Western Conference Match-up: Phoenix Coyotes v. Chicago Blackhawks

Phoenix Coyotes

The Rundown: These guys are trying to keep their station open. They don't want to loose their jobs to those damn local cops. They're all highway. That doesn't mean they can't have a little fun while they do it though right? They're going to bust those damn dirty cops. 

Strengths: They're a team unit. They have a single focus and are willing to do what it takes to take down the enemy. 

Weaknesses: They like to pull stupid pranks on each other. At least their shenanigans are cheeky and fun though. 

Actual Analysis: OK raise your hand if you picked the Phoenix Coyotes to be the Pacific Division champs. That's what I thought. No one picked them, NO ONE, don't lie to yourself. The Coyotes are a product of three things: 1. A great coach. 2. Unreal goal tending. 3. Players having above average to career years. I'm not saying they aren't good, they are or they wouldn't have won their division, but the reason they're successful has nothing to do with pure skill. They work in system laid out by Dave Tippett, and they execute it well. The system alone though hasn't brought them the kind of success they've had this season before however. Insert an amazing year by Mike Smith, and crazy good years for Radim Vrbata and Ray Whitney. Pair all that with and All-Star year from Keith Yandle and the emergence of young star defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson and you've got the right mix. They aren't the most skilled team, but they work together and will make life difficult for any opponent. They can stifle other teams offense, and if they can pot a few goals themselves they can close out games quickly.

"Do we look like the two dumbest guys in the world to you?"

"Oh, c'mon Shane, we're like the sons you never had."
  "If you were my son, Biz, I would've smothered you by now."
"Smothered me in gravy you big dirty man."

"Who wants cream? Nobody? Okay, no cream."

"I'm sorry. These boys get that syrup in 'em, they get all antsy in their pantsy."

"How you feelin' there, Keith?"
"Good enough... to fuck... your mother."

Chicago Blackhawks

The Rundown: These guys didn't start out as friends, but after a while they realized they had so much in common they became best friends! They do everything together! They don't wanna grow up, they're having too much fun hanging out in their parents garage. They don't need to grow up anyway, it's more fun to stay a kid. 

Strengths: They have super great ideas for businesses. They're also awesome at karate, and have a sweet tree house. 

Weaknesses: Those kids that beat them up on the way home and made them eat the white dog shit. It's best to just take the long way home from now on.

Actual Analysis: My evaluation of the Blackhawks really depends on whether or not Toews plays. If he does, the Hawks become instantly more lethal. He solidifies their offense, and gives them momentum. If he doesn't play, the Hawks are still a great team, but they become easier to defend. Their power play this year has been dreadful to say the least, a spark on the PP would do wonders in this series. A stellar series by Corey Crawford would also be a huge boost. The Blackhawks are just a bit of a mystery right now.

 

"Brent, you have the voice of an angel. Your voice is like a combination of Fergie and Jesus."

"See these? See these boys? This is what I live with, every day. I lather this up with Kiehls in the shower. You want to touch this shit?"

"We're here to fuck shit up!"

"Yea TJ, I remember my first beer."

"Patrick, I honestly thought I was gonna be raped for a second. He had the craziest look in his eyes. And at one point he said, "Lets get it on."

The Match-Up: This series really comes down to whether or not Toews plays. If he does play, I don't think the Coyotes will be able to handle the Blackhawks offensive power. If he doesn't play, or if he struggles coming back from his injury, I think the Coyotes will be able to stifle them. The Coyotes have played very well against the Hawks this year, and this could be a very favorable match-up for them. 

Prediction: I'm going out on a limb and calling this the spoiler series. Even though the Coyotes are the third seed they're seen as the underdog. I think the Coyotes upset the Hawks in six.