2011 NHL Playoffs: 5 Who Might Decide Game 6 of the Chicago-Vancouver Series

Game 6 of the Western Conference quarterfinal series between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Vancouver Canucks commences at the United Center Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

Chicago is hoping to even a series they seemed completely out of one week ago.  The Canucks are still a win away from advancing to the second round, but two consecutive blowouts by the Blackhawks have snatched the series momentum and left Vancouver flailing for a rudder going into Chi-town.

Both teams are more than familiar with each other at this point.  At this point in the series, it may come down to decisions coaches Alain Vigneault and Joel Quenneville make about their lineups.

Here are five players who may factor in the outcome of Game 6.

Brent Seabrook

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: Brent Seabrook #7 of the Chicago Blackhawks controls the puck against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 17, 2011 in Ch

The hit Seabrook received in Game 3 from Vancouver's Raffi Torres has been cited at the catalyst of the Blackhawks resurgence in this series.  The perception is that the 'Hawks, incensed about the hit and the league's apathy in addressing it, have intensified their play.

Seabrook missed both Games 4 and 5, but is hopeful for Sunday night.

I think the choice for Quenneville is simple if Seabrook is symptom-free (wish they'd come out and say it was a concussion) and cleared to play in Game 6.  If he can get back one of his best defensemen back for a big game, Seabrook should skate.

Will the vendetta against Torres and the Canucks be more personal with Seabrook on the ice?  Is that a good thing for Chicago, or will it lead to the 'Hawks trying too hard to get even?

John Scott

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 21: Tanner Glass #15 of the Vancouver Canucks hits John Scott #32 of the Chicago Blackhawks along the side boards during the third period in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playof

Scott has been in the lineup for Seabrook in Games 4 and 5, both Chicago victories.

He skated at forward in the Game 3 loss.

If Seabrook returns, what's Quenneville's decision on Scott?

I believe the best course of action is to insert a healthy Seabrook for Scott and move on.  However, Quenneville obviously likes something about Scott in the lineup in this series. 

Will he sit one of his other defensemen in favor of the Murdersaurus?

Or, will he sit one of his forwards and get Scott on the ice that way?

The thought that Quenneville should not tinker with the lineup is valid.  However, how can he not use a healthy Seabrook?  And if he does, wouldn't sitting another player contradict that line of thinking?

It will be interesting how the 'Hawks coach decides to complete his lineup.

Roberto Luongo (and Cory Schneider)

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VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 21: Goalie Roberto Luongo #1 of the Vancouver Canucks watches the third period of Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Chicago Blackhawks from the bench with Alexandre Burrows #14 during the 2011 NHL Stan

Luongo has been at the center of the highs and lows experienced by the Canucks in this series.

He was rock solid in the first three games and has been pulled in each of the two Chicago victories.

Vigneault has insisted that Luongo starts Game 6.  How quick of a hook will the Cancuck's coach have for his goalie?

There are two schools of thought here.  On one hand, giving up on Luongo sends a devastating message to the rest of the team.  On the other, Cory Schneider has played well this season and in relief of Luongo in this series.  Would a change in goal put Vancouver over the top in the series?

Kevin Bieksa

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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

Bieksa has been at the heart of the Vancouver chippiness in the series.  He has not been afraid to run his mouth about the 'Hawks, nor has he shied away from contact before or after the whistle.

Can Bieksa get the 'Hawks distracted in Game 6 with his antics?  Will Chicago try to confront him early in the game?  Who plays the role of Sheriff for the 'Hawks, and how heavy will the retribution be?

How the 'Hawks choose to deal with Bieksa may have a huge effect on Sunday.

Raffi Torres

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 17: Raffi Torres #13 of the Vancouver Canucks follows his pass against the Chicago Blackhawks in Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 17, 2011 in Chic

Since his return from a regular season suspension in Game 3, Torres has been flying around the ice delivering hard hits and epitomizing the Canuck's physical strategy employed throughout the series.

Is it time to tone the act down a bit, or should he continue to try and antagonize the Blackhawks?

The Seabrook hit has been a rallying point for Chicago.  However, is Vancouver's best course of action to knock off the muggings and get back to controlling the puck, or are the Canucks better served trying to goad Chicago into dumb retaliatory penalties?

We'll see how Vigneault decides to play it against the Blackhawks Sunday night.