2012 NHL Playoffs: 5 Chicago Blackhawks Who Have to Come Up Big in Game 2

The Chicago Blackhawks trail Phoenix 1-0 in their first-round playoff series. The action resumes at Jobing.com Arena Saturday night when the 'Hawks attempt to even up the series before returning to the Windy City.

The 'Hawks got quality play out of the returning Jonathan Toews, Corey Crawford, Brent Seabrook and Andrew Shaw among others. However, to nab a game on the road in Game 2, some additional players will have to shine as well.

Here are five names to watch as Chicago takes on the Coyotes Saturday.

1. Marian Hossa

Hossa was a plus-two Thursday night and showed a flash or two of the dominance he can have with the puck on his stick. However, he had his share of trouble handling the puck at times in Game 1.

Hossa needs to come out in Game 2 with that trademark confidence in his ability to retain possession of the puck. Phoenix fans need to hear his name all night, and not because he's being sent to the penalty box.

2. Patrick Sharp

Sharpie was another top-tier Blackhawk who seemed just a tad off his game in the opening game.

The second line, which has been a potent combination of late, didn't produce goals. A tally from Sharp, Marcus Kruger and Viktor Stalberg would help the cause in Game 2. In fact...

...Sharp and Hossa may both get a charge from flipping lines. Ironically, coach Joel Quenneville, he of the Random Line Generator, stayed with his lines for the full game in Game 1.

Could moving Sharp up with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews and letting Hossa play with the Swedes spell victory Saturday night?

3. Niklas Hjalmarsson

Hjalmarsson was one of four 'Hawks (Kruger, Stalberg and Sean O'Donnell being the others) who posted minus-two ratings for Game 1.

Phoenix's first goal can be hung on the big defenseman, who failed on several clearing attempts on a long Coyotes stretch in the Chicago zone, then knocked away the puck as Crawford was about to get a stoppage.

Sounder play in his own zone could easily make Hjalmarsson a big part of a Game 2 win.

4. Johnny Oduya

For perhaps the first time in his short tenure with the 'Hawks, Oduya was prone to inconsistent play. His turnover late in the first period did not result in a goal, but only because of a huge save by Crawford.

Oduya was even for the game, but seemed a bit rattled by the Coyotes' forecheck and only registered one shot in Game 1. Look for the veteran to rebound Saturday.

5. Andrew Shaw

Yes, Shaw had a big game Thursday, logging four hits, three shots and a takeaway on the way to a plus-one rating in over 20 minutes of action. However, Shaw is going to factor heavily in Game 2 by how he performs.

If he can remain on the edge of control, he is as valuable an asset as Chicago has right now. Crossing the line could sour things real quick.

I guarantee that Phoenix will test the rookie tonight in hopes of goading him into a penalty after the whistle Saturday. Shaw's retaliatory trip late in the third period went uncalled, allowing the 'Hawks to tie the game via Seabrook's heroics.

Shaw must avoid cheap infractions and senseless scraps, as they will hurt Chicago big-time in the desert.