First RoundPhoenix Coyotes could take out Blackhawks
By Tim Wharnsby
Posted: Sunday, April 8, 2012 | 10:27 AM
Categories: First Round, PHX VS CHI
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The Phoenix Coyotes and their fans hope to see many celebrations like this as the first round of the playoffs begins. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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No. 3 Phoenix Coyotes (42-27-13--97 pts) vs. No. 6 Chicago Blackhawks (45-26-11--101 pts)
Three storylines
1. As much as the NHL doesn't want to address the sorry state of this franchise's future in Arizona, you know it will be a topic during the playoffs. Last week, Glendale mayor Elaine Scruggs criticized the NHL for misleading Glendale officials about the prospects of selling the Coyotes. How much a distraction the muddy future of the Coyotes in Glendale will be to the players in the playoffs remains to be seen.
2. The Blackhawks have been without their captain Jonathan Toews because of a concussion for the past 22 games. He hoped to return for a few games in the final week of the regular season. But now the Blackhawks will have to wait and see if he is ready to go in time for the series opener.
3. One of the reasons why the Coyotes clinched a division title was the play of goalie Mike Smith. He was third in save percentage at .930, third in shutouts at eight, fourth in wins at 38 and eighth in goals against with an average of 2.21. But he has only three games of Stanley Cup playoff experience. It will be interesting to see how he performs under the increased intensity of the playoffs.
Season series - Coyotes 3-1-0.
Oct. 18 - Blackhawks 5-2 at Phoenix
Nov. 29 - Coyotes 4-1 at Chicago
Dec. 05 - Coyotes 4-3 (SO) at Chicago
Feb. 11 - Coyotes 3-0 at Phoenix
Prediction - Coyotes in six
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About the Author
Tim Wharnsby
Tim's worked the sports beat at The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Sun, specializing in Canada's one true sporting obsession - hockey. He knows the players, the coaches, the backroom boys and most importantly, the fans. That's what he brings to his stories. Knowledge, fairness and understanding are trademarks of a Wharnsby story. That's what you will get here as he writes for CBCSports.ca.
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