NHL Playoffs 2012: Where Does Andrew Shaw Fit into Chicago Blackhawks' Lines?

Chicago Blackhawks rookie Andrew Shaw will be returning from suspension Monday night's Game 6. For coach Joel Quenneville, it isn't as simple as inserting the scrappy forward into his previous place in Chicago's lineup.

Shaw watched his team defeat Phoenix Saturday in Game 5 of their Western Conference quarterfinal. It took a fifth consecutive overtime finish, but the 'Hawks forced a Game 6 at the United Center.

Now Shaw, who sat out the previous three games with a league-imposed suspension, is surely raring to get back into the fray. Just where does Shaw fit into Chicago's plans as they fight to extend the series to a seventh game?

The simple answer is that Quenneville should put Shaw right back where he last patrolled the ice. That would be on the checking line with Dave Bolland and Bryan Bickell.

Hold on a minute.

Starting in Game 3, Shaw's first game out after running into Phoenix goalie Mike Smith, Michael Frolik was inserted into the lineup. All Frolik has done is score a pair of goals and arguably been the 'Hawks most valuable forward in the last three games.

He has fit very well onto the third line and is playing well on both ends of the ice. Shaw is better suited in a fourth-line role than Frolik. Does Quenneville take that into consideration for Game 6?

I'm not suggesting that Shaw watch another game from the team box. His presence was missed in two losses in Chicago. However, leaving Frolik where he is allows the 'Hawks to employ the strategy that worked so well in Game 5. Namely, rolling four lines against the Coyotes.

Every Blackhawks forward skated at least ten minutes Saturday night. As a result, Chicago turned in what may have been their most consistent 60...er, 62 minutes of the series.

I would remove Jimmy Hayes from the lineup, reinsert Shaw on the fourth line and look for 12-15 minutes of electrical grit. Frolik is comfortable with his current linemates and Shaw can skate with Marcus Kruger and Brendan Morrison or any other combination of players.

The 'Hawks need to keep Brandon Bollig out of the lineup, if only so Chicago can skate with a full contingent of forwards. Shaw will pick up some extra shifts and see some action on special teams. I mean, who doesn't want to see Shaw pestering Smith in front of the net?

Shaw in the lineup is a given at this point because of the unique skill set he brings to the 'Hawks. What isn't set in stone is where the young man will line up Monday night.