2012 NHL Playoffs: 5 Lineup Choices for the Chicago Blackhawks Playoff Survival

Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville needs a winning lineup, and he needs it right now.

The Blackhawks are in a fight for their playoff lives. With the Phoenix Coyotes one win from advancing in the team's opening-round series, the 'Hawks are playing to avoid another long summer vacation.

The Blackhawks limp into the desert having lost two overtime heartbreakers in the United Center. Andrew Shaw is still serving a suspension. Marian Hossa is not traveling to Phoenix. It's likely the team is keeping Corey Crawford away from sharp objects on the team flight.

Chicago has fought its way back into a playoff series in worse circumstances. The 'Hawks reeled off three straight wins a year ago, all in elimination games. They went from being down 3-0 to forcing overtime in Game 7 with Vancouver.

Hope still remains, although they are up against a team with a red-hot goalie. The Coyotes can afford to be patient. Chicago's first step back into the series is a win Saturday night.

Here are five lineup decisions that could be key to climbing back into contention, starting Saturday night in Phoenix.

1. Stick with Corey Crawford

Crawford is still the best option between the pipes.

Ray Emery has performed well against Phoenix despite two losses, but unless GM Stan Bowman is planning on shipping Crawford out of town and bringing in a new starter, Crawford is the best option.

He hasn't been as good as Mike Smith, granted. On the other hand, the other 'Hawks goalies won't fare any better in a head-to-head matchup with the Coyotes netminder.

I expound on this issue and the thought of Cater Hutton leap-froging Crawford and Emery here, if you want my thoughts on those prospects.

2. Sit Brandon Bollig

Bollig has had a better series than he could have ever dreamed about, starting from the fact that he was in it at all.

The guy has done his job, and he scored his first NHL goal to boot in Game 2. That said, if Joel Quenneville isn't confident enough in the hardscrabble forward to give him 10 minutes with the fourth line, he should watch this game from above.

3-4. Get Jamal Mayers and Brendan Morrison on the Ice

Morrison's goal in the third period was a result of a deflection off of Rostislav Klesla's stick, but I'd rather see the oft-scratched center out there than Bollig attempting to create more offensive pressure on Mike Smith.

Morrison was in for Jamal Mayers, who also needs to play on Saturday. Swap Mayers for Bollig and let the 'Hawks attempt to roll four lines.

5. Go with Sami Lepisto as the Sixth Defenseman

Quenneville has used this spot sparingly. He doesn't seem to want the last defenseman taking a regular shift.

Getting as much speed on the ice as possible could be a piece of the puzzle in getting back into the series. Lepisto's mobility could help in getting the puck out of the defensive zone. As long as the top pairing is going to play gargantuan minutes anyway, why not go with Lepisto?