NHL Playoffs 2012: Coyotes vs. Blackhawks, 6 Players to Watch in Game 2

Game 2 between the Phoenix Coyotes and Chicago Blackhawks is sure to be one that offers more physicality, more gritty play and more spectacular goaltending saves.

Certain players will have to stand up, if they want their team to take Game 2.

Jonathan Toews of the Blackhawks must lead his team to victory, while Ray Whitney will try to do the same for the Coyotes.

The Blackhawks need to take a win on the road, and the Coyotes will look to seal the deal before they head to the United Center.

These are six players to watch in Game 2.

Coyote Ray Whitney

Ray Whitney, who led the Coyotes in scoring during the regular season, will have to get things going in Game 2.

Registering no points in the series' first game, Whitney will have to bring up his production, if the Coyotes want to win Game 2.

Look for Whitney to get some high-percentage scoring opportunities tonight and possibly a couple points.

Blackhawk Jonathan Toews

Blackhawks' captain Jonathan Toews showed incredible leadership and determination in his return in Game 1.

Toews was able to register a goal and an assist in Thursday night's loss to the Coyotes.

"Captain Serious" is always a player to watch when the Blackhawks take the ice, and tonight is no exception. 

Expect Toews to be even better in Game 2 as he looks to improve upon his play and lead the Blackhawks to a series win against the Coyotes.

Coyote Martin Hanzal

Hero of the series' first game, Martin Hanzal will look to shine in Game 2, when he hits the ice tonight.

Hanzal was able to put home the overtime-winning goal against the Blackhawks and give the Coyotes a 1-0 series lead.

The centerman will look to continue his stellar play against the Blackhawks, while continuing to be a pest in front of Corey Crawford.

Blackhawk Corey Crawford

Goaltender Corey Crawford played well in Game 1 for the Blackhawks.

While he didn't get the win, he played the way Blackhawks' fans expect him to in the playoffs. He played with adrenaline and was able to make a few spectacular saves when his team needed it the most.

Crawford will have to play well again to give the Hawks a chance in Game 2.

Patrick Kane

The time is now for forward Patrick Kane to shine and show why he is a number one overall draft pick.

Kane is used to racking up points during the regular season and the Blackhawks will need him to be on his game if they want to come away with a win tonight.

Look for Kane to pick up at least a couple points and hopefully jump-start a slumping Blackhawks' power play.

Coyote Mike Smith

Goaltender Mike Smith was spectacular for the Coyotes in Game 1 against the Blackhawks.

He made 43 saves on 45 shots, which gave him the first star of the game after the Yotes won the game in overtime. 

Smith was the main reason why the Coyotes were able to stay in the game, making save after save against the high-flying Blackhawks.

Look for Smith to be solid in net once again, stopping all the shots he can see and even the one's where his visibility is blocked. 

(Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist James Maahs on Twitter @Blackhawks_JM.)