2011 NHL Playoffs: 5 Questions Facing Chicago Blackhawks Entering Game 5

The Chicago Blackhawks will once again take to the ice in Rogers Arena with a lot on the line.  The Blackhawks will be hoping to stave off elimination again Thursday evening in Game 5 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series with Vancouver.

A win Thursday not only keeps the 'Hawks alive, but it makes for an interesting trip back to Chicago for the Canucks.

The Hawks showed that they were capable of besting the Presidents' Trophy winners in their 7-2 romp at the United Center Tuesday in Game 4.  The difference between that game being a memorable last stand for the Chicago faithful and the first step toward evening the series lies in how the Blackhawks perform Thursday night.

As we in the Midwest wait for that late west coast start to Game 5, here are five questions the 'Hawks must answer if they want to bring the series back to the Windy City.

Does Dave Bolland Do It Again?

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 19: Dave Bolland #36 of the Chicago Blackhawks salutes the crowd after being named 'star of the game' following a win over the Vancouver Canucks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playo

Bolland returned from his concussion Tuesday night and immediately switched it into playoff mode, turning in a four-point night, including a goal.  He also kept the Canucks top line on mute for much of Game 4.

From that performance springs a simple question: Can he do it again?

Bolland in the lineup will help the 'Hawks defensive effort immensely.  If he can tally a point or two as well as hold the Sedin brothers in check, it's hard to think that Chicago won't be in the thick of this contest.

Will Brent Seabrook Return for Game 5?

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: Brent Seabrook #7 of the Chicago Blackhawks hits Raffi Torres #13 of the Vancouver Canucks in the chest with his stick after Torres took him down in the 2nd period in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 20

Seabrook, who was flattened behind the Chicago goal by Raffi Torres in the second period of Game 3, sat out Tuesday night's victory with an upper-body injury.

Despite coach Joel Quenneville's contention that replacement John Scott played meaningful minutes (by "minutes," I guess that means more than one),  the Blackhawks are a much better defensive unit with Seabrook patrolling the blue line.

Seabrook traveled to Vancouver with the team, who have not confirmed the thinking that the defenseman suffered a concussion on the hit.  His availability for Game 5 is up in the air as of Thursday morning.

By tonight, we'll see if Seabrook is able to take the ice.  From there, it's a matter of how effective he can be.

UPDATE, 3:00 p.m. CST: This question has been answered, and the answer is "no."  Quenneville ruled Seabrook out for Thursday night.  His spot will be filled once again by Scott.

WIll Quenneville Stick with the Forward Lines?

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 19: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucksis chased by Ryan Johnson #17 and Marcus Kruger #16 of the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Cente

Quenneville created three potential scoring lines for Game 4 by finally moving Patrick Sharp down to center the second line.  This gave Chicago the following combinations:

Viktor Stalberg-Jonathan Towes-Patrick Kane

Ben Smith-Sharp-Marian Hossa

Bryan Bickell-Bolland-Michael Frolik

Troy Brouwer-Marcus Kruger-Ryan Johnson

The additions of Sharp and Bolland strengthened the 'Hawks up the middle and help narrow the gap in depth between Chicago and the Canucks.

It would seem like Quenneville would stick with what worked in Game 4 from an offensive standpoint.

Will the 'Hawks Get into a Slugfest?

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 19: Viktor Stalberg #25 of the Chicago Blackhawks fights with Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Vancouver Canucks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 19, 2011

The 'Hawks were able to play an aggressive, fast brand of hockey Tuesday night for the first 40 minutes.  The third period was a chippy affair that saw 90 minutes of penalty minutes assessed.

If Chicago can execute hard checking and aggressive play within the pace of the game, their chances of a Game 6 are good.

If the Blackhawks go looking for trouble and stand around slugging with the Canucks, don't expect both teams to return to Chicago.

The 'Hawks have to focus on getting quality shots on goal and make Vancouver worry about what we're doing.  They can be physical, but they also need discipline to stay in the series.

Can Chicago Summon Another 60-Minute Performance?

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 19: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks is congratulated by Marian Hossa #81 and Nick Leddy #8 after a win over the Vancouver Canucks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff

Tuesday's Game 4 triumph saw the 'Hawks muster up a series-saving performance in the Madhouse on Madison. 

Will they be able to equal that all-around intensity in front of a full house of Canucks fans?

The book on the Blackhawks throughout the 2010-11 campaign has been that they have been up and down all season long.  Is there another performance like Game 4 in the tank?  If so, will Chicago be able to call it up on the road?

The Blackhawks' tenuous position in this series depends on the way Chicago answers these questions.