Coyotes Vs. Blackhawks, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 2: Phoenix Still Up After 2

The Phoenix Coyotes nearly had their goalie taken out of the game in the second period and allowed the Chicago Blackhawks to tie up the score, but Mike Smith is on the ice and the Coyotes are back in front. After an absolutely disastrous start to the period, the Coyotes recovered and now lead the Blackhawks 3-2 at the second intermission.

Just under seven minutes into the second period, Brandon Bollig scored his first career NHL goal, which was also his first career NHL point, assisted by Nick Leddy and Duncan Keith. Things appeared to get worse for Phoenix right after the ensuing faceoff, when Andrew Shaw collided with Coyotes goalie Mike Smith's head behind the net. Smith hit the ice hard and appeared to be in quite a bit of pain, but returned to the game. As you can see on the video and GIF of the hit, it's a small miracle Smith doesn't have a concussion. Shaw picked up a game misconduct and was ejected.

That put the Coyotes on a five-minute power play and they capitalized through a goal by Antoine Vermette, who scored his second goal of the game and third of the playoffs. His first goal of the game came on a tip, but his second was slightly more impressive, scored with a glove-side wrist shot through a screen by Raffi Torres.