Central Division, finally strong?

[RedWings Gone Wild 6]

Well, for a few years now our regular season success has been heavily pegged as being a result of weak division rivals (with the sole exception of Nashville). However, this year with 20+ games in the bag, every team in our division is a few games above .500, and most of our losses have come from division foes. In fact, minus our loss to Anahiem, every loss has been within the division. Is it too soon to say the Central division is the deepest in the NHL? I have my opinion (as always), but I'm curious to see what others think about the Central division this year. After all, prior to the season most were predicting the Central division to be a cake walk for the Wings.

A side question: Could a stronger division finally be the thing that gets the Wings battle tested and driven in time for playoff successes?

[Viperar 16]

A side question: Could a stronger division finally be the thing that gets the Wings battle tested and driven in time for playoff successes?

I think this is very interesting. I strongly believe that being tested day in and day out by the central could def benefit us for being tested in the playoffs. It will also fuel stronger rivalries once again now that maybe the hawks are clearly becoming more of a force. The third thought is finally the excuse of us being in an easy division year in and year out will cease and people will realize the wings are good given an easy or tough division

[irishtemper14+25 11]

i like us having to earn our playoff spots with playing in a good division, just as long as we win a lot of games =D

[Donaldjr2448 43]

With the improved teams in the central this year, do you all think this is a good thing or a bad thing for the Wings?

IMO.... I beleive this will help the Wings in the long run. However this may hinder the Wings finishing 1st overall, but as we all know that means nothing come playoff time. Last season the Wings took 51 of 64 points from Central Division teams, not likely to happen this year. I just think it will make the team stronger later in the playoffs.

I just wanted some other views from LGW folks.

[RedWingedKitten 9]

I do believe it helps a lot. A strong divishion will make us playoff ready.

[terri27 0]

I think it's good. The Wings have to work hard all season now. Unlike before where they would breeze by with the wins. By having to work hard all season they will be more prepared to work hard in the playoffs.

[OsGOD 3]

Screw the effect on the wings.... its awesome for us fans!!!! finally 32 games against some worthy opponents to watch

[Grittzkey 1]

With a depleted central division, i tottaly didnt watch the regular season last year. i only watched during the playoffs.. after that i got hooked. and since the central is alot tougher of a division this year, ive been hooked all year the way i was during the cup years in late 90's.

[auxlepli 17]

With a tough Central Division, is it good or bad for the Wings?

Yes, it is good and bad. I explained why this is in another thread, but now I forgot my reasoning, and I don't feel like searching for that post now either.

Now I remember. It's good becuase it might prepare the Wings for the playoffs. It's bad because it might wear on them.

Edited November 25, 2007 by auxlepli

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

GOOD:

- more good games for fans

- no more "weak division" excuses from rival fans and commentators

BAD

- last games before the playoffs will be harder and more chance for injuries

- perhaps no division title this year

[Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA]

Untill the day comes where are playoff hopes are diminished from the division it is only a postitive. Gets off playoff ready.

[BeeRYCE 2]

I think it's really good because now anti-Wing jerkoffs won't be all "you guys are only good because you're in an easy division" this and that.

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

I miss pounding on the Jackets and Hawks.

[Superman54 91]

I find it much better. Wings have to play with full intensity now. Its taking them some time to realize it though.....

[FinRedWing 172]

I find it much better. Wings have to play with full intensity now. Its taking them some time to realize it though.....

Isn't it ever.

[Viperar 16]

we'll be fine guys....lets live and learn from having competition in our division, and last year nashville's run for the title doesnt count, we've got serious competition from almost every team now, i feel itll only help us grow

[ProfessorLidstrom5 0]

One could say it is good for the Wings to have a tough division because it gives them more competition than before and an outlook to playoff hockey before it comes.

Another could say it is bad for the Wings because a sudden increase in competition could force the Wings to make changes to their play and/or roster which could help/hinder us in the future. It's a crap shoot. Also, could someone like the Blackhawks or the B.J.'s surpass our point lead and leave us in a number 2 or even 3 seed in our division thus giving us a tougher first round opponent?

I'm not sure after tonight's game...

[puckloo39 5,686]

14 out of Detroit's final 16 games this season (March-April '08) are against the Central Division.

Could be good, could be...not so good.

But very interesting, to say the least.

[savaking72 0]

This could be good. If the Wings make the playoffs they will be a hardcore team, and will be hard to beat if the central turns out to be pretty tough division. Downey and Ellis may become mainstays on the team through their games with the central.

[HockeyCrazy3033 168]

Good. They can't take any of the teams in the central for granted anymore. They'll now play harder, and tougher and in the end that's going to be much better for them when the playoffs come around. Plus, a little adversity is great for you in the long run.

[Offsides 21]

It is very good. We've been in a pushover division for too long. We come in first and build up tons of wins and really aren't the best team in the league and are kind of fooled when it comes to the playoffs. This is good.

[Duck Guy 86]

I think it's really good because now anti-Wing jerkoffs won't be all "you guys are only good because you're in an easy division" this and that.

exactly... nice to see a competitive central division. Got tired of seeing wings always dominating in their division. Always caused a uproar when they always would finish 1st by a wide margin .

Edited November 25, 2007 by Duck Guy

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Well, for a few years now our regular season success has been heavily pegged as being a result of weak division rivals (with the sole exception of Nashville). However, this year with 20+ games in the bag, every team in our division is a few games above .500, and most of our losses have come from division foes. In fact, minus our loss to Anahiem, every loss has been within the division. Is it too soon to say the Central division is the deepest in the NHL? I have my opinion (as always), but I'm curious to see what others think about the Central division this year. After all, prior to the season most were predicting the Central division to be a cake walk for the Wings.

A side question: Could a stronger division finally be the thing that gets the Wings battle tested and driven in time for playoff successes?

Good. Makes the games much more competitive/intense, more fun, gets the team more battle-ready for the most important games.

Despite the division being stronger this year so far, I still see no reason why the Wings will have to seriously fret about making the playoffs this year, much like in recent years past.

So, the increased quality of competition will be good for them then, assuming that what happens in my last sentence comes true.

[Herr Hockey 0]

I think it's good. As people have said, we will be more prepard for the playoffs when they come.

Has anyone else pondered this thought though? I think there is a huge chance that the 8th seed will be a central division team, and an even greater chance the the Red Wings will be the 1st. Unlike a series against San Jose/Anaheim or a team from W.C., I don't think I'd be worried too much about that series. Even after the whopping Chicago has been handing us this year, that would be one series that I would be much more confident with than one against a western Canadian team.

Edited November 27, 2007 by Herr Hockey

[FinRedWing 172]

I've been thinking about this...

How's for example going 0-8 against the Blackhawks this season is going to help us in the playoffs?