#6 Chicago Blackhawks vs. #3 Phoenix Coyotes

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Phoenix Wins 4-1

What's everyone think? I say Chicago takes it in 6.

Edited April 24, 2012 by Hockeytown0001

[Guest irishock]

Chicago in 4. I don't see this being even close.

If we win our series, and assuming Vancouver (1) and St. Louis (2) advance, we'd match up with St. Louis in 2nd round, which would be a better match up rather than Vancouver.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Why a sweep?

[vladdy16 2,154]

For me, the fact that one of these teams has to win is depressing. I'm torn for many reasons. Rarely do I root against an O6 team, but right now I have to say I'd like to see Phoenix take this series just so they have accomplished something. And it's never a bad thing to see Chicago lose. However, I reserve the right to change my mind.

I suspect Chicago takes this one though. Say Hawks in 7 just because.

[kylee 727]

Phoenix in six

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Phoenix in six

Bold choice.

[Guest ToMaToToWnWinGsFaN_24]

i think it will all boil down to how smith plays. whether he can do well or s*** the bed. should be a close series.

phx in 6

[Manoir 70]

Phoenix wins the Cup-parade in Quebec City.

[hooon 1,089]

I think this will be somewhat close and a fun series to watch.

These are two of the hottest teams going into the playoffs, and both have different strengths.

Getting Toews back and healthy is crucial for the Hawks, but they also need to attempt to establish some consistency in terms of D and goaltending.

I am definitely rooting for the Coyotes but I think the Hawks take this in 6 or 7. Wouldn't be surprised at all to see the Yotes take it though.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

I'll be interested to see how Mike Smith performs.

[LidsFan 68]

Phoenix in six. It would be great for Phoenix to be able to make the next step and get out of the first round, so I will be rooting for them. I don't like the Hawks and I would love to see them out of the playoffs quickly.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Phoenix in six. It would be great for Phoenix to be able to make the next step and get out of the first round, so I will be rooting for them. I don't like the Hawks and I would love to see them out of the playoffs quickly.

This.

And with Toews out of the Hawks lineup, there's basically no one on that team I could stand to root for.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

How long is Toews projected to be out, though?

[egroen 384]

Phoenix in 6 - just not expecting much from Chicago this year.

[MabusIncarnate 5,344]

i think it will all boil down to how smith plays. whether he can do well or s*** the bed. should be a close series.

phx in 6

Pretty close to how I feel about it, it's going to come down to Smith's ability to steal games. I don't think he will, so Hawks in 6.

I still have problems taking the Coyotes seriously, congrats for the regular season success but i'm not convinced they will be a success in the playoffs.

[Wings_Toledo 233]

Phoenix in 5 or 6. Phoenix went 3-1 against Chicago in the regular season and have the offense and goaltending to beat them in the playoffs. We'll see, but for the first time ever I'm rooting for the 'Yotes.

[syntax 359]

I'm really hoping for Phoenix in 5-6. If we don't take it, I wouldn't mind seeing the Yotes or LA with the Cup this year.

[VM1138 1,921]

Phoenix could pull an upset....but I'm going with Chicago in 7.

[Echolalia 2,961]

Hawks in 5 is my prediction. The Coyotes really need to win a playoff series, though, given all the crap they've withstood. The Hawks offense will overcome their defensive/goaltending weakness in the end. I just hope Doan goes crazy playoff mode on all of them and wear down the Hawks players for round two.

[chrisdetroit 189]

Phoenix in 6. Playoff hockey is about defense and goaltending. Chicago finished 22nd in GAA and Crawford had a .902 save percentage.

[SaCkaveli20 275]

I'll go Phoenix in 5.

[Ray1905 18]

Coyotes in 7

[St. Michael (the Red Wing) 422]

Since Phoenix is not facing us (Detroit) again I will say Yotes in 6 too. Although this matchup for Chicago favors them I think. Like mentioned before pends on how well Smith plays.

Edited April 8, 2012 by St. Michael (the Red Wing)

[MulesWillFly93 199]

Dern, I was hoping Chicago would draw SJ, oh well. I'm going to go with Blackhawks in 7. Please prove me wrong, Yotes.

[matt198913 932]

I like the Yotes. Very hot goalie in Smith. Chicago is pretty darn shaky on those 3rd and 4th lines. Give me Yotes in 7