What had been one of the least nasty series\u2019 in this year\u2019s playoffs has suddenly turned a little testy after Raffi Torres introduced himself to Marion Hossa in what of the hits of the playoffs so far. <\/p>\n
Coyotes vs. Blackhawks Betting Lines from betonline.com<\/strong> Coyotes lead series 2-1<\/strong> Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The two teams are back at it on Thursday night as the Hawks try to even the series against a Phoenix team that has won all three games that they have played in Chicago this year.<\/p>\n The Phoenix Coyotes won back home ice advantage on Tuesday night and now are two wins away from their first franchise win since the team moved from Winnipeg. Phoenix will be forced to play without spark plug Raffi Torres on Thursday night however \u2013 his open ice hit has resulted in what could be a lengthy suspension. Still they are getting offense from some unlikely sources \u2013 Mikkel Boedker has two points in two games, Antoine Vermette has three points in three games and Rotislav Klesla scored a goal and added two assists the other night. If Shane Doan and Radim Vrbata can get going, the Coyotes will be a handful.<\/p>\n Goaltender Mike Smith has been typically sharp for Phoenix \u2013 he has simply outplayed Corey Crawford so far in the series. Smith stopped 33 of 35 shots on Tuesday and is now 2-1 in the series with a 2.25 goals against average and a .939 save percentage. [ad-4437448]<\/p>\n The Chicago Blackhawks let one slip away on Tuesday night \u2013 surprising considering that they are one of the best teams in the NHL on home ice. They did dominate overtime on Tuesday and some would argue that they were unlucky to have lost. It\u2019s back at it on Thursday night \u2013 this time without Marion Hossa who was second on the team in scoring during the regular season. Patrick Kane has four assists in the series, Bryan Bickell and David Bolland have two points apiece in their last two games but the Hawks will need more from Jonathan Toews who should be in game shape after returning from injury three games ago.<\/p>\n As previously mentioned, Chicago\u2019s goaltending has to get better. It is not that Corey Crawford has been awful but it has been the lack of a big save at the right time and the inability to get away from a weak goal against that has plagued this team.<\/p>\n Betting Prediction<\/strong>: The Chicago Blackhawks are in for a fight \u2013 that\u2019s for sure! But home ice advantage should benefit them in a big way Thursday night. We all have seen in the last couple of seasons what the Hawks team is capable of when their backs are against the wall. Look for Chicago\u2019s big guns to step up in the absence of Hossa and for the team to rally around their wounded team mate. This series should be tied heading back to Phoenix!<\/p>\n
\n When: 8:00 PM ET, Thursday, April 19, 2012<\/strong>
\n Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois<\/strong>
\n Broadcast: TSN, CNBC, RDS2, FS-A PLUS (HD), CSN-CH (HD)<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n Spread: Blackhawks -1 \u00bd (+185)<\/strong>
\n Moneyline: Coyotes +143: Blackhawks -157<\/strong>
\n Over\/Under: 5 \u00bd goals<\/strong><\/p>\n