Bet On NHL Hockey: Coyotes
The newly named Arizona Coyotes will attempt to return to the playoffs this upcoming year after finishing fourth in the Pacific Division last year and missing the postseason for the second straight year.
NHL Predictions
Arizona Coyotes
Odds to win the 2015 Stanley Cup: 66/1
Odds to win the 2015 Western Conference: 33/1
Odds to Win the 2014 Pacific Division: 10/1
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2014-2015 Arizona Coyotes Betting Preview:
Arizona finished seven games above .500 last year – not too bad but in the tough Western Conference the Coyotes have some work to do in order to remain become relevant again.
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A healthy Mike Smith will be a huge factor this year – his injury with 11 games left last season led to the demise of the middling club.
The Coyotes were just average in terms of offense last year – 20th in the NHL in goals for despite finishing fourth in the league on the power play. It’s difficult to say whether or not the Coyotes improved during the offseason – Sam Gagne, Devan Dubnyk and BJ Crombeen were added while Radim Vrbata, Mike Ribeiro and Thomas Greiss signed elsewhere.
Offense
As mentioned previously offense was an issue in the desert last year – defenseman Keith Yandl was the team leader in points with 52 while Antoine Vermette led the team in goals with just 24.
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Some optimism comes in the form of Mikkel Boedker who came out of nowhere and posted 19 goals and 32 assists.
Boedker, Martin Hanzal, Martin Erat, Lauri Korpikoski, Antoine Vermette, Shane Doan, Rob Klinkhammer, Sam Gagner and David Moss will occupy the top three lines – not all that flattering on paper while Brandon McMillan, Kyle Chipchura, B.J. Crombeen, Lucas Lessio, Joe Vitale, Jordan Szwarz and Max Domi will provide OK depth.
The loss of one of their top three scorers Radim Vrbata could loom large for a team that looks like they will struggle once again to find the back of the net.
Defense
The Arizona defense was also middle of the pack last year and figures to be that way this year as well. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Zbynek Michalek, Keith Yandle, Michael Stone, David Schlemko and Connor Murphy will be the top six – not all that great on paper.
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It’s a good thing for…
Mike Smith who appeared in 62 games, recording a 27-21-10 record with a 2.64 goals against average and a .915 save percentage.
He made Canada’s Olympic team for a reason last year – he may be the best player on the team and looks like the best of the “B-level” keepers in the league.
FREE Coyotes NHL Predictions 2014/2015
The Coyotes finished just two points out of a playoff spot last year – a healthy Mike Smith down the stretch may have thrust them into the eighth seed in the West. That said the loss of Radim Vrbata and Mike Ribeiro will loom large in the desert.
Arizona figures to be one of those bubble teams again in 2014-2015 – they will likely go on streaks but fall short of a playoff position again.
You can’t blame Coach Dave Tippett – the talent just isn’t there for Arizona to be a serious threat in the tough Western Conference.
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