Red Wings at Coyotes Odds, Pick, Prediction: Detroit Offense Will Overwhelm Arizona

Coyotes vs. Red Wings Odds

Out in the desert, the Arizona Coyotes host the young and talented Detroit Red Wings. Detroit started off hot, but has come back to Earth by losing their last three games. Arizona has been the worst team in the league, starting 2-13-2.

This season has been filled with surprises, with the Red Wings as one of them. While it hasn’t been as smooth sailing for the Wings as it was in October, they’ve still managed to play close to .500 hockey.

It’s no secret that the Coyotes are the worst team in the NHL. They came into the season acquiring other teams' bad contracts and over the hill veterans. We can expect the Yotes to finish the season at the bottom of the standings.

Red Wings Creating Dangerous Chances

Entering the game led by young studs Lucas Raymond, Tyler Bertuzzi and Mortiz Seider, the Red Wings have a talented squad with a lot of learning to do. Raymond has set the league on fire so far with 18 points in 19 games and Bertuzzi is averaging over a point per game. The sky seems to be the limit for head coach Jeff Blashill’s squad, and this solid start to the season is only the beginning.

With such an explosive team, you’re bound to create a large amount of high danger chances. Ranking second in the NHL with 176 high danger chances, the Wings can put opposing defenses and net-minders on their heels. They don’t however drive play as much as you would think with a 2.24 expected goals per 60 minutes.

Goaltending has been fine for Detroit. They come in with two No. 1-type goalies in Thomas Greiss and Alex Nedeljkovic. Since Greiss played last, I expect Nedeljkovic to get the nod. He comes in with a decent .912 SV% and a below average -0.4 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx). I don’t foresee net-minding to be a huge issue moving forward, but with how raw this team is, it's a consideration.

Coyotes Underlying Metrics Just as Bad as Surface-Level Ones

It’s safe to say that the Coyotes gave up this season before training camp even opened. A team that sold nearly all of its players for bad contracts and draft picks is essentially telling the world they are rebuilding. There are some bright spots, however.

Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere has revitalized his career with 13 points, and Lawson Crouse is starting to play like the lottery pick he was expecting to be with nine points. Things will get better in the desert, but it’ll take time.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Yotes are one of the worst teams in driving play. They stand 31st in expected goals per 60 with a 1.64 xGF and have generated 122 high danger chances  which is in the bottom 10. 

Since claiming goalie Scott Wedgewood, he’s looking to take the reins as the No. 1 netminder. In the five games he’s played, Wedgewood holds a 2-1-1 record with a .932 SV% and a 2.7 GSAx, which is astounding given the team in front of him. Karel Vejmelka hasn’t been as solid, posting only an .897 SV% and a lowly -4.4 GSAx.

It looks like Wedgewood will be the top guy moving forward if he continues to post those numbers, and maybe he helps the Yotes to win a few more games.

Coyotes vs. Red Wings Pick

I think the Red Wings will use their high-octane offense to overwhelm Arizona.

If Wedgewood starts, I think he’ll manage to keep them in it, but I just don’t see Detroit not getting at least three pucks past him.

After losing three straight, I see the Red Wings getting out of their funk and taking this game.

Pick: Red Wings at -150 or better