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

[fansince65]

This one is the only one I think will be a tossup , the Coyotes are playing real well but I do think this one will go to seven games ..

Coyotes in 7 ..

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

i think every series in the west is a toss up.
In this series, if the role players for the Hawks chip in the points they are capable of doing... I like the Hawks chances.
The Coyotes are a tough matchup for the Hawks, but I think if Chicago has sustained pressure on Phoenix, it wont matter how solid Smith is in goal.
In my opinion i think this series comes down to depth, and I just think the Hawks have more.

Hawks in 6

[dodge8954]

Hawks in 4

[The Mad House]

This will be one of the more intriguing series of the first round. Mike Smith has been awesome as of late and really the whole year. Johnny Toews and Dave Bolland will most likely be back and with the addition of Johnny Oduya on defense the Hawks have played much better defensively. The Yotes are a great team but I don't know if they have one line that will dominate the Hawks throughout the series. Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, and Marian Hossa are playing out of their minds right now on offense and on defense. Another key to this series will be the play of Viktor Stalberg, I think he's the fastest skater in the NHL and his hands have now caught up to his feet. Another key is the checking line of the Hawks and forward Andrew Shaw. Shaw goes hard to net all time and is not afraid of anything even if he is 5'10. Last point here, special teams. If the Yotes can keep the Hawks power play in check even more, and score on power plays and if Mike Smith can stay hot, look for the Yotes in 5. If they can't do that then the Hawks will win. My prediction is Hawks in 6 should be a good one boys! Also look for Biz-nasty and Bollig to hopefully drop the gloves

[SyrCrunch11]

I say Hawks in 6

[racer-x]

The Coyotes have a hot goalie going into the playoffs. You either need one or you have to be a perennial star goalie to have success in the playoffs. Does anyone think Crawford is going to miraculously play well? based on what? Vancouver caved early in a few games last year, that doesn't count. The coyote defensemen are as good or better defensively then the hawks. The coyote forwards are much better back checkers then the hawks. At goalie, defensemen, and forwards, the coyotes have the edge defensively.

On offense, the hawks have better forwards, defensemen are equal. On special teams, it is a wash. A hot goalie and solid defense trumps a solid offense any day. Coyotes in 5.

[Bloodbank]

PHX with an upset in 6.

[kam]

Originally Posted by mikebflorida

Hawks in 6. Coyotes and Smth ain't got the game for the playoffs. Smith is an enigma, he sucked here in Tampa Bay, I think we see the real Smith, not the imposter goalkeeping in Phoenix but the leaky goof he really is.

Tampas D sucks is why.

[canuck2]

Originally Posted by mikebflorida

Hawks in 6. Coyotes and Smth ain't got the game for the playoffs. Smith is an enigma, he sucked here in Tampa Bay, I think we see the real Smith, not the imposter goalkeeping in Phoenix but the leaky goof he really is.

Not sure why smith "aint" got the game for the playoffs. i had my doubts about this guy but given the chance to be the man and with sean burkes tutelage he has played awesome.

playoffs are a different situation like we saw with Bryz choking but I like the makeup of smith, he's the opposite of bryz.

[Whaler Fan]

Blackhawks in 6. I'd rather have a traditional hockey market market advance.
Torres vs. Mayers

[chilly666]

toews skated today with no symptoms which ill assume means he is a go for thursday night.

hawks in 6

[canuck2]

I'm not convinced we will see Toews. I don't know if it's gamesmanship but I would not be surprised if he isn't playing in game one. There seemed to be some mixed messages from reading the paper this morning.If he does play he will make an immediate impact. he's a world class player.

[chilly666]

toews is in tonight

[majew17]

Is this the 1st time meeting in playoffs? Going back to Winnipeg even?

[Treehugger]

kane got injured in the morning skate, dont know the extent.