The Phoenix Coyotes captured their first ever Pacific Division title this season, but it doesn’t mean a whole lot to the oddsmakers at Bodog.ca who have listed them as series underdogs versus the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Coyotes are a +110 underdog in the series at Bodog.ca, while Chicago, who actually won three more game than Phoenix and had four more points are a -130 favorite.
Phoenix won their last three games against Chicago this season and they were 3-1 against them overall. That lone loss was the only game that net minder Mike Smith did not start for Phoenix.
The Blackhawks could really use some good news on Jonathen Toews heading into the series. Toews reportedly still has concussion symptoms that have kept him sidelined since February, but there are also reports that say he expected to play in the series opener on Thursday.
The return of Toews could be what Chicago needs to jump-start their lacklustre power play. It could also shake up the odds for the series so keep an eye on his status. [ Double your first deposit at Will Hill ]
The Coyotes chances in the series likely depend upon one thing, Mike Smith in nets. Smith carried Phoenix down the stretch with an amazing run that saw him win six of seven starts, posting three shutouts and allowing only seven goals.
When you pit Smith up against Chicago’s inconsistent goalie tandem of Cory Crawford and Ray Emery the Coyotes come out ahead hands down. Will that be enough for the Coyotes to pull off the upset?
Bettors will find out on Thursday night when the series begins in Phoenix with the Coyotes a -125 home favorite at William Hill.