2011 NHL Playoffs: Five Chicago Blackhawks Keys for Must-Win Game 3

The Chicago Blackhawks find themselves at a critical juncture in their Western Conference quarterfinal series with the Vancouver Canucks.

Vancouver is up 2-0 as the action shifts to Chicago on Sunday night.  It's said that a playoff series doesn't get started until someone loses a home game.  The Blackhawks have to hold serve, starting tonight.

Brian Bickell skated this morning after leaving Game 2 when he was slashed on the arm by a skate, but is sitting this one out in favor of John Scott.    Tomas Kopecky and Dave Bolland look to remain out of the lineup again. 

As usual, the 'Hawks need to keep things simple to pick up a win.  Here are the bare necessities for Game 3 in the United Center.

Draw First Blood

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates up the ice past Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks at the United Center on December 3, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Canucks defeated the Blackhawks 3-0. (Photo by Jonat

Coming up with the first goal is vital for Chicago, who have played from behind for much of the series.

In their six meetings with Vancouver this season, Chicago has scored first in two of them.  They won both of those games.

Vancouver played at a .837 after scoring first this season.  When behind after 20 minutes, they fall to a .394 pace.

No surprises to be found in these numbers.  The Blackhawks need to open strong and score first on home ice.

Play Their Game, Not the Canucks Game

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 15: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks and Marcus Kruger #16 of the Chicago Blackhawks collide during the third period in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 15

Again, the 'Hawks have played from behind.  They've also had to contend with a physical Canucks team that has forechecked aggressively and stayed back on defense.

Chicago needs to dictate the terms of the game Sunday.  They can't get caught up in trying to out hit the Canucks.  They're not built that way.

Playing smart and not responding after the whistle also helps Chicago control this game.

Find the Handle on the Power Play

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 13: Goalie Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks keeps an eye on the play while Troy Brouwer #22 of the Chicago Blackhawks and Christian Ehrhoff #5 of the Canucks battle for position during the third period in Game One of th

Chicago's power play, which was one of the league's best for much of the year, has been on the fritz.

The Blackhawks are 0-6 in power-play opportunities in the series.  The two times they held the man advantage Friday night were clumsy affairs with poor puck handling and few shots on goal.

The power play bailed the 'Hawks out of a lot of games when they weren't cutting it at full-strength this season.  The first unit looks tired, probably because they are right now.

Chicago could use a goal from one of their power play units Sunday.  Generating pressure and legitimate scoring opportunities would be a good start.

Take Care of the Puck in the Defensive Zone

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CHICAGO - MAY 03: Niklas Hjalmarsson #4 of the Chicago Blackhawks and Andrew Alberts #41 of the Vancouver Canucks battle for the puck in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at United Center on May 3, 2010

Thanks in part to having to play from behind, the Blackhawks defense has given up a lot of odd-man rushes at Corey Crawford.

Taking chances aside, the defensive crew hasn't taken very good care of the puck.

Niklas Hjalmarsson found it necessary to pass to a stick-less Brian Campbell on one possession, twice.

Duncan Keith and Brian Campbell have taken turns fumbling clearing attempts.  The turnovers in the 'Hawks zone have to stop for Chicago to win.

The Core Needs to Score

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - NOVEMBER 20: Brent Seabrook #7 of the Chicago Blackhawks celebrates with teammates Marian Hossa #81 and Patrick Sharp #10 after scoring against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period in NHL action on November 20, 2010 at Rogers

Whether the 'Hawks get it going on the power play or the top line figures out Roberto Luongo, the top players have to lead Chicago into battle Sunday night.

There is no rest for the wicked in the playoffs and the Blackhawks have ridden their core for big minutes this season.  A key in this series was for Chicago's top guys to help make up for Vancouver's depth advantage.

So far, that hasn't happened.

The home crowd might provide a boost early, and coach Joel Quennville will have the advantage of seeing who the Canucks send out on line changes to give his top line favorable match ups.

There is no better time for the stars to break out than at the United Center Sunday.  Another goal or two from role players like Viktor Stalberg or Ben Smith would be welcome.  However, Scott's insertion in the lineup further weakens the lower lines ability to mount any offense.

The players who are paid to be at their best come playoff time have to lead the way.