Chicago Blackhawks: Bryan Bickell's Big Chance in Minnesota May Be His Last

The Chicago Blackhawks are in Minneapolis preparing for a battle between the top two teams in the Western Conference. Among those hoping for a big game is forward Bryan Bickell, who makes his return to the lineup after sitting out the 'Hawks last five games.

Bickell is slated to start on the third line Wednesday night. After sending Ben Smith to Rockford, Chicago is handing Bickell the chance to get back to the hockey that made him a valuable member of last year's team.

He needs to take advantage, as it may be his last chance with the Blackhawks.

The Bickell we saw before his most recent benching was nothing resembling the player who scored 17 goals a year ago or made such an impact in the opening weeks of the season on the checking line. The 6'4" forward has not contributed a point since his Halloween goal against Nashville.

Bickell has not scored in his last 13 games on the ice. He has also been scratched in six additional games. Smith wasn't able to give coach Joel Quenneville what he wanted in his time with the club; Bickell is better equipped to provide the style of play Quenneville desires. He just hasn't been able to consistently deliver.

Unlike Troy Brouwer, who couldn't find a home on a line despite his physical style, Bickell has shown a real knack when grouped with Dave Bolland and Michael Frolik. Early in the season, Bickell was physical, got to loose pucks and turned such situations into scoring opportunities with some smart passes.

Bickell isn't a power forward in the purest sense. He's just not consistently aggressive enough for that role on one of the top lines. But that doesn't mean he can't be a solid contributor. He is capable in his own zone and can win board battles. His wrist shot, so prevalent last year, is a plus. That said, I don't think his strength lies in being a 20-goal type of scorer.

To flourish in the Blackhawks lineup, Bickell just needs to work hard for 15 to 20 minutes a night. He needs to make his presence felt along the boards and on defense. Another 17-goal season doesn't necessarily make him indispensable.

That means that while the occasional 20-foot wrist shot is nice, he needs to conduct business closer to the net. Bickell doesn't need to be a vigilante on the ice and look for people to hit (he is currently third on the team with 50 credited hits), but he does need to be consistently physical and in the middle of the action.

Right now, Bickell appears to have a window of opportunity to trot out the game that made him one of the more impressive rookies along with being a bargain salary-wise. The 'Hawks are going with 12 forwards for the time being. That should mean that Bickell is going to be able to respond to his time out of the lineup.

He'd better show his best side starting tonight since Bickell may be running out of rope.