NHL Playoffs 2012: 10 Important Players in Phoenix Coyotes V. Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks and Phoenix Coyotes take the ice in one day at the Jobing.com Arena. 

It's a series that looks to favor the high-flying Blackhawks over the gritty Coyotes. 

But regardless of what the odds are, it will all come down to how each team's stars perform.

Both teams will be looking for major contributions from their top lines as well as great defense on the back end. The goaltending matchup between Corey Crawford and Mike Smith will also be closely watched by coaches and fans alike.

These are the top 10 most important players in the Coyotes vs. Blackhawks series.

Duncan Keith

Whatever people might say about Duncan Keith, make no mistake, he is the heart and soul of the Blackhawks' blue line.

Keith's performance may determine the outcome of this series if the games turn out to be very low scoring.

His play will determine how well the Phoenix Coyotes set up in the Blackhawks' defensive zone.

Keith is able to play 30 minutes a game which eases some pressure off Nick Leddy and Dylan Olsen.

Being on the top defensive pairing along side Brent Seabrook, it will be Keith's responsibility to help out Corey Crawford and see to it that he gets his first shutout of the season.

Keith Yandle

Top defenseman for the Coyotes Keith Yandle will look to keep the Blackhawks from getting too many licks at his goaltender.

Like any top defenseman, he will get a lot of ice time against the Blackhawks top lines and will have to play great in order to win this series.

It will be imperative that goalie Mike Smith stays on top of his game but even more so that the Coyotes limit pucks to the net.

Yandle will have to shut down Patrick Kane and even possibly Jonathan Toews which will be a difficult task but possible with solid goaltending.

Dave Bolland

Super-pest Dave Bolland will be a major problem for the Coyotes top line.

Bolland has been a force on the Blackhawks' checking line along side Andrew Shaw and Bryan Bickell.

He has the ability to shutdown the opponents' top line while also chipping in on the offensive and energy levels of the game.

Can Bolland live up to his reputation of being one of the biggest pests in the NHL?

His play will ultimately determine how much time the Blackhawks get with the puck. Shutting down the top line will be huge in a series that already favors the Blackhawks to win based on the offensive punch that they bring to the ice.

Shane Doan

Captain of the Coyotes Shane Doan will be set with the task of providing much of the offense on the first line.

Along side Radim Vrbata, Doan will look to counter Blackhawks' captain Jonathan Toews both in defense and goal-scoring ability.

His ability to get past the Blackhawks' first-line defense will be pivotal in winning the series.

Look for Doan to be a major contributor if the Coyotes want to challenge the offensive hungry Blackhawks. 

Patrick Kane

What can be said about Patrick Kane's stellar play as of late?

He's elevated his game to another level, one that could possibly see him reaching the 100 point plateau one day.

But aside from the skill and ability of Kane, he will be a pivotal player in dictating which team will win this series.

Being able to produce on the power play will be essential to the Blackhawks if they want to knock out the Coyotes.

Scoring goals is what Kane does, something that he will have to be good at if the 'Hawks want to move on to the second round.

Radim Vrbata

Radim Vrbata was second on Coyotes in overall scoring this season which means his offensive ability will be very important against the Blackhawks.

Vrbata, who is a former Blackhawk, will look to shine against Duncan Keith and Corey Crawford. 

Scoring 35 goals this season, Vrbata led the Coyotes in goals scored and was second on the team with a plus-24.

Corey Crawford

Blackhawks' goaltender Corey Crawford will have to be more consistent in order to win the series.

He doesn't have to be stellar but just make sure not to give up a "soft" goal and remain in net when the puck is deep in his zone.

Unlike Mile Smith, Crawford will not have to carry the Blackhawks to a series win, but he will still be pivotal in helping maintain momentum by making timely saves.

Ray Whitney

Leading scorer for the Coyotes Ray Whitney will be expected to keep up his production numbers against the Blackhawks.

The 39-year-old can certainly keep up with the best of them and will have to be great on the Coyotes first line in order to capture the playoff series.

Just like Randim Vrbata, if Whitney is off his game the Coyotes will be looking at a first-round exit.

Jonathan Toews

The question remains, will Jonathan Toews return in time for game one of the playoffs?

The Blackhawks captain will be a game-time decision on Thursday, and if he does return it only means problems for the Coyotes.

Arguably the Blackhawks best player, Toews will add a level of defense and offense that will have the Coyotes scrambling to try and contain him.

Consider that if Toews were to come back, even with a little rust he can win the series for the Blackhawks. Only time will tell but the captain's return will signal the demise of the Coyotes.

Mike Smith

Mike Smith was the reason that the Coyotes were able to secure the third seed in the Western Conference.

Smith has been huge for the Coyotes this season leading them to their first division title in franchise history.

The netminder will have to be stellar in his play against the Blackhawks in order to give the Coyotes any chance of advancing to the second round.

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