HAWKS DOWN 2-0 AND LOOKING FOR A FRESH START AT HOME

The Blackhawks find themselves trailing the Rockies two games to none after last night's debacle in Denver, but it wasn't all doom and gloom during the team's media availability. Chicago wasn't expected to win either of the first two games, and despite the 12-2 goal differential, they are in the same boat as six other teams who lost games 1 and 2. Their focus is to clean up some of the mistakes and find a way to get back in this series.

"We obviously need to tighten things up in our end," said Blackhawks defenseman Luke Richardson, who has a minus two rating in two games vs. Colorado's top line. "They have some of the most skilled players in the world, so you aren't going to stop them. The goal is to limit the damage. The puck was in our end most of the time and we need to change that tonight."

Despite the lopsided scores, the players and coaches highlighted some positive outcomes to build on from the games in Colorado. Being down early in back to back games, the Hawks could have easily reacted with violence, but instead they played with discipline, taking only four minor penalties in total. They also kept battling until the end, scoring their two goals when the games were already out of reach.

If the Blackhawks want to extend the series, they will need to play a nearly perfect game in Chicago. This means getting more from their star players, including Guerin, Ronning, Pilon, and Khabibulin, as well as a better defensive effort from the entire team. If not, the Rockies will have their brooms ready in Game #4.

WGN Radio Chicago