Struggling Brouwer may sit out Game 3 for Hawks

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Struggling Blackhawks winger Troy Brouwer won't be in the lineup tonight for Game 3 against the Canucks at GM Place.

Brouwer played only five minutes in Monday's win and has been off his game ever since leaving the team late in the regular season to be with his ill father.

"I may be lacking a little bit of confidence," Brouwer said following Wednesday's morning skate. "I have to take it upon myself to be better. As far as this playoff goes, I haven't been good enough and haven't helped my team. In fact, I feel I've hurt them more than helped them."

Brouwer started Game 2 on the first line with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, but was moved off that line quickly and replaced by Dustin Byfuglien.

Byfuglien will skate at wing on the top line again in Game 3 with Jordan Hendry likely going back into the lineup on defense.

All Hawks coach Joel Quenneville would say after the skate on Wednesday was that there might be one lineup change.

Brouwer understands why is he sitting out.

"If I don't play, I completely understand why I'm not in the lineup," Brouwer said. "It's coach's decision and it's one of those things he has to make the best decision for the team. If I'm not going, it's not the time of year to try to get me going. I have to take it upon myself."

Brouwer was the Hawks' best power forward during the regular season, but so far in eight playoff games he has no points and is minus-5 without being a physical presence.

"I think everybody has stretches where your game is where you want it to be, and you have stretches where it seems you're fighting it or not comfortable," Quenneville said. "He's been a guy that's been an important part of our team all year long and useful in a lot of ways, but his production and his play is off and we're definitely looking for more."