Chicago Blackhawks: 5 Reasons They Can Upset the Coyotes in Stanley Cup Playoffs

Playoff hockey is upon us once again and the Chicago Blackhawks are heading out west to take on the Phoenix Coyotes.

The matchup can prove to be a difficult one for the Blackhawks, who went 1-2-1 against the Coyotes this season. But regular season records aside, the Blackhawks match up well against the Pacific Division winner.

With all four lines clicking and the defense starting to tighten up after an up and down season the 'Hawks are looking to make short work of the Coyotes. 

If the 'Hawks play the game that led them to a superb March record then this matchup may just be a cakewalk.

But first things first, never take an opponent too lightly in the playoffs, and the Blackhawks should know this.

These are the top five reasons why they can upset the Coyotes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Offensive Mismatch

The Blackhawks ranked 5th overall in goals per game this season; the Coyotes ranked 18th overall in goals per game.

Simply put, the Coyotes will be outmatched when it comes to offense in this series. The Blackhawks have more firepower running down their top four lines then the Coyotes have in their top two.

If anything, it has been the superb goaltending of Mike Smith that has kept the Coyotes in contention down the stretch of the season.

If Smith finds his rhythm in net the Blackhawks may have a hard time getting the puck past the 30-year-old netminder.

But this will not discourage the 'Hawks; if anything, they will find a way to put it past Smith.

Just look at what the 'Hawks did to the St. Louis Blues this season, one of the best defensive teams in the regular season, putting up more than three goals a game against them. 

If Smith is off his game when this series begins the Blackhawks will win in five games; if not, it's still a major mismatch in terms of who has the better forwards.

Weak Power Play

For as bad as the Blackhawks' power play has been all season, the Coyotes has been even worse.

The Coyotes ranked 29th in the league in their power play percentage which bodes well for the Blackhawks' penalty kill.

The power play may not "make-or-break" this series as the Blackhawks only ranked 26th overall percentage-wise. Both teams will be looking to improve upon that but it doesn't look likely.

Regardless the power play will work in the Blackhawks favor with all the talent they have in Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp. 

The Coyotes will look for contributions from their captain Shane Doan, Ray Whitney and Radmin Vrbata.

Home-Ice Advantage?

The Coyotes may have received home-ice advantage against the Blackhawks but in the whole scope of things that doesn't mean much.

Phoenix is a very diverse city with a large portion of their population coming from Chicago. 

What does that mean for the Blackhawks?

There might be a large amount of Blackhawks fans at the Jobing.com Arena to cheer on their favorite Windy City team.

And besides, if the Blackhawks win one game at the Jobing.com Arena, home-ice for the Coyotes will be meaningless unless they force a game seven.

Tighter Defense

It's no secret that the Blackhawks had a great March record because of their improved play on the back end.

Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have been very reliable while trade deadline acquisition Johnny Oduya has fit in well with the lineup.

As long as the 'Hawks can limit defensive-zone turnovers and neutral-zone turnovers the Coyotes will have a very hard time finding the back of the net.

Goalie Corey Crawford may have a big say in what the Coyotes do but when all is said and done the Blackhawks defense will be key in if they win this series or not.

The Return of Jonathan Toews

Consider this. The Blackhawks have enough offensive power and defense to take down the Coyotes without Jonathan Toews. For as important as Toews has been to the Blackhawks, it is possible to win this playoffs series without him.

If Toews is able to return to the Blackhawks' lineup sometime next week it will simply be too much for the Coyotes to handle.

Make no mistake, this series will be won by the team that can grind it out and win a tough game along the boards. 

The Blackhawks have the talent and grit to do both thus they will win this series in six games—five if Toews returns to the roster.

Follow @Blackhawks_JM