NHL Playoffs: 5 Chicago Blackhawks Who Could Use the Rest Saturday

The Chicago Blackhawks have some decisions to make heading into the 2011-12 regular season finale in Detroit. Playoff position hangs in the balance for both teams, but that may not result in playoff intensity at Joe Louis Arena.

Nashville's win Thursday night, coupled by the Red Wings' loss to New Jersey and the 'Hawks' shootout defeat in Minnesota, gives the Predators the fourth seed and home ice in the first round. Detroit is a point ahead of Chicago for the fifth seed.

What it boils down to is this: If the Blackhawks beat Detroit in regulation, they leapfrog over their division rival. That means a first-round date with Barry Trotz and a team that has beaten them in four of the team's six meetings this year.

A loss or an overtime decision results in Chicago staying in the sixth spot and taking on whomever finishes atop the Pacific Division. Whether the 'Hawks would draw Los Angeles, San Jose or Phoenix may not be clear until late Saturday night.

Depending on travel and how the above teams match up, it may not be a surprise to see Red Wings' coach Mike Babcock and 'Hawks' coach Joel Quenneville holding some players out of Saturday afternoon's action.

Does either team really feel like this is a must-win game?

The Predators own the best head-to-head record in the Central Division and have home ice to boot. Both Detroit and Chicago have had their share of injuries late this season. Resting players on both sides would hardly be a stunning move.

Jesse Rogers of ESPNChicago.com tweeted Friday morning that Quenneville wanted to play everyone Saturday. Does that mean guys like Brendan Morrison, Dylan Olsen and Sami Lepisto will be on the ice?

Depending on what Quenneville opts to do in the last game before the playoffs, here are five Blackhawks who could use the rest.

1. Dave Bolland

Bolland was out Thursday night with an upper-body injury that isn't thought to be very serious. If you believe in MegaPlayoff Bolland, you are figuring that he will come out and be dominant in the first round regardless of if he plays Saturday or not.

Still, Bolland has played in 76 games this season, which for him is an incredibly healthy campaign. Morrsion played well in place of the Rat in Minnesota. Why not give him one last hurrah before he heads to the press box next week?

2. Patrick Kane

Kaner has been working hard at picking up the slack left by the injury of Jonathan Toews. He's made it a point to be a more physical player and held down the top center spot for most of the last two months.

That said, an extra couple of days rest could do wonders, especially with the prospect of several physical defenses as potential opponents.

3. Johnny Oduya

Oduya has been a stabilizing addition to the defense since his arrival February 27th. He also has been used in heavy minutes since coming to the 'Hawks.

Oduya has seen his ice time jump by four or five minutes a night in Chicago. It appears that that will remain the case in the playoffs. Quenneville wants to get Sami Lepisto some ice time Saturday anyway, so a day off may be in order for Oduya.

4. Brent Seabrook

Seabrook has been the pillar of the defense, especially when Duncan Keith served his five-game suspension. He also took a puck off the leg last Sunday while blocking a shot.

A lot was made out of Keith getting a chance to recharge while he was out of the lineup. Why not try and get some rest for his main man on the ice?

5. Jonathan Toews

Toews is with the team and has been practicing but is no sure thing for Saturday's finale.

If that's going to be the case, just let him sit and watch one more game.

If he had been ready a week or so ago, it might make sense to let him shake off some rust. At this point, give that brain the extra healing time and turn a healthy Toews loose in the playoffs.

Right now the jury is out on any or all of the Blackhawks skating Saturday afternoon. We'll just have to see how Quenneville decides to play his roster against the Red Wings.