Troy Murray looks ahead to Friday's game in St. Louis
Q. St. Louis came in with 2-0 series lead and the Hawks held serve. Is momentum overrated and, if not, what's the key to sustaining it?
A. Whether it's a matter of confidence or not, you need it to win and momentum helps. The Blackhawks showed a lot of resolve (in Game 4). On the other hand, they lost two games in St. Louis. It didn't mean they didn't have the resolve. So, is momentum overrated? You can ask the same thing about the other team. They came (to Chicago) and lost two. At the same time, the Hawks have to build on the confidence they now have going back to St. Louis. A good plus for the Hawks is winning (Game 4), but now they have to carry it over.
Q. Can an argument be made that one team is feeling more pressure than the other?
A. There were really high expectations for St. Louis coming into this season. Until the last few weeks of the regular season, they were an elite team. They're still an elite team, but they lost six (in a row) while fighting the (Boston) Bruins for the Presidents' Trophy (given to the team with the best overall record). St. Louis had some significant injuries, they were going for the trophy and trying to build momentum and make themselves into a strong playoff team. At the same time, you have the defending Stanley Cup champions you have to face. So, if you lose in the first round of the playoffs, that's not going to sit too well with the organization and inside the locker room. Right now it's a do-or-die mentality.
Q. Did anything stand out in Game 4 you thought was especially key to success?
A. The series is still so close (in all facets). At certain points Chicago played some of its best 5-on-5 of the series. Then St. Louis ties it with 2 quick goals (with a little more than a minute remaining) in the second period. Then you get the late push from the Hawks and they're able to tie it up. One thing you have to be impressed with is Patrick Kane and his confidence and rhythm and getting 3 points. He took a big step in finding his rhythm (after missing the last several games of the regular season). Your top players were the best players (for both sides) in that game.
Q. Does Game 5 have special significance in that one team either wins the series or is one victory from winning the series?
A. Once you get to this point in the series one team now is always going to be in a must-win situation. Every game is important once you get to Game 5 or Game 6. You're just about at that time where it's win or go home.
Q. Is Patrick Kane becoming more dangerous to the point the Blues need new strategy to try and contain him?
A. Do you make adjustments for just one person? I don't think so. The Blues will have the last line change in St. Louis so they can match up whatever line they want (against Kane). By the same token, you could easily ask if the Hawks should change things because (Vladimir) Tarasenko has 4 goals and has been very dominant. Should the Hawks adjust for him? It's not an overall adjustment for just one player. Sure, you have to be aware (of Kane), and when he is on the ice you need to have your head on a swivel. I'm not sure you significantly change what you're doing to counter one player. There are lots of players you have to watch out for. If you focus on just one player, that might be too dangerous.
• 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.