BSNblog

In this playoff tournament, hockey fans get to see the last four Stanley Cup champions compete for the big prize. It is always interesting to see how a team that is three or four years removed from winning the Cup has changed as it rolls into a new post-season. The Chicago Blackhawks had a fire sale immediately after winning the Stanley Cup two years ago and got rid of all of the role players that helped the core superstars to win the championship. The online betting experts did not expect much from the Blackhawks last year and the Blackhawks flickered away as expected. But much more is expected from the Blackhawks in this playoff run and it all starts with a very tough Phoenix team.

The Phoenix Coyotes are one of those division winners that flew in completely under the radar. The sports betting blog experts still do not give the Coyotes much of a chance in these playoffs, but Phoenix has a surprise for the Blackhawks. That surprise is a goaltender named Mike Smith. Smith is one of the main reasons why the Coyotes won the Pacific Division this year and, just like Jonathan Quick with the Los Angeles Kings two years ago, Smith is looking to introduce himself to a national audience when he gets his playoff chance.

Chicago Blackhawks

The health of goaltender Corey Crawford has been a concern all season for the Chicago Blackhawks. Crawford wins games but he is not the dominating goaltender he was a year ago. Sportsbook reviews of Crawford’s games this year show no shutouts and a goals against average of 2.72. Former Chicago goaltender Antti Niemi’s numbers were not much better going into the Stanley Cup run two years ago, but Niemi was not the starter. Crawford missed games due to injury and many fans are starting to wonder if Crawford has been fighting injuries all season long.

Phoenix Coyotes

The Phoenix Coyotes are the best kept secret in the NHL right now. The Coyotes are one of the lowest scoring teams in the playoffs, but Phoenix is such a well-rounded team that it is still very dangerous. The NHL free odds and scores posted by goaltender Mike Smith have gone unnoticed almost all season long, but yet the Coyotes finished as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. The Coyotes have been getting timely goal scoring all year long. If that can translate into the playoffs, then Phoenix will be a dangerous team.

The Bottom Line

The Blackhawks have had shaky goaltending and a weak defense all season long. The team did nothing to bolster its defense at the trade deadline, and that rightfully concerned Chicago fans. This Blackhawks team is not built for a championship run and it could have problems getting out of the first round of the playoffs. Mike Smith has the answer in goal for Phoenix and the Blackhawks have absolutely nothing to counteract that.

BSNblog Free Pick: Phoenix Coyotes