2011 NHL Playoffs: 20 Questions for the Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks needed some help, but they are in the playoffs for the third consecutive season.

How long they remain there, however, is up for discussion.

There's nothing like backing into the final spot five hours after you've lost your last regular-season game to raise questions about your team.  Here are more than a few concerning the Blackhawks.

1. This team hasn't been consistent all season.  Why would they start now?

Aside from an eight-game win streak that saw the 'Hawks climb into contention by early March, this team has been maddeningly unpredictable.  For every triumph over San Jose or the Wings, there are disappointments against Edmonton and Columbus.

I've heard a lot of fans insist that no team can beat us in a seven-game series.  When have we been able to sustain a high level of play this season?  Chicago needs to show consistency throughout the playoffs.

2-3.  Is Dave Bolland ready to come back?  How much of a difference would his return make?

Bolland hasn't played in over a month, and he doesn't tend to come out smoking when he returns from injury.  Assuming he appears in this series (which is nowhere close to a guarantee at this point), will he be able to bring enough to the table after the layoff?

4.  Will we see Troy Brouwer back in the playoffs?

Brouwer is said to be "day-to-day" with a shoulder injury that may or may not require surgery after the season.  Is it a pipe dream to think he will see action against the Canucks?

Brouwer has been quiet in the scoring department, but the fact remains that he is one of our more physical forwards, and missing him isn't going to make things any easier.

5-6.  Will Marcus Kruger appear in the lineup?  Is Ben Smith the Bryan Bickell of this year's playoffs?

Kruger, who GM Stan Bowman insisted was not a replacement for the injured Patrick Sharp, has not played in the three games since Sharp came back.  Smith, a standout at Boston College last season, was a call up from Rockford after Brouwer went down.  He has scored a goal and seems to have coach Joel Quenneville's confidence, something Kruger apparently does not have at this point.

7.  Who else will we see called up from Rockford?

The Ice Hogs finished strong, despite not reaching the AHL playoffs this season, going 15-3 in their last 18 games.  The 'Hawks will most likely call up some players for the playoff run.

Look for forwards Jeff Taffe and Rob Klinkhammer and defensemen Garnet Exelby and Jassen Cullimore to be among the names added to the playoff roster.

8-9.  Does Quenneville tinker with the lines?  Will we see Toews with Kane and Sharp again?

If you've followed this team, you know the answer is probably "yes."  Coach Q separated Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane upon Sharp's return, but you can expect him to juggle lineups from game to game and even mid-game.

Toews, Sharp and Kane were as hot as any line in the NHL for a time this season.  Does Quenneville reunite them?

10-11.  Who has been the biggest midseason pickup?  Were they enough? 

Michael Frolik has proved to be the team's best option, minus Bolland, at second-line center.  Ryan Johnson has provided leadership and face-off prowess.  Chris Campoli helped solidify the defense and recorded a couple of big goals.

The 'Hawks lacked a play-making center was a defenseman short for big stretches of this season.  Did Bowman sufficiently address these needs?

12.  How does Corey Crawford handle handle playoff pressure?

If this last six weeks is an indication, Crawford should be up for the challenge.  He has started the last 27 games for this club and is a huge reason that the 'Hawks are around to take on Vancouver.  Just don't expect things to get any easier on the rookie.

13.  Was Vancouver the best first-round opponent for the Blackhawks?

The Canucks were far and away the NHL's best this season, although the 'Hawks split the four meetings this season.  Chicago didn't really give themselves much of a choice.  A win Sunday would have earned them a date with Anaheim.  Would that really have been an easier series?

14.  Who shuts down the Canucks' big scorers?

If Toews has to be our shut-down center, Vancouver is at a huge advantage because they have scoring depth on us this season.  Bolland returning and being effective may be the key to the series. 

15-16.  Will the third line step up?  How about the fourth line?

Injuries—and the resulting line shuffling—has taken its toll on the bottom six forwards.  Will Quenneville form a true checking line out of what he has?  Would he take a chance on a late call up? 

17.  Who steps up in the scoring department?

Sharp, Toews and Kane need some help.  Who is it going to be?  Bickell?  Frolik?  Viktor Stalberg?  Tomas Kopecky?  If the 'Hawks want to advance, someone has to chip in every night. 

18.  Can Marian Hossa carry this team against Vancouver?

I think Hossa could be the X-Factor in this series with the Canucks.  He's probably as healthy as he is likely to be as Chicago hits the playoffs.  Can he play big enough to negate at least some of the 'Hawks lack of depth?

19.  Is Duncan Keith primed for a playoff renaissance?

A big effort in the playoffs could go a long way toward washing out the taste of a frustrating season.

20.  Can the Blackhawks get to the second round?

Once the playoffs begin, anything is possible.  The Canucks remember their playoff setbacks at the hands of the Blackhawks the last two seasons.  Vancouver is a different team, as are the Blackhawks. Defeating the Canucks will take a performance that we have not seen this season.

On the other hand,  the 'Hawks are defending the Cup.  They are a defending champion that was fortunate just to make the playoffs against the team that has been the story of the NHL season.  That, along with their past history with the Canucks, may allow them to play loose and pick up a second wind for the playoffs.

Will that be enough?