Sarah Spain spoke with Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Cam Barker Sunday night just after the team arrived at their hotel in Calgary. The third-year Hawk had a career-high in points (40) and assists (34) in the regular season and leads all Chicago defenseman with six postseason points. Barker and the Hawks will take the ice Monday night with a chance to win their first postseason series since 1996.

SARAH SPAIN: What's the attitude heading into Monday?
CAM BARKER: I think we obviously know Calgary is gonna come out with a stronger effort. They play great at home and if we wanna have a chance to win this game we're gonna have to play like we did at home in Chicago. In a Game 7 anything can happen. We wanna play well in this Game 6 here and have another 60 min effort and I'm sure things will work out.

SS: A lot of people predicted a sweep after the way you handled the Flames in the regular season--has the series played out differently than you expected?
CB: I think that we expected it to be a longer series. Obviously they're a veteran team and we did beat them four games but they finished close to us in the standings and we expected it a little bit. I guess the way they played at home could have been expected, but we need to be more ready for our games in Calgary.

SS: Saturday's was the first really decisive game by either team. How does that help your confidence heading into Monday night?
CB: It gives us confidence but I think we realize that it's just one game and for us to win in calgary we're going to need an effort probaby even a little bit better than we had in Chicago. I think they're gonna come out hard--they're fighting for their lives so we're gonna have to play a really strong game.

SS: Has your team's lack of experience been much of a factor after all?
CB: I think as the series has gone along we've obviously learned things. I think if you let it be a factor it can be but we're just focused on the way we play and whenever we do that and don't get hung up on some of the other aspects, we do just fine.

SS: You personally have come up huge for the team, not only in the postseason but all year--have you outperformed even your own expectations?
CB: You set goals for yourself at the beginning of the year and obviously you try to work towards those goals. The team playing well obviously helps things a lot. You know, I just try to contribute whenever I can.

       

SS: How have the fights on the ice or the post-game complaints from Coach Keenan affected the team? Do those kind of extra-curriculars give you any extra motivation?
CB: Well the motivation is getting to the Second Round. We try not to pay attention to a lot of the other things. I guess doing our talking on the scoreboard is what really matters the most. I'm pretty excited for this next game.

SS: As a former athlete I certainly remember my attitude changing for big games--have you noticed any of your teammates changing up their pregame rituals or giving more inspired speeches in the locker room?
CB: I woudn't say anyone changes their pregrame ritual too much but the intensity is definitely there every night. In the regular season, it's such a grind. You know, some nights it may not be there as much but for the most part I think we've really brought it in this series and that's something that'll continue to elevate as we go on. 

SS: Be honest, who's got the worst playoff beard?
CB: Jonathan Toews has the worst playoff beard by far. Strictly sideburns. He looks like wolverine.

        

SS: Is Toews' attitude different at all for the playoffs? He's so serious and focused all the time, I can't imagine his age or lack of experience has been a factor even in the slightest.
CB: Yeah that's one good thing about Johnny. He brings that same attitude every night and he did that all year. Makes it a little bit easier for him cause he doesn't really have to change anything going into the playoffs. He's playing so well and he doesn't get flustered, you know. He's been great.

SS: Has anyone else changed as a result of the situation? Is there anyone who's usually a jokester that you've found has stepped up and become more of a leader?
CB: I think there's a lot of leaders on our team, even if they don't wear a C or an A. If a team is to be successful, that's gotta be the case. I don't think anybody's changed that much but there definitely have been guys that have picked up their play, played better and accepted their roles, and that's a good thing.

SS: How has it been rooming with Kris Versteeg after the Calder nomination? Has he become a bit of a diva?
CB: No, not yet. But I'm gonna keep a close eye on that, that's for sure.

       

SS: Have you been keeping a close eye on the other series?
CB: Yeah we've been watching all the games and it's such an exciting time of year. We know a lot of guys on different teams and whatnot, so it's fun to watch.

SS: Any thoughts on the next round?
CB: Haha, we're just focused on this round.