Chicago Blackhawks Playoff Preview: 6 Phoenix Coyotes Pivotal to the Series

The Chicago Blackhawks are now preparing to square off with the Phoenix Coyotes in the Western Conference Quarterfinals. Game 1 of the series is Thursday in the Jobing.com Arena.

The 'Hawks are 1-2-1 in four meetings with Phoenix during the regular season. A lot has happened since the Coyotes' 3-0 win over Chicago February 11. The Blackhawks are a much improved squad, but Phoenix has been playing some of its best hockey of the year.

The Coyotes roster isn't filled with superstar names. A strong team effort is the key to their success this season. However, there are some players that the 'Hawks need to recognize as pivotal to the series.

Here are a half dozen Coyotes that Chicago should plan on figuring out if the 'Hawks are to advance to the second round.

1. Radim Vrbata

Vrbata, 30, had a career year in the desert, scoring 35 goals for Phoenix. Three came against the 'Hawks, for whom Vrbata spent parts of two seasons.

The previously inconsistent Vrbata has put his game together since returning from a lower body injury at the end of last month. He have five goals and six points in the Coyotes' last five games.

Vrbata is by far Phoenix's best offensive threat as he easily leads the team in goals. He also has had a great sense of timing this season, with 12 of those goals being game-winners. That tops in the NHL along with Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos.

2. Ray Whitney

The 39-year-old veteran continues to defy the effects of time with 24 goals and 53 assists this season. His six points against the Blackhawks include a one-goal, two assist evening in the Coyotes 4-1 rout of Chicago on November 29.

Whitney has collected 15 points in his last dozen games. His team has not won a playoff series since coming to Phoenix. However, a Stanley Cup in 2005-06 with the Hurricanes gives the Coyotes a leader who knows how to produce in the playoffs.

3. Shane Doan

The Coyotes captain suffered a drop in some key numbers this season but was still third on the Phoenix roster in goals (22), assists (28) and points (50).

The 15-year veteran had a rating of minus-eight in 2011-12—his first negative rating since 2006-07. He was suspended after a March 20 elbow to the head of Dallas' Jamie Benn.

Doan's two-way abilities and penchant for physical play will likely be a factor in the series.

4. Raffi Torres

Torres is very familiar with facing off with the Blackhawks in a playoff series, having spent last season in the uniform of the Vancouver Canucks. His Game 3 hit on Brent Seabrook was considered the turning point in the series.

Torres has 15 goals and 11 assists in his season in Phoenix and leads the team with 83 penalty minutes. He knows how to get under an opposing players skin and has a history with Chicago. He has a knack for appearing in front of the net and can finish a check.

Keeping Torres accounted for will be another key to the series.

5. Keith Yandle

Yandle's numbers were down slightly after signing a five-year contract extension last summer, but he is still a dangerous player from the blue line.

The 25-year-old defenseman scored 11 goals and will be the player Chicago penalty killers need to get in front of. Neutralizing Yandle's powerful shot from the point is going to be important.

A strong skater with an eye toward offense, Yandle needs to be fore-checked aggressively in hopes of forcing bad decisions.

6. Mike Smith

A hot goalie can swing a postseason series one way or the other. Smith certainly qualifies as a potential difference-maker against the 'Hawks.

Since coming over as a free agent to Phoenix last summer, Smith played in a career-high 67 games for the Coyotes. His save percentage of .930 was good enough for fourth in the NHL for starting goalies, as was his 38 wins.

Against Chicago this season, Smith was dominant, giving up four goals in three games and posting a 1.30 goals against average and a .959 save percentage.

Any player is capable of making an impact on the outcome of a playoff series. For Chicago, however, success begins in how they fare against these six Coyotes.