Blackhawks vs Canucks: Keys To Game 5
CHICAGO (CBS) Despite still facing elimination in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there seems to be more optimism surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks going into Game 5 than there was before Game 4.
For the Blackhawks to steal another game from the Vancouver Canucks and bring the series back to Chicago, they'll have to build on some of the things they did on Tuesday night.
More Of The Same From The Rat
-Before Tuesday night, the last game Dave "The Rat" Bolland played was on March 9, when he suffered a concussion against the Tampa Bay Lighting. His long awaited return to the ice resulted in him scoring a goal and adding three assists. Bolland possess a unique combination of skill and grit, and he'll center the line taking on the Sedin twins all night. Another big night from Bolland could bring the Blackhawks back to Chicago for another game.
Get A Lead Early
-Getting off to a good start will be important for the Blackhawks. But for Chicago to give themselves the best chance to win, they'll need to give themselves an early two-goal lead. Because like they have in the past, and on Tuesday night, the Canucks start to play with less control and take penalties when they fall behind in a game.
Big Night From Crawford
-Blackhawks rookie goalie Corey Crawford has been great all season. He kept the Blackhawks in the playoff race for most of the season. Crawford will likely see an onslaught of shots early in the game as the Canucks will likely feed off their crowd. If Crawford can stand tall and keep the Canucks off the scoreboard early in the game, Vancouver could begin to force scoring chances which could lead to mistakes, and odd-man rushes for the Blackhawks.
