NHL Playoffs 2011: 5 Reminders for Chicago Blackhawks As They Try To Get Even

The Chicago Blackhawks get a chance to even things up in their Western Conference quarterfinal series with the Vancouver Canucks on Friday.  The Blackhawks were on the short end of a 2-0 decision in the series opener, which was memorable for the intensity shown by the Canucks to start the contest.

The 'Hawks have been in this position before.  In fact, in each of the past two seasons, Vancouver has taken an early series lead.  Last year's 5-1 win at the United Center didn't keep Chicago from winning the next three games of the series.  Can this year's team recover in the same fashion?

Here are five ways the Hawks can respond to Vancouver and come back to Chicago even in the best-of-seven series.

Match Vancouver's Intensity from the Start

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 13: Dan Hamhuis #2 of the Vancouver Canucks gets his stick high on Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks while battling for the loose puck during the third period in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during

The first period was the difference in game one, with the Canucks physically dominating the Blackhawks.  Coming out ready for whatever Vancouver dishes from the opening puck drop is vital to being in a position to win Friday night.

Once Chicago survived the Vancouver opening rush, it played a pretty even game.  Turning the tables on the Canucks and taking an early lead (the Canucks have not played well from behind this season) would be big.

Stay Disciplined and out of the Box

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 13: Sami Salo #6 of the Vancouver Canucks checks Viktor Stalberg #25 of the Chicago Blackhawks along the side boards during the second period in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Pla

Despite the hard-hitting style Vancouver employed, the 'Hawks avoided ill-advised retaliatory penalties and were able to settle in later in the game.  That needs to continue in Game 2.

The less time we spend short-handed against the Canucks' top-rated power play unit, the better.

Create Traffic

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 13: Troy Brouwer #22 of the Chicago Blackhawks tries to deflect the puck past goalie Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks during the second period in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stan

This isn't new to the Blackhawks' game plan.

What makes it more difficult to implement is the fact that Tomas Kopecky is doubtful for Friday due to an head injury suffered in the first period Wednesday.

Troy Brouwer and Brian Bickell have to stay in front of the net and make things tough for Roberto Luongo.  Will another player find his way to Luongo's doorstep in place of Kopecky?

Keep the Clamps on the Canucks' Top Line (and Give Ours Some Help)

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 13: Alexandre Burrows #14 of the Vancouver Canucks tries to stop Marian Hossa #81of the Chicago Blackhawks from getting to the front of the net during the third period in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during th

Chicago kept Vancouver's high-powered top line out of the net in the opener, something that will prove to be a challenge throughout the series.

Coach Joel Quenneville reunited Patrick Kane with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp during Wednesday night's defeat.  The shift makes Chicago more of a one-line team, but it also created scoring chances we didn't see earlier in that first game.

If Quenneville has to go with that lineup, scoring chances need to be converted.  A goal from the bottom three lines would be welcome, too.

Don't Panic: It's Just 1 Game

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 13: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks tries to get to the front of the net while being defended by Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks during the first period in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals du

Wednesday night's game saw the Blackhawks beaten by a pumped-up Vancouver team eager to establish the tone of the series.  The Canucks won Game 1.

So far, that's all they have won.

The series is not over.  There is no need for Quenneville or the rest of the 'Hawks to lose composure and take desperate chances.  There's definitely a sense of urgency to match what Vancouver has brought to the table from an intensity standpoint.

However, what's done is done.  There is a new game to focus on Friday night.

Chicago has been able to answer the Canucks in the last two Stanley Cup Playoffs.  The 'Hawks don't need to hit the panic button just yet.