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Notebook: Blackhawks Up The Effort, Andrew Desjardins Steps Up

By Chris Emma--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Watching from the Blackhawks' bench on Sunday, Corey Crawford was everything a backup goaltender needs to be.

Crawford was ready for action if needed but also there to offer starter Scott Darling support. When Chicago earned its 4-2 win over Nashville and took a 2-1 series lead, he was the first on the ice to congratulate Darling, whose defense helped out with steller play.

However, Crawford must've been thinking, "Where was this effort in front of me?"

"(Sunday) was a new day," Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith said. "We worked harder, got some new breaks, and Darls was there when we needed him."

The headlines were made for Darling come Monday morning, and the 26-year-old rookie earned the starting nod for Tuesday's Game 4, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville confirmed. Had Chicago played more crisp, clean hockey in front of regular starter Crawford in Games 1 and 2, there would likely be no goaltender controversy.

Instead, it was Darling in net for Game 3, making 35 saves on 37 shots, with a much better effort from the Blackhawks.

"It couldn't have been a better game from the team to help me in my first playoff start," Darling said.

Darling made two mistakes in goal, allowing a Mike Ribeiro first-period goal 31 seconds after Andrew Desjardins scored, then a Mattias Ekholm goal that followed a Jonathan Toews tally by 22 seconds.

However, the Blackhawks showed the needed aggression and asserted themselves as the better team.

"I liked our game," Quenneville said. "I thought we had a really nice period there, putting some pressure on them there, got some momentum in the game."

Added Brandon Saad, who added a second-period goal: "We wanted to create some offense and create some chances here."

Now, the Blackhawks have a chance to take a 3-1 series lead Tuesday night at United Center. With another strong performance, this first-round series can by fully in Chicago's control.

While Darling impressed in his first playoff start, the Blackhawks were simply better than their first two games of the series. On Tuesday, they can take command.

"It's a big game," Keith said. "Just like (Sunday) was a big game, I think we're happy we got the win, but we know it's just going to be that much bigger to get the win next game."

Desjardins relishes his chance

Two games as a healthy scratch hit home for Desjardins. Any competitor wants to be playing.

In practice, Desjardins managed to prove Quenneville that he deserves ice time, earning a shot on the fourth line. When the forward got his chance, he maintained an approach that brought success: be aggressive.

"It's kind of weird, I'm usually not like that," Desjardins said. "But that was my mindset coming in. Any time I get around the net, shoot it."

While Desjardins' day will be remembered for an important goal in the first period, Quenneville was more appreciative about the aggression he brought to the ice. He played 11:47 at multiple positions, including an important role on the penalty kill.

"Desy played really strong own the stretch, different positioning, being right wing, left wing, center, different lines, as well," Quenneville said.

Acquired two hours before the NHL's trade deadline in early March, Desjardins was brought in from San Jose in exchange for winger Ben Smith in order to play a role similar to this -- giving the Blackhawks added depth at center but also some needed versatility.

In his first playoff action with the Blackhawks, Desjardins provided what was needed.

"Definitely, guys like that give us more energy, and he's a guy who can play a physical game and that kind of brings energy," winger Marian Hossa said.

Added defenseman Duncan Keith: "He brings a ruggedness to the team. He scored a big goal and gave a big spark."

The Blackhawks didn't practice Monday, so their lines weren't revealed and won't be until pregame Tuesday night. However, it would seem reasonable to assume Desjardins will be active once again.

"I was just kind of waiting, ready," Desjardins said. "We've been working hard, and I was just ready to go."

Nashville not the same with Weber

It was part of the Blackhawks' game plan to come out attacking on offense Sunday. With the inevitable flaws of a short-handed Nashville defense, they could take advantage.

Predators captain Shea Weber, their top defenseman, didn't even travel to Chicago due to a lower-body injury. His teammate on the top line, Mike Fisher, was out too, with a lower-body injury. The absences were too much for the Predators to overcome.

"Certainly, we'd rather have Shea, but that's not an option," Nashville coach Peter Laviolette said.

The Blackhawks scored four goals on Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne, coming out firing with good looks and pristine passing. Rinne was without much help on the blue line to keep Chicago's scorers out of dangerous positions. The Predators' makeshift top line of rookie Seth Jones and Roman Josi was on the ice for three Blackhawks goals.

In Games 1 and 2, before Weber's injury, the Blackhawks were held in check offensively.

"You're facing the best defenseman in the league," Hossa said. "When he's not there, we have to take advantage of it. That's what we did."

Keith downplayed the absence of Weber, though he can certainly understand the significance of Weber's presence. After all, when Keith won the Norris Trophy last season -- awarded to the NHL's top defenseman -- Weber finished third.

"Obviously, Weber is a great player," Keith said. "He helps their team. But I think they got a lot of defensemen. The NHL, it's a team game. Just like when we missed (Patrick Kane) there, some other guys stepped up."

The door is open for the Blackhawks to keep their offense clicking. Weber won't be back for Game 4, and Fisher's status remains up in the air.

If Chicago can keep Nashville's Weber-less top defensive pair uncomfortable, it will be in great shape to take a 3-1 series lead.

"Weber is going to be back out there soon," Quenneville said. "You want to make sure you do what you did (Sunday), because that's what we're looking for."

Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.

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