(3) Phoenix  vs  (6) Chicago

(42-27-13) Record (45-26-11)

(22-12-6) Home (27-8-6)

(20-14-7) Away (18-18-5)

(7-1-2) Last 10 (6-1-3)

210 Goals for 241

194 Goals against 231

+16 Differential +10

29th PP Rank 26th

8th PK Rank 27th

22nd PP Time 8th

8th PK Time 3rd

8th Even Strengh 13th

Season Series

PHX: (3-1-0)     CHI (1-2-1)

12   Goals  9

16.7%  PP%  0%

100%  PK%  83.3%

Prediction: Chicago in 6

Breakdown

Two years removed from being Cup champs the Hawks are looking to acquire another banner. In what is more common with the joke system of division winners getting automatic home ice the 3rd seed has a worse record then their 6th seeded opponents. The key to the Hawks flying into round two is utilizing a healthy lineup, which is a luxury they seemingly haven’t had since the Chicago Fire. Phoenix’s hopes begin and end (possibly middle if that makes sense) with Mike Smith, hopefully he thinks they are getting paid in the playoffs so he doesn’t tank to get back to his summer job doing yard work at Kingston Penitentiary. The Yotes have to shake Crawford early to breathe some life into them but the Hawks have too much fire power and experience for the Coyotes to handle.

Fantasy Studs, Duds & Sleepers

Pheonix Coyotes

Studs:

Radim Vrbata: Silky Mitts had 35 goals and against certified practice goalie Corey Crawford if the RV gets parked in front he might just deposit some rubber.

Duds:

Martin Hanzal: Hanzal. Hanzal, Hanzal Hanzal… everywhere you look, he isn’t scoring. He’s a first line centre but you wouldn’t know it from looking at the score sheet. Racking up a mountainous 34 points on the 8th best even strength team in the league. Look for him to disappear faster than free wings at a party.

Sleepers:

Shane Doan:  The Captain is going to look forward to playing for Canada with Ryan Smyth and Rick Nash for the 97th straight summer unless he recaptures some of that magic in that old silk hat he found.

Ray Whitney: Hey guys I threw in 77 points if anybody cares. They don’t, never have and never will. This guy gets less respect than Rodney Dangerfield and Kevin Ferderline.

Chicago Blackhawks

Studs:

Pat Kane:  Hatty Kane will get to move back to the wing which will leave him better prepared to dangle into open areas. He has 48 points in 45 playoff games including the grossest cup winning goal of all time.

Duncan Keith: While he has always sunk his teeth into playoff hockey, he also is able to get the puck up to the many many talented forwards in Chicago! It will help with their quick strike offense this post season, assuming he doesn’t download his olecranon into someone’s else’s cranium.

Duds:

Andrew Brunette: Coming off the shelf just in time to be stamped with the dud label he so proudly wore in the regular season. This was a trade that just didn’t work out. Poor guy.

Sleepers:

Marian Hossa: Everyone forgets Hossa still plays, let alone is still a dominant player. With the embarrassment of riches the Hawks have up front the marionette could be a steal.