3 Adjustments Chicago Blackhawks Must Make to Continue Stanley Cup Playoff Run

Finally the Chicago Blackhawks have done it—they have advanced past the first round of the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2010. 

But the Hawks aren't playing at their highest level just yet.

Coach Joel Quenneville told Brian Hedger of NHL.com after Thursday's game:

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"I still think we have to be better. I'm not doing cartwheels the last two games.I still think there's another level [we've got] get to, to be more consistent in our game."

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Here are three adjustments the Hawks must make to extend their playoff run.

3. Cut Down on the Penalties

The Blackhawks have not allowed a single power-play goal in the playoffs thus far. That's impressive, considering the Hawks took 17 penalties during the five-game series. 

But the Hawks need to stop taking so many penalties. With the Detroit Red Wings coming to Chicago for the second round, the Blackhawks can't afford to be on the penalty kill so often.

Excessive penalty-killing tires out the defenseman, puts pressure on the goaltender and forces the Hawks to stay in the defensive zone for an extended period of time.

Plus, the Red Wings have a 24-percent power-play conversion rate.

Let's remember that the Hawks can't continue to be perfect on the penalty kill when facing teams with effective power plays—even when they have a great PK unit.

2. Get the Power Play Rolling

The power play has been a struggle for Blackhawks for the majority of the season.

With a 15.4-percent conversion rate—that's including one goal scored on a 5-on-3 power play—the Hawks continue to fall short with a man advantage.

The Blackhawks need to convert more on the power play as they face tighter games. 

Power-play goals can be the difference in winning a series or being eliminated from the playoffs.

Hopefully the Blackhawks' power play improves as the playoffs continue.

1. Jonathan Toews Needs to Step Up

I never thought I'd be writing about Jonathan Toews needing to improve his performance in the playoffs.

After tallying 48 points in 47 games played in the regular season, no one questioned Toews' dominance.

In five games in the playoffs, however, Toews has only two assists.

Where has the captain's production gone?

Perhaps his scoring isn't necessary because of the Hawks' deep team—players like Patrick Sharp have helped the Hawks' offense immensely.

But if the Blackhawks wish to extend their playoff run, Toews needs to be a bigger offensive threat.