If Shaw can't go, Blackhawks still have depth
Q. Andrew Shaw suffered what coach Joel Quenneville called a lower-body injury midway through the opening period of Game 1 and did not return. If Shaw can't play in Game 2, how does that affect the Blackhawks?
A. When you lose a player that is significant like Andrew Shaw, if that's the case, then you hope that you've built depth within the organization.
You look at Kris Versteeg, who hasn't played the last couple of games (healthy scratch). I think it's pretty natural for Joel Quenneville to put Versteeg back in the lineup.
Q's been able to juggle his lines when need be. When you're a coach, you don't worry about the injuries. You worry about the players who are healthy and available to the lineup.
Q. Joakim Nordstrom, who has played the last two games in place of Versteeg, was a minus-2 and played only 10 minutes, 37 seconds in Game 1. Do you expect the Hawks to make any lineup changes for Game 2, whether it's Nordstrom or someone else who sits out?
A. I wouldn't expect any other lineup changes, if Shaw cannot play. They've won five straight games, so I don't think they're going to tinker with a whole lot in the lineup. If there is no Andrew Shaw, I think Joel Quenneville will have to look at some line combinations that he will have to make some adjustments with.
Q. The Blackhawks were outshot 17-3 by Minnesota in the second period of Game 1, despite heading into the third up 2-0. The Blackhawks have had back-to-back rough middle periods. Any reason for concern?
A. I don't know if it's specifically the second period (that's been a problem). I think during the regular season the Blackhawks' best period, statistic-wise, was the second period. So there's no rhyme or reason.
Minnesota came out with a real strong push, and they had the Blackhawks on their heels. One thing you have to do in the playoffs is weather the storm of the opposing team, whether it's an emotional push from the crowd or a big play.
There's going to be ebbs and flows to the game. When Corey Crawford needed to make the big saves in the second period, he did.
Q. In light of the Blackhawks' 5-2 victory in Game 1, some people already are predicting a sweep. What's the key for either team gaining the edge in Game 2?
A. Both teams will make adjustments. (Minnesota) head coach Mike Yeo said there were times (in Game 1) when their team was good, but they felt they didn't have a complete effort.
They said they expect to be better in the next game, and if you're the Blackhawks, you've got to expect them to be better.
Each game takes on a life of its own. Once one game is over, you forget about it, whether you lose 10-0 or you win in double overtime.
Q. Did anything surprise you in Game 1, whether it was matchups or anything else?
A. I don't think so. I watched enough of Minnesota playing against Colorado (in the opening round) to know that they're a very structured team, they work hard, they put pucks to the net, and they've got big bodies up front that like to wear the opposition down in the offensive zone.
It is what it is with Minnesota. They play a good system, they're well-coached, and they've got some high-end skill in the lineup.
• Troy Murray is in his 14th year as a member of the Blackhawks broadcast team and his ninth 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.