Murray: Philadelphia will be more physical at home
Q. Should the Flyers feel frustrated or optimistic seeing how they were so close in both games?
A. I think it's a combination of both. I think if you look at what happened like with the San Jose Sharks, they felt that they should have got better results in some of the games against the Blackhawks, but the bottom line is the Flyers are down 2-0, so that's got to be frustrating.
At the same time, they probably feel that they've played well enough. They're still in the series and they're going back to home ice and looking to win two there and even up the series.
Q. What can you say about the play of Antti Niemi?
A. I think it's pretty self explanatory. One thing that he's been able to do throughout the playoffs is come up big in the third period when the games are on the line.
The rest of the time is just filling the equation, and then you get to the last part of a hockey game and most of these games in the postseason have been tight going into the third period.
He's been able to focus and pick up his game to the next level and make the big saves when necessary.
Q. Are you expecting the physicality to go up even more in Game 3?
A. I think so, just because of the energy that Philadelphia will use from their home crowd at the Wachovia Center - it'll be something the Blackhawks will have to stem in the first five to 10 minutes, especially. Philadelphia has had an excellent home record throughout the postseason.
It's going to be a very difficult place to play. They're very confident there, and I'm sure their energy will bring more physical play.
Q. What will be the key for the Hawks in Game 3?
A. It's important to understand the importance of Game 3; it's a pivotal game in the series. It was against the San Jose Sharks. The difference is rather than being on home ice for Game 3, you're in enemy territory.
So if you're the Blackhawks you'd like to score a quick goal and try to silence the crowd and take a little bit of the energy and emotion out of their building.
You can hear Troy Murray's Stanley Cup analysis on every Blackhawks radio broadcast on WGN AM-720 .