Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Players Who Need to Come Up Big on the Circus Trip

The Chicago Blackhawks get the on-ice portion of their six-game road trip underway Wednesday night in Vancouver. This year's circus trip may not have the urgency of a season ago due to a productive opening stretch.

Still, the 'Hawks want to keep the momentum going on the road. They also wouldn't mind evening the score against the Canucks, after a lopsided defeat 10 days hence.

For Chicago to get the most out of the next two weeks, there are a few players who will need to turn in big performances. Here are five guys who look to be keys to a successful trip.

Marcus Kruger

Kruger has been given the responsibility of centering the checking line in lieu of Dave Bolland.

The rookie Swede has skated with more confidence, as he begins to adjust to life in the NHL. Bolland is expected back in the lineup, maybe as soon as Wednesday night. If the 'Hawks are without Bolland's services during the trip, it will be up to Kruger to pick up the slack.

Steve Montador

Montador has won over a lot of fans in the past few games.

He's coming off a two-goal night against Edmonton, on Sunday. His insertion into the second power play unit has borne fruit so far.

Montador's success now carries with it greater responsibility.

Brent Seabrook will be out of the lineup, perhaps for a few games and possibly longer. With Nick Leddy and Niklas Hjalmarsson playing well together, Montador gets the job of pairing with Duncan Keith.

How Montador handles the extra minutes on the top pairing will factor into any success Chicago has on the road.

Bryan Bickell

Bickell has been pretty quiet on the ice the last two weeks. He is scoreless in his last six games, not including his healthy scratch a week ago in St. Louis.

Bickell has responded to being benched in the past. I'd rather not see him taking runs at opposing players and drawing penalties. At the same time, Bickell, along with Michael Frolik, has to start making things happen again when their out on the ice.

Whether it's with Bolland or Kruger, the third line regaining the swagger it showed early this season could lead to a big road trip.

Corey Crawford

Crawford hasn't played badly as of late, but he is just 2-2 in his last four contests.

In that stretch, he has a 3.75 goals against average and a .868 save percentage.

Wednesday night sounds like a great time for him to turn in his best effort of the young season, especially against the team that lit him up last Sunday. Cory Schneider opposes Crawford tonight. Let's see Crawford win a battle of young net minders, then give us three or four more solid starts on the road trip.

John Scott

That's right. I said it.

Joel Quenneville is sending Scott out against the Canucks whether we like it or not. For whatever reason, Scott is being used on a regular defensive shift.

If that's going to happen, Scott is going to have to play his butt off for the 'Hawks to continue their winning ways. That means squeezing all the possible skating ability out of his 6' 8" frame and being physical with anyone he can reach.

Which happens first, Scott collecting his first points of the season or his first scrap?

Sami Lepisto draws the assignment of teaming with the Murdersaurus Wednesday if indications are correct. That means it's a big night for him as well.