NHL Playoffs 2012: The Chicago Blackhawks Will Beat Phoenix Coyotes in 6 Games

The Chicago Blackhawks will defeat the Phoenix Coyotes to advance to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

That's a pretty bold opening shot. Nonetheless, the 'Hawks are going to win this series in six games.

The time for talk is nearing an end, as Game 1 will be starting Thursday night. All the analysis and speculation will be put on hold as both teams lace up the skates and attempt to make their own bold opening statements.

As long as I'm putting this pick out there, I may as well disclose how I arrived at the conclusion that the 'Hawks are knocking off the Pacific Division Champions. What follows is my case for Chicago advancing to the Western Conference Semifinals.

The 'Hawks Can Play and Win Without Jonathan Toews

One of the biggest stories heading into this series is the uncertainty of Jonathan Toews returning to the lineup effectively.

Toews is apparently going to hold off on announcing his availability for the contest until he skates the warmup. However, he has been practicing all week and both sides seem to acknowledge that he will be on the ice Thursday.

It remains to be see how effective the captain can be after missing the last 22 games with a concussion. The way I see it, a healthy and hungry Toews swings the advantage way over to the 'Hawks side. The team has also proven that it can win without him.

A Tazerless Chicago squad may have trouble winning the West, but still have the firepower to beat the Coyotes.

Chicago Has Too Much Up Front for Phoenix to Handle

Toews or no Toews, the Blackhawks have a huge talent advantage on the top two lines.

Patrick Sharp has anchored a potent second line with Marcus Kruger and Viktor Stalberg. Patrick Kane has stepped up his game in a big way as the makeshift center of the top line.

Ray Whitney is a nice player and has plenty of playoff experience, but is going to be hard pressed to carry Phoenix offensively. Over a multi-game series, Chicago's depth should win out.

Chicago's Defense Has Improved Heading into the Playoffs

The Blackhawks have struggled from the blue line at times this season. Obtaining Winnipeg defenseman Johnny Oduya at the trade deadline has been a solidifying addition to the back end and Chicago still has one of the best pairings in the league in Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook.

The 'Hawks are more committed to limiting shots on goal than earlier in the season. They also have been controlling the puck with more frequency as of late, which should also pare down the number of shots Phoenix gets on Corey Crawford.

Mike Smith Is the Hot Goalie, but Corey Crawford Has Playoff Success

What Phoenix has is a hot goalie. That can't be overstressed.

Mike Smith has had a great year in net for the Coyotes and has stepped it up in his last few games. Smith's performance led Phoenix to the third playoff seed. He needs to continue his run for Phoenix to compete.

Corey Crawford has had an up-and-down year, but seems to be putting his game together over the last couple of weeks. Crawford had a huge series last spring to get the 'Hawks to a seventh game against the Canucks. That experience should serve him well as he tries to match Smith in the series.

Raffi Freaking Torres

The fact that Torres is on the Phoenix roster should prevent any complacency on the part of the 'Hawks. The Coyotes forward was a lightning rod last spring when he skated for Vancouver.

Torres will undoubtedly try to stir up trouble in this series. Expect it from Game 1 through the end of the series. With a feistier bottom six this season, the 'Hawks are better equipped to handle what Torres dishes out.

Guys like Jamal Mayers, Andrew Shaw and Brandon Bollig won't hesitate to provide similar grit should the situation call for it.

Bottom Line: 'Hawks in Six

Phoenix is no pushover. The Blackhawks can't expect to breeze through this series. The Coyotes have played well in surging to the top of the Pacific Division and they know they can beat the 'Hawks both at Jobing.com Arena and the United Center.

However, Chicago is also playing good hockey right now. That wasn't the case in two of Phoenix's three wins over the 'Hawks.

With both teams playing to their potential, I think Chicago is the more talented team. Phoenix has had difficulty playing teams with the talent of the 'Hawks up front (see two playoff losses to Detroit as an example). They aren't built to come from behind.

The Coyotes are a good team, but if the 'Hawks are on their game, they should prevail.