Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Players to Watch in Game 4

The Chicago Blackhawks find themselves in a position to respond to a physical Game 3 defeat at the hands of the Minnesota Wild. Who can the 'Hawks expect to step up Tuesday night?

Chicago gets the chance to  take a 3-1 lead when the two teams resume their Western Conference quarterfinal series. The Hawks have had heroics from Bryan Bickell and Michael Frolik in Chicago's two wins.

Here are some players who might be a big factor in a Game 4 win at the Xcel Energy Center.

1. Brent Seabrook

Seabrook is pointless and a minus-one for the series heading into Tuesday's action. He has seemed a bit out of sorts quite often in the last three games. Who would be a better candidate for a big Game 4?

If the Wild opt to continue the banging style that brought them their first win of the playoffs, Seabrook needs to pick it up in that department. Making something happen on the power play wouldn't hurt. Let's see if he can change the game with a big shot from the blue line.

2. Brandon Saad

The Calder Trophy finalist has 11 shots but no goals in the series. Saad has worked hard so far but hasn't been rewarded with any points in the 2013 postseason.

Can Saad make adjustments to Minnesota's tactics in Game 4 and show us his extra gear on the ice? The first line has had its problems finding the back of the net. A big effort from the rookie could provide Marian Hossa and Jonathan Toews a kick in the pants.

3. Michal Handzus

From the time Handzus came aboard in a trade with San Jose to the end of the regular season, the 36-year-old center was playing 10-12 minutes on average. His ice time in this series has jumped significantly:

• Game 1, 20:35
• Game 2, 15:19
• Game 3, 15:58

Game 3 saw him win just over 30 percent of his faceoffs. Is he being worn down on the second line?

A bounce-back night at the dot could be a big factor in the 'Hawks taking control Tuesday. He could also be a factor in his absence if coach Joel Quenneville opts to insert new blood into the lineup.

Quenneville could dress Jamal Mayers Tuesday and use Marcus Kruger on the second line to shake things up. Handzus could also pick up a second wind. Either way, it could be a move to watch.

4. Patrick Kane

Kane has been finding teammates all series long. Maybe it's time he got on the score sheet with a goal.

With five assists in his pocket as Game 4 approaches, Kane has been a huge part of the 'Hawks offense. It isn't a stretch to believe that he will be in the mix as Chicago attempts to take a game in Minnesota.

5. Nick Leddy

Leddy has the ability to create some offense from the blue line. Tuesday could be the night that he is able to snake into the Wild zone and pressure Josh Harding.

Joel Quenneville didn't use Leddy as much in Game 3's physical atmosphere. However, Leddy is in his home state playing the team that traded him. That might count for something that adds up to his leading Chicago to a win.