The Detroit Red Wings have made the postseason every year since the 1989-90 season. This is undoubtedly an incredible streak; but it will most likely be ending shortly. I'm sure this is not the way ownership wanted to see the franchises' time at Joe Louis Arena end.
But maybe that's exactly what the franchise needs. A fresh start. A chance to start a new streak at their new home, Little Caesers Arena (which some fans have already dubbed the dough Joe in homage to Joe Louis Arena). Clever, right? Maybe Wings fans are just laughing to keep themselves from crying at the thought that this impressive streak may be no more than just a fond memory.
It could be argued that the franchise is a victim of its own success. The fact that they have made the playoffs all these years that they get a lower draft pick during the next draft. This is why some teams (not pointing any fingers) have resorted to tanking, or putting less talented players on the ice in order to ensure that they lose as many games as possible to improve their draft position. This goes against everything that sports is supposed to be about.
One thing that has not helped the team is that the general manager, Ken Holland, likes to keep younger players in the minor league system until they are "overripe." This does not make sense to me because if a player is talented enough for them to be drafted, they should be playing as soon as they are ready. On the other hand, some players need to be rushed up to the NHL because of a lack of success at the position (detractors will point to this gif as evidence that Jared Coreau is not the Red Wings' goalie of the future).
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">oh nooooo Jared Coreau 😵 <a href="https://t.co/Itnvh53b5J">pic.twitter.com/Itnvh53b5J</a></p>— NHL on NBC (@NHLonNBCSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/NHLonNBCSports/status/830904749624946688">February 12, 2017</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
This season has been tough but that is only because the Red Wings have spoiled their fans by making it to the playoffs every year and winning 4 Stanley Cups in the last 11 years. Thank you to the late Mike Ilitch for making it possible and for believing in the city of Detroit.
The dough Joe, how clever, I'll have to remember that! Thanks for providing some great insight and history!
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