The Coyotes certainly have the potential to be a playoff team considering the standard in the Pacific Division has kept all seven participants eligible.
But they still have plenty of flaws to correct to have that status be legitimately attached, as evidenced by the 7-5 reality check issued Tuesday at Gila River by the reigning Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks.
Chicago used three first-period power play goals to build an early lead against Arizona, who didn’t bank at least a point for only the second time in its past eight games.
Winger Patrick Kane reaffirmed his candidacy as a first-half MVP with a goal and two assists, bumping his NHL-leading point total to 53, while winger Andrew Desjardins scored twice and defensemen Duncan Keith tallied a goal and two assists.