GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 12: Fans cheer in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on April 12, 2012 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Could tonight finally be the night that the Phoenix Coyotes break the curse of the Whiteout? The Blackhawks are looking to avoid the same fate of their original six rival, the Detroit Red Wings. Ever since Andrew Shaw's three game suspension for his head-shot on Mike Smith the Hawks faithful have been claiming that the Shanahammer has been unjust in his rulings. Well that pendulum has just swung in the other direction with a 25 game suspension for Raffi Torres.
Five For Winning
1. Finish in regulation.
2. Clog the neutral zone, keeping the Hawks from breaking out has been instrumental to their success so far.
3. For the love all that's holy close it out in regulation, or my cardiologist's bill is going to be record setting.
4. Special teams, The PK has been outstanding, but knowing how bad of a PK team the Hawks had in the regular season the Coyotes need to make them pay.
5. Did I say finish in regulation yet?
Key Players
Mikkel "Crazy Legs" Boedker has 2 goals this series both of them game winning goals in overtime, It would be nice to see a few more in regulation.
The Hawks have been scoring by committee this postseason, Kane has 4 points this post season all of them assists.
Since we are unsure of who the Blackhawks are going to start in net tonight, Lets take a look at 2 players due to break out of their slumps.
Slump Busters
The Coyotes best goal scorer Radim Vrbata has been all but non existent with only one point this post season, an assist.
Patrick Sharp another one of the Hawks offensive weapons that has been very quiet this postseason scoring only one goal (a tip-in) and is a -2.
Injuries
Both practiced with the team and are listed as game time decisions.
Marian Hossa did not make the trip. At the time of writing this there hasn't been an official report on his injury.
Remember to come by tonight for the game day thread and you can head over to Second City Hockey to check out their perspective.
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