CHICAGO – It took 15 years, but Phoenix will head to the Western Conference Semifinals for the first time in franchise history. Mike Smith’s first playoff shutout gave the Coyotes a 4-0, Game 6 victory.
Watching the first period, you would have never expected Phoenix to pull out a win. The Blackhawks came out peppering Smith. They were shooting from every angle on every shift and barely left Phoenix any room to start their offense. After 20 minutes, Chicago led 16-2 in shots.
The game went the same way the first half of the second period. The momentum changed when the famous NHL referees got into the mix. Jonathan Toews was called for a questionable interference call along the blue line.
Phoenix enjoyed the benefits of calls all series and once again lit the lamp after such a call. Twenty year old Oliver Ekman-Larsson recorded his first career playoff goal, making it 1-0 at the 13:14 mark.
The Coyotes have had troubles all series holding leads in the third period. On Monday night, not only did they hold their lead, but they extended it.
Gilbert Brule scored on a wrist shot at 2:24 of the third period making it 2-0. Then on a five minute long power play, the Coyotes put the nail in the coffin when Antoine Vermette scored his fourth goal of the series. For good measure, Kyle Chipchura found the back of the net at 14:56 to finish the night’s scoring.
Chicago exists in the first round for the second straight season after winning the Stanley Cup two seasons ago. They will spend their summer looking for a second line center and another strong defenseman.
Phoenix will now turn their attention to Nashville, there second round opponent. It will be the second straight series the Coyotes will have home ice advantage despite having less regular season points than their opponent.
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Contact Adam.Minnick@prohockeynews.com
