2012 NHL Playoffs: Chicago Blackhawks Need to Hold Serve on Home Ice in Game 3

The Chicago Blackhawks have two games in the United Center to grab control of their Western Conference quarterfinal with the Phoenix Coyotes. With a 4-3 overtime triumph in Game 2 in Phoenix, the Blackhawks evened the series at a game apiece. Holding serve at the United Center swing the scales squarely in favor of the 'Hawks.

After two games in the desert, there are several story lines that are prevalent as the action moves to the Windy City. The hot topic is the unresolved case involving 'Hawks forward Andrew Shaw.

What is the status of Mike Smith? How about Shaw?

Sometime today, the league will announce a ruling on Shaw's collision with the Coyotes' goalie. Shaw received a five-minute major and game misconduct, missing most of the last two periods. Smith finished the game, but was held out of Phoenix's Monday practice, according to ESPNChicago.com. 

Phoenix coach Dave Tippett insists that his goalie is fine. On the other hand, the league may be waiting to impose further discipline on Shaw if Smith is unable to play. If the Coyotes hold him out of Game 3, it won't be a bluff. Smith is way more valuable to them than Shaw is to the 'Hawks effort.

How will Chicago's lines look in Game 3?

In practice Monday, Patrick Kane centered Marian Hossa and Andrew Brunette, while Jonathan Toews was with Patrick Sharp and Viktor Stalberg. Marcus Kruger moved down the fourth line.

The only line that remained intact was Dave Bolland's line with Game 2 hero Brian Bickell and Shaw. That could change with a decision from the league later Tuesday.

Can the 'Hawks build on an early advantage in the United Center?

Chicago has drawn first blood in each of the first two games, only to see the Coyotes gain a lead and holding it deep into the third period. It has taken goals in the final seconds of each game to force overtime.

Will the Blackhawks have to pull Corey Crawford from the crease in order to send another game into extra time, or can they strike early and build a lead to take into the late stages of the game?

Who steps up for Chicago?

Stalberg could be a good bet to break out with a goal or two in Game 3. His steal and pass to Bickell set up the game-winner Saturday night, plus he could have Toews dishing him the puck.

Stalberg scored 21 goals in the regular season. His speed created some scoring opportunities in Phoenix. Could Tuesday be a big night for the speedy Swede?

Will we see Brandon Saad in the lineup?

The question can be asked because Saad, along with five players from Rockford, were recalled Monday after the AHL regular season and Saad's OHL playoff run ended.

Saad made the 'Hawks out of camp and played two games before being sent down to his junior team in Saginaw, where he was a dominant player. Could coach Joel Quenneville be contemplating inserting Saad into the lineup?

Shaw's status could play a part in any potential decisions, of course. However, it would be hard to believe that the 'Hawks would toss Saad into the mix in the middle of a tough playoff series. If Shaw is ruled out for Game 3, Michael Frolik seems to be a logical choice to skate with Bolland and Bickell on the checking line.

Still, you never know. Who would have thought Brandon Bollig would have a playoff goal before Kane and Hossa?

Will any answers be revealed at the morning skate?

We should get the chance to find out, as the 'Hawks are streaming their morning skate at 10:30 a.m. central time on the Blackhawks' team website.

Will Game 3 turn up the physical play for both sides?

The first two games have featured Phoenix laying the body on the Blackhawks. Shaw's hit on Radim Vrbata, along with the above issues with Smith, probably means that Coyotes won't hesitate to finish a check on the rookie forward.

Will the intensity spill over after the whistle in Game 3? It could be likely that tempers will be shorter.

Will the 'Hawks be able to play their game at home?

Chicago will try to push the tempo and get out to a lead, but Phoenix has played well on the road this year. Without the emotion of a home crowd, the Coyotes could actually employ more patience in this game than they did in the first two games.

Look for several of these story lines to play out tonight starting at 8:00 p.m.