Adjustments to be expected as playoffs continue
Q. The Blackhawks looked like a completely different offensive team in Game 2. What did they do differently against the Wild?
A. The transition between defense and the forwards was much quicker. They didn’t hesitate getting the puck up to the forwards before Minnesota could get into its neutral zone structure, and that created problems for the Wild.
Q. Do you think we’ll see this kind of offensive play from the Hawks for the rest of the series?
A. There are always going to be adjustments. The Blackhawks made adjustments after the first game. It’s going to be a little bit different with Minnesota in its own building, being able to use its energy and the Wild is probably going to make some adjustments from Game 2.
The Blackhawks would like to keep the pressure up, but whether they are successful or not for the rest of the series will be up to the Wild.
Q. How about the performances of Patrick Sharp and Michael Frolik in Game 2, each scoring a pair of goals to lead the way.
A. Both players have been playing extremely well. Patrick Sharp has been getting chances — I think he had 5 shots in the first game and has been very physical, delivering a big hit in the second game. As long as he’s getting shots he’s going to have opportunities. I don’t think he was in a slump, he was just getting his timing back. I think with each and every game he’s going to get better.
Michael Frolik, he finally gets rewarded for the effort he’s put in all season. If you look at the past few years, Michael was tied for third on the team in individual points in the last two playoffs series. It seems like playoff hockey is something he thrives on and I’m real happy to see him rewarded for the hard work he’s put in.
Q. OK, the Blackhawks are up 2-0 in the series. What kind of mindset do they take into Game 3?
A. You don’t change anything, you just know that Minnesota is going to be much better than they were in Game 2.
Each and every game gets harder as the series goes on. You have to play the type of game that takes away the will of the opponent and sooner or later that opponent is going to break. That’s what the Blackhawks’ mindset has to be — push the pace and keep the pressure on Minnesota.
ŸTroy Murray is in his 13th year as a member of the Blackhawks broadcast team and his eighth year as the color analyst for the team’s radio broadcasts. The Selke Award winner was a five-time 20-goal scorer and a veteran of 15 years in the NHL, playing in 915 career games.