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Players controlling ‘fatigue factor’ in Stanley Cup Final

2013 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Two

in Game Two of the NHL 2013 Stanley Cup Final at United Center on June 15, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois.

Harry How

They must be getting tired.

Then again, maybe not. Since the end of the lockout in January, members of the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins have been playing to a playoff-type schedule to make up for lost time caused by the work stoppage.

If fatigue is becoming an issue, one might think it would surface completely in the Stanley Cup Final, especially considering the first two games in this series have gone to overtime. Factor in travel, as well.

“Yeah, I’m sure you get used to it. It’s not going to get any easier the longer you go,” said Bruins’ goalie Tuukka Rask.

“But we’re definitely used to playing every other night. It’s something you learn to control the fatigue factor and save your energy a bit. I don’t think it’s going to be an issue.”

But at least players get the benefit of sitting on the bench for a short time in between shifts.

The goalies throughout the vast majority of the game. No chair.

“It’s definitely different, but you’re standing there, you’re standing for five hours,” said Rask, who made 33 saves in the Bruins’ Game 2 win over the Blackhawks to even the best-of-seven series 1-1.

“You’re obviously not making saves all the time, but you’re still standing and being focused. It’s a lot of mental stress and your legs get tired at some point, too, when you’re standing up for hours.”