NHL Playoffs 2012: Phoenix Coyotes Proving Red-Hot Streak Is for Real

The Phoenix Coyotes won their last five regular-season games. Now they are hitting their stride at just the right time.

The Coyotes took a 2-0 series lead over the favored Nashville Predators in the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday with a convincing 5-3 victory. Perhaps what was most impressive was that they showed a sense of urgency that screams "legit playoff team."

Even after their 4-3 overtime victory over the Predators in Game 1, the Coyotes knew they were outplayed down the stretch, having been outshot 25-7 over the final 34 minutes. They showed their desire on Sunday with their sixth victory in eight playoff games this season. 

It started with their 4-2 series victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Perhaps what was so eye-opening about that series was the Coyotes won three of their four games in Chicago, including a 4-0 drubbing in the final game of the series. 

This isn't the same team that totaled 97 points in the regular season, third fewest among Western Conference playoff teams. They are outplaying a Predators team that scored 104 points in the regular season, went 6-2 to close out the regular season and stomped the Detroit Red Wings four games to one in the conference quarterfinals.

The intriguing thing is that the Coyotes are getting better as the playoffs wear on. They outshot the Predators on Sunday 39-33. It was the most shots they recorded this postseason.

Coach Dave Tippett said after the game, via ESPN:

"

Right through our lineup, we really had a concerted push. I don't think there was any weak links...I would say this was the best 60 minutes we've played in the playoffs, for sure.

"

The Coyotes are earning the dark-horse label some placed on them before the playoffs. They are on a roll, playing well as a team and, more importantly, playing with the desire needed to go far in the postseason.

However their season ends, they have been able to defy the odds by showing that sometimes the mediocre can turn into premier threats once the postseason separates the men from the boys.

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