are the coyotes really "inferior" right now? they're 2 points behind the hawks and have won 8 straight. the hawks are slumping bad and have injuries. the coyotes were probably favorites going into the game the coyotes weren't favorites to win the game...according to the guy next to me at the game, the hawks were favored by a goal and a half. That said, I don't think the coyotes are an inferior team at all. We had seats on the glass last night (my hubby's christmas gift). I was wearing our coyotes jersey and my husband had his hawks jersey on so we had fun with that all night. There was at least 1 goal, probably 2, where Bryzgalov didn't see what was coming. Both teams played great, hard hockey and it was phenomenal to see in person. The coyotes have been a much better team since the coaching change - and the 'yotes are going to be a team to contend with in the playoffs. A goal and a half is what all hockey games have as the spread, do not read into that. Odds are then placed against this spread.