Hawks determined to regain momentum
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Blackhawks vow to play with more desperation and emotion tonight in pivotal Game 4 against the Predators.
It was clear the necessary fire wasn't there Tuesday in Game 3 when the Hawks lost 4-1 to fall behind 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
"I wouldn't say there was a lack of intensity, we just didn't match their effort," Hawks captain Jonathan Toews said. "We've got the skill and ability to beat any team in the league, especially this time of year, if we bring the effort. Obviously, (Tuesday) we got outworked."
To that end, Hawks coach Joel Quenneville will make several lineup changes for Game 4, inserting the pesky Adam Burish and the rugged Bryan Bickell at forward in place of Colin Fraser and Ben Eager.
Bickell will start the game at left wing on the top line with Toews and Patrick Kane.
"He gives you some size and he has good speed," Quenneville said. "He's got decent hands and a good shot as well. I think we can get some energy off him."
The agitating Burish could be exactly what the Hawks need on the ice to stir the pot. He was a key in that regard last spring in the playoffs against Calgary and Vancouver but has been unable to grab a regular spot in the lineup after missing the first 65 games of the regular season because of knee surgery.
The momentum in the series is all Nashville's after Tuesday's win, and Burish will be out there trying to get it back for the Hawks going into Game 5 on Saturday at the United Center.
"You have those swings in playoffs," Burish said. "You have those ups and downs and momentum swings, and the important thing is you have to find a way to take it back as soon as you can.
"That's our mind-set. Let's take the momentum back from them. Let's push the pace. Let's take the physical play and be hard to play against."
It has to start for the Hawks early with another loud and vocal crowd expected at Bridgestone Arena to back the Predators.
"You've got to find a way to stop momentum, whether it's a big hit, whether it's getting to the net, whether it's running the goalie - I don't care," Burish said.
This is a best-of-seven series, not a best-of-five, so the Hawks know a win gets them even again and would give them back the home-ice advantage.
"There's no panic in our room or overreacting to the situation," Toews said. "We're optimistic about what we can do. We're going to battle and stick together as a team.
"There's no use feeling depressed about (losing Game 3) now. When there's a lot of pressure like this, fans and people are going to get a little impatient, but we can't worry about what's being said or being done or the reaction outside our locker room. We want to steal one (tonight) and be feeling good about ourselves when we go home."