talking with his dad while watching a video of his previous playoff goals, the ones that used to come so easily for Patrick Kane in the playoffs.

The Blackhawks were focused on stealing a game at Staples Center and taking a commanding lead in the Western Conference finals.

June 4, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings defenseman Slava Voynov is congratulated by center Jeff Carter after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period in game three of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Staples Center.