Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Keys to Staying Alive Against the Phoenix Coyotes

The Chicago Blackhawks have all the momentum heading into Game 6 against the Phoenix Coyotes.

That's not to say that the Hawks have been playing perfectly in the five prior games of this series. If anything, the Hawks have been very inconsistent and weak in many areas of their game.

Certain players have yet to make a mark on this series, while the Hawks' special teams are almost nonexistent.

For what it's worth, the Hawks need to improve their power play if they want to make it out of the first round.

These are the five keys to staying alive against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Power Play

The Blackhawks have only been able to score one power goal in five games against the Coyotes. 

Obviously this just isn't good enough if the Hawks want to move on to the next round. 

Power-play contributions from Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp would be much appreciated, as they only have one goal between the two of them on Coyotes goalie Mike Smith.

It's been said time and time again, all throughout the season, that the Blackhawks are too offensively talented of a team to be struggling this badly on the power play.

It will come down to putting pucks on net and hoping for a rebound or an "ugly" goal to somehow find its way into the back of the net.

Patrick Kane

Just when will Patrick Kane show up to help the Blackhawks win this series?

So far, Kane has registered only four assists in five playoff games—well below the point production that is expected of him.

Kane has also been very inconsistent in other parts of the game: faceoffs, board-battles and ability to puck-handle in his offensive zone.

It's time for Kane to pick up his game and help the Blackhawks take control.

Don't Let the Soft Ones in the Net

Corey Crawford has been great in net thus far—not including two really bad goals he let go in back-to-back overtimes.

If Crawford can keep the "easy" goals out of his net, then he could be the difference maker in this series.

It will also help with Crawford's confidence if he is able to keep out the soft goals and still make the hard saves.

Nonetheless, it will be imperative that he is able to do this in Game 6 and possibly Game 7.

Build off the Momentum

Every time the Blackhawks score in the final seconds to tie the game up, they do so in a flurry of relentless action. 

When overtime starts the Hawks come out sluggish and look to have lost the momentum gained from tying the game up late.

If the Hawks want to win Game 6, they have to build off the momentum when they score a goal—build off the good things and try to brush off the bad.

Play for Hossa

Marian Hossa may very well be out for the remainder of the playoffs. In any case, the Blackhawks should play in honor of him.

The phrase "win it for Hossa" has become very popular on Twitter and among Blackhawks fans.

It's time that the Hawks take Hossa into account and get revenge by beating the Coyotes in this series.

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