Hawks hope they get chance to test power play in Game 2
SAN JOSE, Calif. - With the Sharks going without a penalty Sunday, the Blackhawks hope their power play at least gets a chance to make difference Tuesday night in Game 2 at HP Pavilion.
Jonathan Toews believes the power plays will come if the Hawks are able to control the puck more in the attack zone than they did in Game 1.
"We can definitely be harder (to play against)," Toews said. "The more you're in their zone, the more you have them on their heels and sometimes they're going to have to take penalties.
"Whether we didn't do that enough or whatever it was, we have to find a way because the power play has been big for us in the last couple rounds. We want to get those chances where the power play can be the difference for us."
Hawks coach Joel Quenneville would like to see his team cut down on the 5 penalties it took Sunday.
"I think 5 is too many, but we expect to play hard and draw some penalties as well," Quenneville said.
Sharks coach Todd McLellan disagreed that no penalties might have meant his team wasn't as aggressive as it needed to be.
"When we had opportunities to be physical we were, and when we had to contain and use proper sticks we did," McLellan said. "I thought we've been very disciplined throughout the playoffs."
Keeping in touch: Several of the Hawks said former general manager Dale Tallon has kept in touch with them through text messages this season.
Tallon was hired Monday as the Florida Panthers' new GM.
"I haven't seen him a whole lot, but after big games or tough losses I usually get a text from him and I know a couple other guys correspond with him that way as well," Patrick Sharp said. "He was a good friend to a lot of guys in here and not just a general manager."
One for the road: The Hawks will be trying for their seventh straight road win of these playoffs Tuesday night.
"Preparing for the game the right way might have something to do with it," Duncan Keith said. "I'm not saying at home we don't prepare, but our attitude on the road is all about keeping it simple."
The Hawks are 3-3 at the United Center.
"The one thing we've done over the course of these playoffs is we've played a more patient game with energy and more purpose," coach Joel Quenneville said. "I think maybe trying to make one more pretty play at home might be the recipe for disaster.
"We've been pretty aware of the way we have to play, and that checking mentality seems to be more noticeable on the road."