It provided a dose of reality for Wolves fans who dared to believe that Mick McCarthy would turn last season's over-achievers in this season's promotion favourites.
And the subsequent 44 games have ultimately left Wolves with a report that's shaping up to read: Almost but not quite.
Only five of the players who started the season in McCarthy's team are probably guaranteed starting roles on Sunday - Wayne Hennessey, Gary Breen, Michael Kightly, Seyi George Olofinjana and Andy Keogh.
So there's been a quiet revolution - but the reality is that the team that fell short on the opening day has developed into a team that's still coming up short when it really matters.
For 45 minutes at Coventry, Wolves were desperate. Then transformed. They drove forwards, showed bags of enthusiasm and determination, deservedly drew level - yet could still have ended up losing.
Forty five minutes that summed up 45 games - Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Michael Kightly providing an exciting, potent threat, but Wolves relying on the Championship's best goalkeeper to avoid defeat.
It was a terrific second half at Coventry, as both sides traded blows, but the sense of massive disappointment when the results from Watford and Hull came through can't be underestimated.
It was there for Wolves to snatch firm control of the play-off race, and they couldn't take advantage.
Not for a lack of effort, but probably due to a lack of real quality when it really mattered. A lack of quality and concentration that allowed Coventry to score such a soft goal, and a lack of quality when the Sky Blues' back line was wobbling in the second half.
Sure, Kasper Schmeichel made two amazing saves to deny Keogh and Ebanks-Blake. But Hennessey also needed to be on top form against a Coventry side scrapping for their Championship lives.
So now we're left hoping for Blackpool to sink Watford, and/or Burnley to upset Palace.
Then there's the small matter of Wolves beating Plymouth. That would be progress at the expense of the Pilgrims. But will it be enough?
By John Bray
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606