Conference Quarterfinals: #3 Phoenix Coyotes vs. #6 Chicago Blackhawks

[ScottRasner]

Records:
Phoenix Coyotes - 42-27-13 (H:22-13-6) (A:20-14-7)
Chicago Blackhawks - 45-26-11 (H:28-7-6) (A:18-18-5)

Season Series:
Phoenix Coyotes - 3-0-1
Chicago Blackhawks - 1-2-1

Lineup:
Goaltending: Win Phoenix
Scoring: Win Chicago
Defense: EVEN
Coaching: EVEN
Grit: EVEN

Schedule:
4/12 - CHI at PHX 7:00 PM PST
4/14 - CHI at PHX 7:00 PM PST
4/17 - PHX at CHI 6:00 PM PST
4/19 - PHX at CHI 5:00 PM PST
4/21 - CHI at PHX 7:00 PM PST - If determined
Game 6-7 - TBD

Prediction:
This series to me can go either way. Discuss

[canuck2]

I've heard the talk shows discuss how well Phoenix has handled the Hawks this year. That means nothing come playoff time.
What does mean something is the way Mike Smith has been playing. Probably the best goalie in the NHL right now and played even better then Bryz played here. Can he do it in the playoffs? I think he can.

The Yotes are peaking at the right time. They are playing there best hockey right now. They dont have a lot of stars but they play a great team game.

The Hawks have the pedigree and experience but the big question mark is Toews. will he play? And there goaltending is spotty.

If the Yotes can keep the Hawks off the power play I see them winning there first series since 1986. Poetic justice for a franchise that could be gone.

[Captain Crunch28]

Coyotes advance. I was even gonna pick Phoenix to beat the Blues if they played in round 1.
Mike Smith is very capable of stealing a playoff series, and I think he'll be sharp against Chicago. Also, what's the word on Toews?

[chilly666]

he's practicing and is shooting for game 1

[HordiBrusk29]

It may sound ridiculous but I think the Coyotes hurt themselves by winning the division. I believe they have a better chance of beating either Vancouver or St. Louis than they do Chicago. I understand the numbers might tell a different story I just have a gut feeling about that. Maybe it has something to do with the Hawks knowing what it takes to win and having that playoff experience. I'm not really sure. It would be nice to see the Coyotes finally advance past the first round but I don't see it happening this year.

[Isles4life]

Another #3 seed who is really the underdog in the series. Mike Smith has been tremendous this year, and if he gets hot he could steal a couple games for the Coyotes, but I'd still say they're going to be outgunned by Chicago. Assuming Toews is healthy and gets his game back, I've got the Blackhawks in 6, maybe 7 depending how much Smith stands on his head.

[I_am_Belak_2]

Gonna be a close series.

Hawks in 7.

[thruby]

Originally Posted by canuck2

If the Yotes can keep the Hawks off the power play I see them winning there first series since 1986. Poetic justice for a franchise that could be gone.

the Hawks' power play is god awful, but i agree with the other stuff you said.

here's what i think, broken down in to three bullet points:

a healthy Toews: Hawks in 6

a rusty Toews: Hawks in 7

Toews in, but Smith stays hot: Phoenix in 7

i'd be lying if i said i wasn't worried about this series, but i think (or more accurately hope) the Hawks will prevail. gotta have Toews back though for me to stay confident.

[Wadubbin]

Yotes in seven.They will ride Mike Smith to the next round.

[Broons66]

Going with the Coyotes in this one,in an upset i guess. Yotes with the goaltending advantage seals the deal,imo.

[youthattack]

Tough call on this one. With Mike Smith playing so good right now, I think the Coyotes can win it. Phoenix in 7.

[ScottRasner]

Going Phoenix in 6. I am not saying this because its my team, but the Yotes' know how to play the Hawks. Even with a healthy Toews back, hes been gone 22 games. It'll take him a few to get back to form and by that time Chicago could be in a 3-0 hole.

I like this series though, a lot. mainly because its not the Wings. Best of luck to both teams.

[canuck2]

Originally Posted by thruby

the Hawks' power play is god awful, but i agree with the other stuff you said.

here's what i think, broken down in to three bullet points:

a healthy Toews: Hawks in 6

a rusty Toews: Hawks in 7

Toews in, but Smith stays hot: Phoenix in 7

i'd be lying if i said i wasn't worried about this series, but i think (or more accurately hope) the Hawks will prevail. gotta have Toews back though for me to stay confident.

I wasnt sure how the Hawks power play was lately but from what I saw in past playoffs with Toews healthy it was world class with all that top end talent.

Originally Posted by ScottRasner

Going Phoenix in 6. I'm not saying this because it's my team , but the Yotes' know how to play the Hawks. Even with a healthy Toews back, hes been gone 22 games. It'll take him a few to get back to form and by that time Chicago could be in a 3-0 hole.

I like this series though, a lot. mainly because its not the Wings. Best of luck to both teams.

No offense Scotty that made me laugh. Every year you take the Yotes. Now I'm worried.

[chilly666]

even with toews in this season, the power play has still been awful.

[ScottRasner]

Originally Posted by canuck2

No offense Scotty that made me laugh. Every year you take the Yotes. Now I'm worried.

Consistancy is key here Beau.