COYOTES 3, BLACKHAWKS 2 (OT): Martin Hanzal scored at 9:29 of overtime to lift host Phoenix in the opener of its Western Conference quarterfinal series.

Hanzal redirected Adrian Aucoin's shot from the right point past Corey Crawford for the dramatic victory.

Taylor Pyatt and Antoine Vermette scored second-period goals and Mike Smith turned aside 43 shots for the Coyotes, who were 14.2 seconds away from winning in regulation when Chicago's Brent Seabrook forced overtime.

Phoenix survived that crushing goal and the loss of leading goal scorer Radim Vrbata early in the first period to beat the Blackhawks for the fourth time in five meetings this season.

Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews made an electrifying return to the lineup with a goal and an assist, scoring on his second shift after missing the final 22 games of the regular season with a concussion.

Pyant got the equalizer at 7:38 of the second period, capitalizing on a mistake by Chicago defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson and beating Crawford top-shelf.

Vermette put the Coyotes ahead with 2 1/2 minutes in the period, taking a drop pass from Raffi Torres and ripping a one-timer that beat Crawford glove side.

The goal appeared to be a good omen for Phoenix, which was 31-1-3 when leading after two periods during the regular season.

Chicago kept coming in the third, putting 18 shots on Smith, and finally broke through when Seabrook converted a rebound of Patrick Kane's shot that deflected off the post.

Game 2 is in Phoenix on Saturday night.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Vrbata played only two brief shifts before leaving the ice with an undisclosed injury early in the opening period. Vrbata established career highs in goals (35) and points (62) and ended the season on a tear with five goals in his last five games. ... Toews said after Thursday morning's skate that he planned to play. He had been sidelined since suffering the concussion against St. Louis on Feb. 19. His first-period goal gave his 18 points in 18 games against Phoenix. ... The Coyotes thwarted four Chicago power plays and have killed off 29 consecutive penalties.