NHL Playoffs 2012: 9 Things to Take Away from Chicago Blackhawks' Game 1 Defeat

The Chicago Blackhawks provided hope of a playoff comeback in Phoenix in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal. Despite an impressive return to action by Jonathan Toews and a late goal to send the game into overtime, the Coyotes bested Chicago 3-2 to take a 1-0 series lead.

A quality start to the contest that saw Toews opening the scoring gave way to sloppy play in the defensive zone and a pair of Phoenix goals. The 'Hawks put the outcome back into doubt as Brent Seabrook's putback zipped into the net in the final frenzied seconds of regulation.

On this night, late heroics was not enough.

There is much to take from this opening salvo in what could prove to be a back-and-forth series. Here are some observations from Thursday's late action.

Jonathan Toews Made His Presence Felt

Toews returned from nearly a two-month absence and factored into both Blackhawks' goals.

In almost 25 minutes of action, he showed no effects of the concussion that kept him out of Chicago's last 22 regular-season games. He shoveled a backhand that seemingly went through Mike Smith and into the net on his second shift four minutes into the game.

Toews wound up in the middle of a lot of physical play and wasn't backing down. He also wasn't afraid to stand nose to nose to Coyotes captain Shane Doan.

How Toews body responds to his first game back isn't yet apparent, but he looks like he can make a difference in this series.

Close Down the Bakery on the Blue Line

The Chicago defense served up turnovers all night, particularly in the second period when Phoenix took over the momentum of the game with two goals.

This was very apparent in the seventh and eighth minutes, when Phoenix held the puck in the 'Hawks zone for nearly two minutes and a pair of line changes. It ended poorly for Chicago as Niklas Hjalmarsson knocked away the puck as Corey Crawford was about to pounce on it and force a stoppage.

Daymond Langkow gathered the loose puck and found Taylor Pyatt for the goal.

Yes, the officials missed the fact that Phoenix had an extra skater on the ice and should have been penalized. However, Chicago had ample opportunity to get the puck out before and after that infraction. By that time Phoenix still had the puck in Chicago's zone for far too long.

Andrew Shaw Was, Well, Andrew Shaw

Did anyone else think that Shaw was going to drop the gloves with Mikkel Boedker before the opening puck drop?

Shaw was all over the place Thursday.

He skated right on the edge of control most of the night, drawing some penalties. Providence must have prevented a tripping infraction late in the game from being called, and Shaw was active in the scrum that closed the first period.

He also had some scoring opportunities that could have been huge if one had gotten past Mike Smith.

I can see the Coyotes goading Shaw into some dumb retaliatory penalties as the series wears on. The rookie needs to match the energy he displayed in Game 1, but be mindful of the whistle and not lose control.

Brent Seabrook Played a Big Game Even Before Tying the Contest

Seabrook led the 'Hawks with six hits, got seven shots on goal and blocked a pair of shots. Oh yeah, he also sent the game into overtime after kicking a deflected puck to his stick and finding twine with 14 ticks left.

On a night where several 'Hawks defensemen were off their games, Seabrook showed why he is the rock of the blue line this spring.

Elevation May Be the Tonic for Mike Smith

Smith saved 43 of 45 shots on the night. Both goalies were on their games, but Smith was a major factor in the Phoenix win.

Smith goes down low pretty early when facing shots. Several times the 'Hawks sent point-blank shots into his pads. Shaw and Bryan Bickell both tried going low and were denied on opportunities on the door step.

Some elevation might have made a difference. Let's see if Chicago waits Smith out and targets higher in Game 2 Saturday night.

Being Outhit Wasn't the Ultimate Problem

The stats show that the Blackhawks were outhit 48-22. However, Chicago dished out its share of hits.

Shaw's hit along the boards on Radim Vrbata sent Phoenix's leading scorer to the dressing room in the opening minutes. He did not return, which could loom large in the series if Vrbata misses additional time.

Hjalmarsson absolutely planted Rostislav Klesla at the 'Hawks blue line a few minutes later. The hit totals may have favored the Coyotes, but I didn't think Chicago shied from contact.

I've maintained that going out of their way to lay hits on opponents is only going to sidetrack the 'Hawks. I thought Chicago was physical while staying true to its puck-possession style of play.

Losing Faceoffs Wasn't the Ultimate Problem

Despite having the captain back, Chicago lost 9-of-11 draws in the opening period. The team improved in the final 40 minutes of regulation, but were still beaten 33-25 at the dot.

Again, losing draws wasn't the cause of the two Coyotes goals in the second period. Defensive breakdowns were the culprit. A lost faceoff did start the chain of events that led to Phoenix ending the contest, though.

The Power Play Was Not the Ultimate Problem

The 'Hawks had four power-play chances and came up empty, though chances were created.

Anyone who watched Chicago stumble though the season with the man advantage knew going in that the power play would not be the Blackhawks' salvation in the postseason. A goal would have helped, but it's not like the special teams performance was the lone swing factor.

So...What WAS the Ultimate Problem?

Missed opportunities and defensive breakdowns proved to be the bottom line in Game 1.

Smith kept most of the shots out of the net, the Coyotes were patient, and they had players like Pyatt and Martin Hanzal come up big when their team needed them. A textbook Phoenix Coyotes win.

Chicago must take better care of the puck in its own zone Saturday and find a way to rattle Smith if it wants to even up the series in the desert.