Phoenix Coyotes Advance to Western Conference Finals With Win Over Predators

The Phoenix Coyotes have followed up their first playoff series win in the desert by doing it again and advancing to the Western Conference Finals to face the Los Angeles Kings. I don't think many picked the Coyotes to get this far this year but what an amazing ride it has been and still will be.

From the drop of the puck both teams came out trying to create pressure and get an early edge. The teams traded chances but the Predators had the shot advantage early but couldn't cash in. The game was scoreless until the second period when Derek Morris unloaded on a shot from the point and got the always important first goal of the game. The Predators seemed like they would push to come back but Martin Hanzal increased the lead to two with an absolute snipe that the Predators screened Pekka Rinne on.

With 20 minutes left the Coyotes didn't get back into a defensive shell. They did allow chances but it was more of the bend, don't break tactics that the Coyotes used so much. Colin Wilson would make things interesting with about 6 minutes left cutting the lead in half on a deflection at the front of the goal. Mike Smith ended the game with 32 saves in the 2-1 win. He also nearly had an ENG to ice it at the end.

Super win. On to the conference finals.

After the jump go crazy go nuts with your GIF dance party!