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Phoenix’s leading scorer likely out in Game 2

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Blackhawks went through it when Jonathan Toews missed the final quarter of the regular season with a concussion.

Now the Phoenix Coyotes may have to deal with the same thing in the playoffs after their leading scorer, Radim Vrbata, left Game 1 of the Western Conference quarterfinals after just 40 seconds of ice time following a big hit into the boards by Andrew Shaw.

Vrbata, who had 35 goals and 62 points in the regular season — both career highs — was classified Thursday as day-to-day with an upper body injury by Phoenix coach Dave Tippett.

“He’s our best goal scorer. He scores goals other people don’t; he just does,” Coyotes captain Shane Doan said of Vrbata. “If he hadn’t got hurt there for a little while this season, he’d probably have 40 goals.”

The loss of Vrbata on just his second shift of the game set what looked an ominous tone for the Coyotes in the series opener, because shortly thereafter, Toews beat goalie Mike Smith on a backhand from an impossible angle to give the Blackhawks a 1-0 lead.

“He’s such a big part of what makes us work,” Doan said. “Losing him so early made it tough.”

But the Coyotes hung tough through the opening period and scored twice in the second to take a 2-1 lead en route to a 3-2 overtime victory.

“We’re a pretty resilient group here; there’s not much that bothers us,” Tippett said.

“Guys really stepped up,” Raffi Torres said. “We continued to play our system. Injuries are going to come. It’s just a matter of sticking to what you have to do.”

The Coyotes may have to continue to make do because it seems a pretty good bet that Vrbata won’t be back in the lineup for Game 2 on Friday night.

“That would be tough,” Torres said. “He’s a big part of our team. He’s a guy we’ll miss a whole bunch.”

Shane Doan, right, checks Jonathan Toews into the boards during the second period in Game 1 of their quarterfinal series Thursday in Phoenix. Associated Press
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