PHOENIX – In a series with a lot of story lines, an under the radar name became the hero. Martin Hanzal’s redirect in overtime gave Phoenix a 3-2 victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.
Hanzal won the draw for the Coyotes and eventually worked his way to the front of the net to delight the home crowd. It was the first goal since Feb. 6 for the former first round draft pick.
Brent Seabrook was responsible for getting the game to overtime when his rebound goal found the net with just 15 seconds showing on the regulation clock.
Chicago captain Jonathan Toews made his much anticipated return to the ice in grand fashion. Four minutes into his first game in two months, he found the back of the net giving the Blackhawks and early 1-0 lead.
Phoenix’s pep talk in the first intermission locker room seemed to work. The Coyotes owned the second period in all facets.
Taylor Pyatt’s wrist shot tied the game 7:38 into the second period. Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson didn’t allow his goalie to freeze the puck, instead pushing it to the boards behind his net. Daymond Langkow grabbed the loose puck delivered a perfect backhand pass to Pyatt.
The Coyotes took constant control in the second period by winning face-off after face-off. The grabbed their first lead of the series when an Antoine Vermette slap shot found the net just under the cross bar.
Things looked good for Hawks fans early in overtime as they came out with six shots in the first six minutes of extra time. Coyotes’ goalie Mike Smith stood tall making the saves and controlling rebounds. Smith finished his night with 43 saves, 12 more than his counterpart Corey Crawford.
The “whiteout” crowd saw only the second overtime playoff goal since the move to the Arizona desert. The teams return to Jobbing.com Arena ice for Game 2 on Saturday at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.
Contact Adam.Minnick@prohockeynews.com
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