Chicago Blackhawks Have Sights Set On Upseting Canucks

The Chicago Blackhawks have done something that they haven't done in over a decade—win a playoff series, as they disposed of the injury-decimated Calgary Flames. Now, the 'Hawks shift their focus to the No. 3 seed Vancouver Canucks.

The Blackhawks and the Canucks split the season series 2-2, both teams having home and road victories. There is also quite a bit of bad blood steaming back to the series finale on March 29 at the United Center. The Canucks won that game 4-0 but there were several brawls, including a major fight between Canuck defenseman Kevin Bieksa and Blackhawk forward Ben Eager.

Check it out here: Blackhawks/Canucks Brawl

With this bad blood already existing between the 'Hawks and the Canucks, you can already imagine that this should be quite a battle between two very skilled teams.

The player the 'Hawks are going to need to prepare for the most is the Canucks captain and netminder Roberto Luongo. Luongo has been the Canucks' best player all season and in the playoffs with a 96.2 save percentage and a goals allowed average of 1.15.

For the 'Hawks, goaltending will also be key, as Nikolai Khabibulin has willed the young 'Hawks into the second round with two straight spectacular performances against Calgary. Although Khabibulin's stats, 91.4 save percentage and 2.52 goals allowed average, have not been as impressive as Luongo, his veteran presence and Stanley Cup experience will be key in their second round matchup.

On the offensive end, the Canucks have not been very impressive, only averaging 2.75 goals per game; the Blackhawks must take advantage of these low numbers. Players like Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith will be key on the 'Hawks blue line to make sure that the Canucks' offensive numbers stay low.

The Blackhawks offense will need production from all parties, much like in the series with the Flames. Names such as Brian Campbell, Dustin Byfuglien, and Cameron Barker will need to keep finding the scoresheet if the 'Hawks look to contend in this second round series.

The X-factor for the Blackhawks in this series and for the entirety of the playoffs will be center Samuel Pahlsson. Pahlsson has been a positive influence on this young 'Hawks team, especially Dustin Byfuglien, who finally seems to be living up to his potential here in the playoffs.

If the regular season drama between these two teams is any indication, then this second round playoff series should be no different.