Key difference in Game 2: a full 60-minutes of effort

Q. What was the difference for the Blackhawks between Games 1 and 2?A. They've played very well now for five of the six periods, and what you saw through the first 40 minutes Friday, they were able to sustain for 60 on Sunday. The bounce that went Nashville's way Friday didn't happen Sunday, and the Hawks just kind of persevered in what they expected to be the same type of game. They stuck with their game plan and stayed focused for 60 minutes.Q. So this is the way they have to play in Nashville to succeed?A. I think so. You know both teams will make some adjustments, but neither team will drastically change what they want to do. You'll expect to see basically the same type of game. That's the way Nashville wants to play the series, and the Blackhawks are going to have to stick to their game plan: stay focused on what they want to do and understand these games could have gone either way.One big save here, one bad bounce makes a difference in these playoffs.Q. Speaking of bad bounces, how important was the shutout performance of Antti Niemi in Game 2?A. It was important, but I think the overall game was more important. You couldn't afford to fall behind 2-0 to Nashville. I don't see Niemi struggling with his confidence. If he is, it's very inward. He doesn't show it. He's very quiet and his demeanor never changes from one game to the next whether he has a shutout or gets lit up. For a goaltender that's an important thing, especially for a young guy.I think the team has a lot of confidence in him and wants to play well for him. He's been solid all season.Q. OK, the Blackhawks will flourish in Nashville if -A. If they stick with the game plan that they know will be successful. If they stay disciplined, if they stay smart and if they play a patient, dedicated hockey game.You can hear Troy Murray's analysis on every Blackhawks radio broadcast on WGN 720-AM.