ARIZONA COYOTES

Coyotes as underdogs might be understatement

Apr 12, 2011, 3:32 PM | Updated: 4:10 pm

Going into their playoff series against the Detroit Red Wings one would expect the Phoenix Coyotes to be the underdogs. After all, they are the No. 6 seed and the Red Wings are the No. 3 seed with home ice advantage.

But just how big of underdogs may be the surprise.

Of the eight “experts” in ESPN’s predictions for the first round of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs exactly nobody is picking the Coyotes to win the series.

To be fair, no one is picking the Coyotes to get swept by the Red Wings either, but they certainly aren’t giving them their first playoff series win.

I’m not sure ESPN allowed them to pick any sweeps though, as no expert picked any NHL playoff series to end in a sweep.

Is the picking of the Red Wings fair?

Sports 620 KTAR’s Doug & Wolf asked ESPN Hockey Analyst Barry Melrose exactly that.

“I think that’s fair,” Melrose said. “Not a sign of disrespect to Phoenix just a sign of how good Detroit has been the last 10 years.”

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Coyotes

The former Arizona Coyotes arrive in Salt Lake City for the first time....

Bailey Leasure

Former Arizona Coyotes team arrives in Salt Lake City for the NHL Utah event

The former Arizona Coyotes players and staff arrive in Utah as they are introduced in Salt lake City in an event at the Delta Center.

1 day ago

Goaltender Connor Ingram...

Associated Press

Utah’s NHL team may use placeholder name for 1st season after move from Arizona

The NHL team moving from Arizona to Salt Lake City will be known as Utah, at least initially, until a long-term name is determined.

4 days ago

Tucson Roadrunners...

Alex Weiner

Mullett Arena? Stay in Tucson? Plan for the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate Roadrunners remains unclear

The path forward for the Tucson Roadrunners, the AHL affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes, remains unclear under owner Alex Meruelo.

6 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Goodbye, Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Sports' Jarrett Carlen pens a good-bye parody song to the now former Arizona Coyotes.

6 days ago

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during a press conference at Hyatt Regency Phoenix...

Kevin Zimmerman

Gary Bettman, Alex Meruelo blame Tempe voters for Coyotes’ relocation

Gary Bettman and Alex Meruelo are still stuck on a failed Tempe vote on an Arizona Coyotes arena project rather than any missteps.

6 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and owner Alex Meruelo address sale, relocation of Arizona Coyotes

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and owner Alex Meruelo held a press conference Friday in Downtown Phoenix to address the sale and future of the Arizona Coyotes.

6 days ago

Coyotes as underdogs might be understatement