The Arizona Coyotes have not been a very successful NHL betting franchise. In a league as storied and ancient as the NHL, the Coyotes – whose franchise is but 20 years young – are still considered toddlers when compared to the Original Six. Heck, just two years ago the franchise was known as the Phoenix Coyotes. Financial struggles were what fueled the pilgrimage but in the end the slight relocation would not result in sportsbook success.
In the two short years the franchise has been known as the Arizona Coyotes, the club has posted two losing seasons, and has failed to qualify for the postseason each time. Dave Tippett has been the Coyotes’ head coach since the 2009 season and although he enjoyed success early in his stint with the ‘Yotes, (the Coyotes made it to the Conference Quarterfinals in his first two years before advancing all the way to the Conference Finals in his third year) the fact that Tippett has missed out on the playoffs the last 4 years brings his job security into question.
Furthermore, the way the Desert Dogs have been performing this season doesn’t help Tippett’s chances or retaining his current position. So far this season, after competing in 49 games, the Coyotes have limped their way to a 16-27-6 record that yields them a humbling 38 points – the second fewest points in the NHL. Since we’ve passed the season’s halfway point, guaranteeing that the ‘Yotes will miss out on the playoffs for another year is like guaranteeing that the sun will rise tomorrow.
Nevertheless, Arizona will take to the ice Thursday night to try to save this season as best they can. Unfortunately, they’ll have to face off against one of the best teams in the Central Division, the Chicago Blackhawks. Let’s see what kind of chances most hockey betting sites will give the ailing Coyotes against the thriving Blackhawks.
NHL BETTING ODDS – REGULAR SEASON – Thursday, February 2nd
Chicago Blackhawks -1½ (+190) 5 (-130) -150
Arizona Coyotes +1½ (-230) 5 (+110) +130
The sportsbooks have come out in favor of the Blackhawks, but surprisingly enough; the odds are actually giving Arizona a fighting chance Thursday night. Which is a bombshell to say the least, especially when considering how competent Chicago has been this season.
After competing in 52 contests, the Blackhawks are sitting cozily on a 30-17-5 record that yields them 65 points. Unfortunately for Chicago, the Minnesota Wild have been having a slightly more propitious season. Right now Chicago is 6 points behind the Wild in the Central Division, not the easiest of deficits to overcome. Additionally, the Blackhawks are coming into this contest on a 3-game losing streak, which helps explain why the sportsbooks are giving the Coyotes a chance in this contest.
In comparison, Arizona will be coming off their most recent 3-2 regulation loss to the Los Angeles Kings this past Tuesday. The Coyote’s entire season has been filled with ups-and-downs; at times racking up back-to-back wins and at others putting on lengthy losing streaks. An NHL betting upset win over the Blackhawks would certainly be a reason for jubilee in a season that has been abysmal to say the least.
