Hawks add Czech defenseman
NOTEBOOK
The cap- strapped Blackhawks are once again looking to Europe for a quick roster fix.
They agreed to a contract with Czech defenseman Michal Kempny on Monday, according to ESPN. Buffalo and Vancouver reportedly were pursuing Kempny, as well.
Kempny likely will challenge for a regular roster spot with Erik Gustafsson, Viktor Svedberg, David Rundblad and Rockford standout Ville Pokka.
After an early postseason exit in which their lack of defensive depth was glaring, only Duncan Keith, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Brent Seabrook and Trevor van Riemsdyk are locks for next season.
The Hawks have had success mining Europe for affordable, NHL- caliber players.
Lastseason, Artemi Panarin came over from the KHL to post 30 goals and 47 assists, and Gustafsson went from Sweden to the Hawks’ blue line. Dennis Rasmussen also played 44 games for the Hawks after being signed out of Sweden two years ago. Both Panarin and Rasmussen were undrafted late- bloomers.
The Hawks hope Kempny can be the same. The 6- foot, 174- pounder will be 26 when the season opens.
He had five goals and 16 assists in the KHL this past season, his first year in Russia after six seasons in the Czech Republic. He had two assists in eight games and was a plus- 7 at the just- completed World Championships.
Sharks take 3- 2 lead over Blues
Joe Pavelski scored two goals, including the go- ahead score in the opening minute of the third period, and the San Jose Sharks beat the host St. Louis Blues 6- 3 to take a 3- 2 lead in the Western Conference finals.
Joel Ward also scored twice including one of two empty- netters in the final minute for San Jose, which can close it out at home on Wednesday night. The Sharks have never reached the Stanley Cup Final. Joe Thornton had three assists for the Sharks.
Pavelski leads the playoffs with 12 goals and has three two- goal games, one in each series. The Sharks’ captain added an assist and is tied with teammate Logan Couture for the postseason points lead, each with a franchise- record 21 points.
Rookie Robby Fabbri scored and David Backes had an assist for St. Louis. Both were questionable coming off injuries in Game 4.