2012 NHL Playoffs: 5 Chicago Blackhawks with Something to Prove in Game 6

The Chicago Blackhawks have some players in need of a breakout performance in their first-round series with the Phoenix Coyotes.

Chicago trails the series 3-2, but have Game 6 in the United Center Monday night. A win evens up the series and forces a Game 7 elimination in Phoenix on Wednesday.

Jonathan Toews was the hero Saturday with his overtime goal. Nick Leddy shook off a poor performance in Game 4 to tie Game 5 midway through the final period.

In order for the Blackhawks to force Game 7, they must win Monday.

A Game 6 victory could very well hinge on the following players.

1. Patrick Sharp

Sharp's scoring is limited to the tip in of Brent Seabrook's shot that tied Game 2 in the final seconds, allowing the 'Hawks to win that game in overtime.

With Marian Hossa out indefinitely, Chicago is looking for the veteran sniper to make more of an impact on the scoreboard. Sharp's shots were way down in the last two games of the series.

Another big goal or two from Sharp could keep Chicago off the golf course for a few more weeks.

2. Andrew Shaw

Shaw will be back in the lineup Monday after missing three games for running into goalie Mike Smith behind the Phoenix net in Game 2.

There's little doubt that Shaw will attempt to make his presence known in Game 6. Smith now has one more thing to worry about in regards to traffic in front of the net.

For his limited offensive skills, Shaw has shown a real knack for getting the puck in the net. Smith left several rebounds in Game 5 that weren't capitalized on. Shaw makes his living getting to those pucks.

Will his return energize the 'Hawks and push them to send the series back to Phoenix?

3. Viktor Stalberg

Stalberg's Game 5 consisted of four penalties, accounting for all of Chicago's infractions for the contest. Things turned around in overtime when he assisted Jonathan Toews for the game-winner.

Stalberg's speed has created problems for the Coyotes, but so far it hasn't resulted in any goals for the Speedy Swede.

However, Stalberg has two assists in the series, both coming on goals that won games for the 'Hawks.

Stalberg needs to be on the move and out of the box. Another must-win game would be a great time for him to break through with his first goal of the series.

4. Johnny Oduya

For as well as Oduya looked in helping the 'Hawks down the stretch, he's been truly shaky at times in this series.

Phoenix is forcing Oduya to make faster decisions with the puck, and it has led to mistakes. Shane Doan picking of Oduya's pocket resulted in a goal in Game 4, and several other giveaways have led to Coyotes scoring chances.

On the other hand, Oduya does have three assists versus Phoenix—tied for third on the 'Hawks in playoff scoring.

Game 6 would be a opportune time to log an assist and 22 minutes of mistake-free play.

5. Corey Crawford

Sure, Crawford stopped 18 of 19 shots in Game 5. That said, the 'Hawks need a huge game out of him Monday night.

That will continue to be the case as long as Mike Smith continues to stymie Chicago. Crawford has faced the pressure of five consecutive overtime games over the last 12 days.

All signs point to another nail-biter in Game 6.

Would anyone really be surprised to see regulation not being enough time to decide another game?

There's no rest for the weary in the playoffs.