Hawks should have edge with Game 3 matchups

Now that the Western Conference finals switch to the United Center for Games 3 and 4, Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville will have an easier time getting the matchups he wants.

Quenneville admitted it was a challenge in San Jose to get his checking line of Dave Bolland, Andrew Ladd and Kris Versteeg on the ice against the Sharks' top line of Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley and Patrick Marleau. Several Hawks said there was chaos on the bench at times in the first two games as Quenneville worked hard to get what he wanted.

"Sometimes that chaos can be good," Quenneville said. "But at the same time, it wasn't easy getting the matchup and we didn't always get it. Being at home (with the last line change), we'll see what happens.

"Sometimes the score dictates how strict you are in matching, how hard you try to get it. So I think play it accordingly, but at the same time, knowing they got some weapons over there that we got to keep on eye on, not just the Thornton line we're talking about."

Sharks coach Todd McLellan expects Quenneville to do what he can to get Bolland against Thornton.

"He has a ton of trust and belief in the Bolland line," McLellan said. "I don't think that's going to change here at all in Chicago. In fact, it will probably be easier for them now because of last change. So we'll have to have a plan for that, continue to try and mix and match and move people around."

What's certain is defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook will be out there almost every shift against the Thornton line.

"I think we found in the playoffs, because we're at home, doesn't make it any easier (to get the preferred matchup)," Keith said. "It's something we've seen before, when players and lines jump on the ice and off. That's just part of trying to get the matchups you want, trying to deal with it."

Even if McLellan works just as hard this weekend to keep Thornton away from Bolland, Quenneville is fine with that, too.

"You can mix up our forwards and be comfortable with that line," Quenneville said. "We do have a lot of options in games. I think sometimes we can change in the course of games."