Coyotes Vs. Predators, Game 5: Phoenix Advances To First-Ever Western Final

PHOTO: Sad Predators Fan Can't Leave The Arena

Phoenix Coyotes Grab Front Page Of Arizona Republic

Phoenix Coyotes Shake Off Distractions, Advance To Western Conference Final

There have been distractions for the Phoenix Coyotes for years, and there were distractions on Monday night. But in chasing their first-ever Stanley Cup, the Coyotes continue to brush their off-ice saga aside.

Predators Vs. Coyotes, Game 5: Win For Phoenix Turning Tide For Franchise

No matter how this postseason ends up for the Phoenix Coyotes, they may no longer be the woeful franchise that many thought of them to be.

Coyotes Vs. Predators, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Phoenix Wins 2-1, Advances To Conference Finals

On Monday, the Phoenix Coyotes beat the the Nashville Predators in Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals with a score of 2-1, advancing to the next playoff round. The Coyotes knew they would need just one more win to advance to the conference finals against the Los Angeles Kings and were hoping to clinch the series on home ice. They dominated the majority of the game and were able to do just that.

The Coyotes took a 2-0 lead into the third period, but the Predators cut that lead in half at 14:01 in the period when Colin Wilson was finally able to put one past Phoenix goalie Mike Smith. After nearly 30 Coyotes shots on goal throughout the game, Wilson was in perfect position to tip in a pass from David Legwand near the crease.

The Coyotes now advance to the conference finals for the first time in team history. Neither they nor the Kings have ever won the Stanley Cup.

For all news and information regarding the Phoenix Coyotes, please visit Five for Howling or head on over to SB Nation Arizona. For updates and perspective on the Nashville Predators, check out On the Forecheck.

Coyotes Vs. Predators, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: Coyotes Lead 2-0 After 2nd Period

The Phoenix Coyotes are just one win away from advancing to the Western Conference finals in the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. They are hosting the Nashville Predators Monday night and, after a big second period, now just 20 minutes away from meeting the Los Angeles Kings in the conference finals. Heading into the third period, the Coyotes are on top by a score of 2-0.

Derek Morris opened the scoring as he netted this goal for Phoenix at 3:54, sneaking it past Pekka Rinne with assists from Antoine Vermette and Shane Doan.

The Yotes made the most of their scoring chances, despite taking half as many shots on goal as the Predators. Phoenix extended their lead at 15:09 when Martin Hanzal scored his third postseason goal on this shot, with assists from Kyle Chipchura and Daymond Langkow.

Phoenix goalie Mike Smith has been lights-out in the net through the first two periods, stopping all 22 Nashville shots.

For all news and information regarding the Phoenix Coyotes, please visit Five for Howling or head on over to SB Nation Arizona. For updates and perspective on the Nashville Predators, check out On the Forecheck.

Coyotes Vs. Predators, NHL Playoffs 2012 Game 5: No Score After 1st Period

It's scoreless after the first period in the Monday night matchup between the hosting Phoenix Coyotes and Nashville Predators in the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

The Coyotes hold a 3-1 lead in the series and are just one win away from the Western Conference finals, where they would face off against the Los Angeles Kings.

In the early going, the Predators are doing everything in their power to keep the series alive for at least one more game. They have gone on the attack, taking 10 shots on goal against just five from the Coyotes. Nashville also managed a power play in the last three minutes of the period, but the Coyotes were able to kill it admirably.

Mike Smith has once again been stellar through the first period in net for Phoenix, stopping every shot.

For all news and information regarding the Phoenix Coyotes, please visit Five for Howling or head on over to SB Nation Arizona. For updates and perspective on the Nashville Predators, check out On the Forecheck.

Gary Bettman To Address Coyotes Ownership Monday

An ownership group led by former San Jose Sharks CEO Greg Jamison has reportedly reached a tentative agreement with the NHL to purchase Phoenix Coyotes. The NHL is expected to formally announce the news during a press conference before the Coyotes' playoff game Monday evening. From NHL.com:

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will meet with the media Monday at 9 p.m. ET to discuss the ownership situation of the Phoenix Coyotes.

The availability, at Jobing.com Arena, will be carried live on NHL Network and streamed on NHL.com.

For more on the Coyotes, visit Five For Howling and SB Nation Arizona.

NHL Playoffs 2012, Coyotes Vs. Predators Game 5: Game Time, TV Coverage And More

Phoenix and Nashville will meet in Game 5 Monday as the Predators attempt to stave off elimination.