3-0 Hole

Since 1997, the Detroit Red Wings have been among the best teams in the NHL. Throughout that time period they have won four Stanley Cups and came a game shy last year of winning a fifth. The team has had multiple hall of fame players, great coaches, great scouting and a myriad of 100 point seasons along with making the playoffs for nearly two straight decades. The Red Wings have been the staple pro-sports team in Detroit. Wings' fans always can rely on the fact that the Wings will have a competitive team that has a chance to win it all. In fact, anything shy of a Stanley Cup in Detroit is simply not acceptable. Much is demanded of the Wings every season and perhaps rightly so due to the talent and ability the team possesses every season.

However, has simply too much been expected out of this team? So much is demanded out of this team, and this season they did not meet those demands or even come very close. The Wings are currently in a 3-0 in the second round against the Sharks, after blowing a two goal lead in the third period at home. Unless they pull off a miraculous comeback, their season will soon be over. I wonder if this seemingly collapse of a great team still goes back to last season, where they held a 3-2 series lead in the Finals.

Although the Wings did not meet expectations, a fan can still not be to utterly disappointed. Although professional sports are a "what have you done for me lately?" industry, the Wings have still created dynasty in the last two decades. They have won the most Cups in that time period, and have always been near the top of the league. Furthermore, in Detroit, one can look at the Wings and see greatness, but then look across town at the Lions, where the exact opposite is true (just seeing the Lions finish at 8-8 would be exciting!). Anyways, regardless of whether the Wings are washed up or just plain worn out, they have still been an incredible team that one has to be extremely proud of.

Finally, after the Wings won the Cup in 2002, it seemed like their dynasty run was over. The likes of Yzerman, Shannahan, Federov, Hasek, and Hull were no longer on the team. Also, they could not manage to get past the early rounds in the playoffs. However, the Wings found a way to reinvent themselves by drafting and grooming good players and by signing some key guys. Consequently, they came back and won the Cup two seasons ago with a young team and an old goalie. Is there any reason to believe the Wings will not do that again over the next few years?

Simply put, the Wings have been a phenomenal team to watch and rout for. Hopefully that should continue as they rest and regroup during what appears to be a longer off-season than first expected.