Well, it's clear that the Chicago Blackhawks aren't going to roll over despite being down in their NHL playoff series with the Phoenix Coyotes. The Blackhawks outshot the Coyotes 12-4 in the first period, but have nothing to show for it as yet.
Neither do the Coyotes. A tightly-played first period has produced no goals for either side.
There were a few minor scuffles on the ice early as it seemed Chicago sought to grab a physical advantage early. They didn't, though.
Left winger Viktor Stalberg was given two minutes for roughing at 6:21 of the period and the Coyotes went on the power play, but the Blackhawks controlled the puck for much that time period. Center Antoine Vermette put a shot on goal from in front and to the left of Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford but was turned away.
Ray Whitney's wrist shot at 12:20 of the period didn't make it past Crawford.
At 14:04, Phoenix's Adrian Aucoin was whistled for tripping, and 1:40 later, Derek Morris was penalized for high-sticking, giving Chicago a two-man advantage for 20 seconds. But the Coyotes were able to kill both penalties.
The action has picked up more as the game has gone along in the past three games, it remains to be seen if that pattern will continue in Game 5.