Red Wings vs. Blackhawks Game 7: Players Under Most Pressure in Deciding Game

The final game in any seven-game series is certain to be filled with a lot of pressure, but some players have more at stake than others.

In the conference semifinals, the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks will meet one last time this season in a matchup of two of the most historic squads in the sport. However, only one of the talented clubs will be able to move on to face Jonathan Quick and the Los Angeles Kings.

Every player should be expected to bring their best effort, although these stars are under the most pressure on Wednesday night.

Corey Crawford, G, Chicago Blackhawks

During the year, Corey Crawford did his best to become one of the best goalies in the sport. He finished tied for second in the league with a goals against average of 1.94 and had a solid save percentage of .926.

However, it takes more than just statistics to become the best. It also takes clutch performances with the ability to come through when the team needs you most.

Crawford last competed in a Game 7 in 2011, when he faced the Vancouver Canucks and lost 2-1 in overtime. This was a strong performance, but it was clearly not enough.

The Blackhawks goalie must do everything in his power to keep the Red Wings off the scoreboard to help his team advance. 

Additionally, ESPN's Craig Custance believes he can earn himself a spot on the Olympic roster if he plays well, just to put a little more pressure on the matchup.

Henrik Zetterberg, C, Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings captain has been quite impressive this postseason, giving his team production at the biggest points of the year. He currently leads the squad with 11 playoff points.

To make this even more impressive, Henrik Zetterberg had three goals and five assists in the final three games against the Anaheim Ducks in the last series.

The problem is that he has struggled a bit against the Chicago defense. He does have three assists, but he is yet to score himself. This will not be enough to help Detroit complete the upset.

Zetterberg must live up to the level of production he showed he was capable of providing in the first round and many times in the past. This not only includes making good passes, but also getting the puck to the back of the net.

Otherwise, the Red Wings will have a tough time winning this decisive game.

Jonathan Toews, C, Chicago Blackhawks

After being one of Chicago's most productive offensive players throughout the regular season, Jonathan Toews has been nearly invisible in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

It took 10 games for the center to get his first goal of the postseason, and he only has five assists throughout the playoffs. This is simply unacceptable if the Blackhawks are looking to make a run at a title.

Toews finished the season with an impressive 48 points as he displayed an ability to be a catalyst for one of the best offenses in the league. While players like Patrick Sharp have stepped up in the playoffs, the Blackhawks need more production out of guys like Toews and Patrick Kane.

With three points in the last two games, it appears that he is ready to take over and lead his team to victory. 

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