After beginning the season playing in a mostly empty arena, the Coyotes kept winning, setting a franchise record for victories and points under Tippett. The crowds kept growing, and by the time the season ended it was a loud, raucous environment.

The Phoenix Coyotes seemed poised to move onto the second round of the playoffs and defying the odds as it has been the theme of their dream season. Only problem: the Detroit Red Wings refused to be any part of it.

The Red Wings buried the Coyotes 6-1 in Game 7 of their first round series Tuesday night.

Pavel Datsyuk scored twice in a span of less than two minutes and Nicklas Lidstrom had two goals a day shy of his 40th birthday for the Red Wings.

The Wings bombarded goalie Ilya Bryzgalov from the start, outshooting Phoenix 50-33, including 39-21 in the first two periods. Bryzgalov held on through a scoreless opening period, but Detroit scored four goals in the second en route to its first Game 7 win on the road in 46 years.

The Red Wings will move onto the second round matching up with the top-seeded San Jose Sharks.

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