Troy Murray looks to Hawks' Game 4
Q. What was most impressive about Monday's victory?
A. Corey Crawford's play was spectacular. To get a shutout in a tough game like that is something. For Corey, who challenged himself to be better (after Saturday's loss), he was better. He was the difference in that hockey game. St. Louis had a lot of opportunities, but Chicago was able to hold on, and Corey's performance was the story of that game.
Q. Despite the win, do you think the Hawks' tempo was a bit off?
A. This has been a grueling series. You have to give a ton of credit to St. Louis for shutting down what the Blackhawks have been doing. Still, I think the Blackhawks have another level. As their coach (St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock) said, he thought it could have been their best game of the series. And they still lost. Chicago found a way to win Game 3. St. Louis won the first two. You have to battle through whatever the situation is. Even though St. Louis spent a lot of time in the offensive zone late in the game, Corey came through under pressure.
Q. The Blues took 4 straight penalties in the second period but the Hawks couldn't covert on the power play. Is that an issue?
A. Yes, it is. I know Joel Quenneville would like his power play to be a lot better. They had a chance to put a stranglehold (on the game). With the power plays you'd like to be able to capitalize, to create some positive energy. But look at the opposite side of it. St. Louis has the second-best penalty kill in the league. They're pretty effective. If the Blackhawks want to win the series they have to get some power-play goals.
Q. How crucial was it for Sheldon Brookbank (stepping in for the suspended Brent Seabrook) to have a solid game?
A. It was really important. Give Sheldon a lot of credit. He came into a tough situation. You needed someone to come in (for Seabrook) and everyone on the defensive side to have a good game. Sheldon enjoyed some big minutes filling in for one of the best defenseman in the league. He did what he was supposed to do.
Q. What do you look for in Game 4?
A. Pretty much the same (as the first three games). Any one of these games could have gone either way. St. Louis has tried to impose their will, their style, as have the Hawks. Everything has been close right to the finish. The key is you need a critical save at the right minute. (St. Louis goaltender) Ryan Miller would like to have that first goal (by Jonathan Toews, early in the first period) back. It's a matter of inches, and no one is going to back down, no one is giving an inch.
• 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.