The Chicago Blackhawks are facing elimination tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes in Game 6 of their opening round series in the 2012 NHL playoffs. After one period at the United Center, the 'Hawks and Coyotes are stuck in a scoreless tie.

The Blackhawks dominated the action in the first period, but couldn't light the lamp. Chicago finished with a 16-2 advantage in shots on net. The Coyotes hold a 19-10 edge in hits, and a 9-7 advantage in faceoff wins after a period.

There were two penalties in the first period. Phoenix's Kyle Chipchura served two minutes for holding Chicago's Dave Bolland. Duncan Keith of the Blackhawks also was whistled two minutes for delay of game after shooting the puck over the glass.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage of this series, visit Blackhawks blog Second City Hockey and Coyotes blog Five For Howling. For more NHL Playoffs coverage, head over to SB Nation's NHL news hub.