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Discuss: Coyotes boot Blackhawks from playoffs, advance to second round for first time in Phoenix

coyoteshawksclashgetty

For the first time in this suffocatingly close series, it at least looked like a blowout - and certainly didn’t go to overtime. It was close for most of the game, but the bottom line is that the Chicago Blackhawks self-destructed late to allow the Phoenix Coyotes to walk all over them 4-0. The Coyotes won the series 4-2 to advance to the second round for the first time as the Coyotes and the first since the Winnipeg Jets did it 25 years ago.

Let’s get the discussion rolling:


  • The Blackhawks took a 28-8 shot advantage through the first two periods but entered the final frame down 1-0. How much credit does Mike Smith deserve for this win, in particular? Do you give him 25 percent? 50? 80? 90?
  • Phoenix is now set to host the Nashville Predators in round two. Will they benefit from facing a team that takes a similarly defense-first approach? If the over/under for goals is 10 for the series, do you take the over or the under?
  • Echoing the Smith credit question, how much blame does Corey Crawford deserve for Chicago’s first round exit? Should GM Stan Bowman consider going after a new netminder even though Crawford and Ray Emery are under contract for next season?
  • Do you consider third seed Phoenix topping sixth seed Chicago an upset?
  • Does Joel Quenneville look bad for complaining about Jimmy Hayes’ boarding major after being livid about the Marian Hossa situation?