SI ‘Misery Index’ ranks Arizona Coyotes fans third-most distressed
Jul 24, 2015, 7:09 PM | Updated: 9:29 pm
Finally. The Arizona Coyotes finished near the top of one of these offseason lists.
But maybe this isn’t such a great list to top.
Sports Illustrated came out with “Fan Misery” index Friday and the Coyotes were ranked at number three.
The list factored in long-term and recent history of success, managerial competence, system strength, staffing moves, offseason trades and signings, and any intangibles surrounding the NHL’s 30 teams.
ARIZONA COYOTES
CUP DROUGHT: 18 SEASONS
FRANCHISE DROUGHT: 35
A promised resolution of legal hostilities between the team and the city of Glendale gives the Coyotes and their fans a glimmer of hope, but at this point everyone knows better than to let down their guard. It’s always something in the Valley of the Sun. At least there’s a hint of promise on the ice. Despite a miserable run that’s seen Arizona sink back to the doldrums of 2002-09, the thought of Dylan Strome, Max Domi and Anthony Duclair—along with a shot at local boy Auston Matthews in the draft next summer—should keep the faithful going through another few rough years.
SI noted the obvious off the ice drama, but praised its young stars. This at least bodes well for the fans who plan to tune out the Westside Story and simply watch the games, though that might be easier said than done.
Not surprisingly, the New Jersey Devils topped the list and you don’t say? The Chicago Blackhawks were at the bottom.
