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Versteeg looks to rebound from ‘brutal’ finish to 2013-14

Los Angeles Kings v Chicago Blackhawks - Game Two

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 21: Kris Versteeg #23 of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck against the Los Angeles Kings in Game Two of the Western Conference Final during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center on May 21, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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Chicago Blackhawks forward Kris Versteeg isn’t happy with how the 2013-14 campaign went. After recording at least 20 goals in four straight seasons prior to the lockout, Versteeg suffered a knee injury in March 2013 that required surgery. That prevented him from doing his normal training in the summer of 2013 and likely contributed to his less than flattering campaign.

“I was brutal last year in the end stretch,” said Versteeg, per CSN Chicago. “I was actually proud of myself coming back from what I did and the time frame in doing what I did. But you always want to be a bigger contributor and hopefully that’s this season.”

He had 12 goals and 36 points in 81 games in 2013-14. He was particularly ineffective in the playoffs and averaged just 11:55 minutes per game as a result. The silver lining is that he was finally able to get back to his normal routine over the summer.

“I think he prepared himself this offseason,” Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “He looks like he’s fit. He looks like he’s got the puck a lot more. That’s one of his strengths. He’s been very noticeable in our two days. I like what he’s done to get excited about this year.”

He’s gotten some ice time with Andrew Shaw and Bryan Bickell since training camp began.

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