It doesn't come easy for the Phoenix Coyotes: despite ownership questions, they finally win the Pacific Division for the first time since moving to Phoenix to earn a No. 3 seed. Their reward: a seventh-seeded Chicago Blackhawks squad that won more games and finished with more points than the Coyotes.
NHL Playoffs 2012, Coyotes Vs. Blackhawks Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More
Beating the Blackhawks will be a difficult task for the first-time division champion Coyotes -- even more so with the return of Jonathan Toews.
No. 7 Chicago Blackhawks at No. 3 Phoenix Coyotes
10 p.m. ET Thursday -- Game 1, Western Conference Quarterfinals | Series tied, 0-0
National TV: NBC Sports Network, TSN | Local TV: CSN Chicago, FS Arizona+
Hawks captain Jonathan Toews, who missed the season's final 22 games with a concussion, is set to return for the series opener at Jobing.com Arena, making the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions a much more intimidating out. That said, the Coyotes won three of the four meetings between the teams this season, including one in overtime.
For more on the Coyotes, check in with Five For Howling and SB Nation Arizona. For more on the Blackhawks, check in with Second City Hockey and SB Nation Chicago.
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