2011 NHL Playoffs: 5 Potential Game 7 Heroes for the Chicago Blackhawks

Ben Smith was the Game 6 hero for the Chicago Blackhawks.  Who's turn is it in Game 7?

Smith's overtime goal evened up Chicago's Western Conference quarterfinal series with Vancouver.  The series, which concludes Tuesday night in Vancouver, has seen its share of big performances from a number of 'Hawks.

The Blackhawks received a piece of bad news Monday as it was announced that forward Bryan Bickell, who has four points in the series, underwent surgery to repair a lacerated tendon and will miss the next 6-8 weeks.

Bickell played three games after the injury, sustained in Game 2 in Vancouver, before having to go under the knife.  His absence will be one more hurdle for Chicago to clear if they wish to move on to the second round.

Who steps up and shoulders the load?

Chicago has had several players register big nights.  The man of the hour could be anyone Tuesday night. 

Here are five players who could find themselves the story of Game 7.

Jonathan Toews

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 24: Jonathan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks has words with Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 24, 201

The captain has three assists in the series and has been very busy on the defensive end with Ryan Kesler.  Still, Toews is a big-game performer and seems due for an offensive explosion.

Whether he comes up with a multi-goal night on his own or helps the first line light up the Canucks Tuesday, Toews may be primed for a memorable Game 7.

Troy Brouwer

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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

Brouwer has been dormant in the scoring department for weeks now and is pointless in the series.  He is also been playing with an injured shoulder that is likely hampering his game.

He has been active in front of the net and he has been physical on the ice.  With Bickell out, Brouwer may see time with Dave Bolland and Michael Frolik with more opportunities that he's seen on the fourth line.

Brouwer has the skill to get the puck in the net and he has been working hard against the Canucks. 

Game 7 may find him in the right place at the right time.

Tomas Kopecky

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CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 02: Tomas Kopecky #82 and Viktor Stalberg #25 of the Chicago Blackhawks await a face-off against the Calgary Flames at the United Center on March 2, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Blackhawks defeated the Flames 6-4. (Photo by Jonathan

Kopecky's return would be unexpected, but not completely out of the question.  He did travel with the team to Vancouver.  Could he be cleared to play?

His return would go a way in picking up the slack left by Bickell's departure, though I don't think he will replace Bickell in the lineup. 

Would getting Kopecky back provide the boost afforded Dave Bolland or Brent Seabrook when they returned to action?

Dave Bolland

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 19: Dave Bolland #36 of the Chicago Blackhawks prepares to shoot the puck for a goal in the 2nd period against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the U

Bolland's return to the lineup sparked the 'Hawks to get off the mat in Game 4. 

Who better to drive the final stake through the hearts of the Canucks?

The four-point game in his return from a concussion was a turning point in the series.  Bolland added a goal and an assist in Game 6 and has hindered the the top line of the Canucks.

Bolland has been a big difference maker against Vancouver.  Can he get a new linemate involved in the offense? 

Corey Crawford

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CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 24: Corey Crawford #50 of the Chicago Blackhawks makes a save against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on April 24, 2011 in Chicago,

Chicago's rookie in goal has stood tall in the last six games.  In a series marked by Vancouver making changes in goal throughout, Crawford has been a constant and has handled the playoff pressure well.

A hot goalie is often the difference in a playoff tilt.  Does Crawford have another shutout in him for Game 7?

As I said, anyone in the Blackhawks lineup could find themselves in the same situation Smith was Sunday night.  A fortunate rebound and a good look at the goal may result in some Game 7 heroics.

Who's your hunch to be that player?