2012 NHL Playoffs: Chicago Blackhawks' Backs Against the Wall After Game 4 Loss

The Chicago Blackhawks are coming up short when it counts against the Phoenix Coyotes. As a result, they currently sit on the brink of elimination in their first-round playoff series.

The 'Hawks will be flying to Phoenix tomorrow down 3-1 in the best-of-seven series following yet another overtime loss. Despite rallying from a two-goal deficit in the third period, Chicago lost a 3-2 overtime decision for the second time in two games at the United Center.

Missing players and poor calls from officials can't excuse the fact that Phoenix used a pretty standard blueprint to take command of the series. Sit back, wait for the inevitable defensive lapse, and lean on a goalie who has outplayed his counterpart more often than not.

Johnny Oduya and Nick Leddy were the flavors of the night. Shane Doan picked Oduya's pocket, leading to Doan knocking in a rebound for the first Coyotes goal. Leddy lunged for a puck early in overtime and couldn't prevent Mikkel Boedker from a breakaway.

Crawford has played outstanding in regulation time, but two overtime tallies that come on less than high-percentage shots have been the difference in Games 3 and 4. Boedker did not appear to get off a shot, thanks to Leddy's back check. However, the puck slid lazily through Crawford's five-hole to end Thursday's contest at the Madhouse on Madison.

Down 2-0 with 12 minutes left, the 'Hawks charged back behind...Brendan Morrison and Michael Frolik? These are two players whose nightly scratches down the stretch accounted for both Chicago goals. In the final minutes, it was Dave Bolland along with Brian Bickell and Frolik who evened the game with just over a minute to go.

Bolland's line got off 11 shots on goal for the night. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Patrick Sharp managed just six. The "Big Three" needed to make a statement on the scoreboard. Aside from a Toews assist on Morrison's goal, the three stars were held in check.

You have to question how much the Hawks have left in their emotional tank after dropping three games in overtime, the last two at home. The momentum was all on Chicago’s side heading into extra time.

Phoenix was the team skating down a forward, with Paul Bissonnette earning a game misconduct in the first period after a fight with Brandon Bollig. The Coyotes were out-shot 32-19, yet won for the third time in four games.

The Hawks have been in every game. However, heading back to the desert, it is Phoenix that has come up big to finish tight games. Crawford, in particular, looked like a beaten man in the dressing room after the game.

It's easy to make excuses for the 'Hawks. You can point to last year's near-comeback against Vancouver and hope that the top names in Chicago can pull out a win in Jobing.com Arena. The bottom line is this: Chicago either wins Saturday night or sees its season come to a disappointing end.