Blackhawks return to West finals

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - After polishing off the Canucks with three wins in Vancouver, the Chicago Blackhawks don't mind opening the Western Conference finals at top-seeded San Jose.

Troy Brouwer and Kris Versteeg scored 36 seconds apart early in the second period and the Blackhawks eliminated Vancouver in Game 6 of the second round for the second straight year with a 5-1 win on Tuesday night.

"Starting on the road might be a good thing," Brouwer said after the Blackhawks improved to 4-1 away from Chicago in the playoffs. "We have confidence on the road. We play a good tight road game and try not to give up too many opportunities."