No. 4 Phoenix vs. No. 5 Detroit

No. 4 Phoenix vs. No. 5 Detroit

Records: Coyotes 50-25-7, Red Wings 44-24-14.

Power Play: Coyotes 14.6% (28th), Red Wings 19.2% (ninth).

Penalty Killing: Coyotes 84.5% (sixth), Red Wings 83.9% (10th).

Leading scorers: Coyotes: Wojtek Wolski 23-42—65. Red Wings: Pavel Datsyuk 27-43—70.

Outlook: Possibly the purely most enjoyable series. The Coyotes overcame bankruptcy, a coaching change a few days before the season and repeated rumors of their demise to have an excellent season. Kudos to Coach Dave Tippett and goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (2.29 goals-against average, .920 save percentage). Bryzgalov has a career 1.68 playoff goals-against average in 16 games with the Ducks. The Red Wings lost only three games in regulation after the Olympics and won eight of their last 10. Goalie Jimmy Howard has no NHL playoff experience but his teammates protect him well. The Red Wings’ experience could outweigh the Coyotes’ youth and speed.

Pick: Red Wings in seven.

SCHEDULE

Wednesday at Phoenix, 7 p.m.

Friday at Phoenix, 7 p.m.

Sunday at Detroit, noon

April 20 at Detroit, 3:30 p.m.

April 23 at Phoenix, 7 p.m.

April 25 at Detroit, 11 a.m.

April 27 at Phoenix, TBD

x-if necessary; all times Pacific