Phoenix Coyotes Schedule: Playoff Series Lead Now 1-0

 

The Chicago Blackhawks and Phoenix Coyotes will drop the puck tonight in Glendale, Ariz. for a Game 2 tilt. And there’s several factors in which the Blackhawks can capitalize to tie the series before going back to Chicago. Radim Vrbata, the Coyotes’ top goal-scorer left early in Game 1 with an upper-body injury. He’s day-to-day and will not play tonight. Mike Smith was brilliant in net for the Coyotes on Thursday. He shut down 43 Blackhawks shots, won his last six on just four goals allowed. With a slow offense game, Smith is coach Dave Tippett’s biggest component for success in the playoffs. But, the Blackhawks know a few miscues in the dump-and-chase department ended up hurting them in the end. Marrian Hossa on the dumping game: ”We have to make smarter dumps,” Hossa said. “Maybe just soft chip in the corner or hard around will work to keep him in the net.” Martin Hanzal’s game-winning goal came after an icing call on the Blackhawks./div>