What's the biggest difference to this team?

[BeeRYCE 2]

We all know that at least statistically this team is better. A record 30 wins and 41 games, and on pace for another 62 wins. So basically what exactly is the most significant change that made this team a better one then any of our recent teams?

- Is it Osgood's dominance?

- Rafalski over Schneider?

- Our second rate players getting better? (Hudler, Filppula, Holmstrom, Cleary)

- Datsyuk and Zetterberg being amongst the league's elite?

- Overall depth?

What exactly is it? It's a combination of all of the above, but I can't think which one is the most significant.

[betterREDthandead 58]

The main factors, IMO, are the following three things:

- Osgood is playing lights out.

- Secondary scoring question has been answered by Flip, Rex, and Cleary.

- Third, and most important, attitude. They're playing more of a 60-minute game against all challengers. They learned in last year's playoffs that they can answer the toughness questions and don't have to be seen as a soft team that will fold when you challenge them. Adding Downey and Drake have a lot to do with that. Rewarding Flip with more minutes and a regular role does too.

[Heaton 1]

The main factors, IMO, are the following three things:

- Osgood is playing lights out.

- Secondary scoring question has been answered by Flip, Rex, and Cleary.

- Third, and most important, attitude. They're playing more of a 60-minute game against all challengers. They learned in last year's playoffs that they can answer the toughness questions and don't have to be seen as a soft team that will fold when you challenge them. Adding Downey and Drake have a lot to do with that. Rewarding Flip with more minutes and a regular role does too.

I'll sum that one up with 2 words: Mike Babcock

[Reds4Life 51]

Babcock is awesome coach, he's gotta win Jack Adams.

Zetterberg and Datsyuk took their game to another level, Flip, Huds and Cleary stepped up, solid performance by Drapes, Mule and others. Great defense, great goaltending...I just wish they keep it on the same level (or go even higher if thats possible) in the playoffs.

[Cicada 4]

i think it's god a lot to do with 20 players each and every night (bar a few weird nights), that work their butt off. i've never seen fowards track back the way these guys do...

we have by far the best defensive system in the league.

[Vincanni 1]

I'll concur that I feel Babcock's attitude has finally taken hold of the entire team, play defense as well as offense, play gritty but not supid, give every game 60 minutes etc. Without a doubt that is the biggest difference this year.

[HenryMalredo 2]

Babcock has a good system going on and all the players are buying into it. A big problem, especially during Babcocks first year, is that some of the vets on the team didn't see eye to eye with Babcock. Babcock seems to do better with the younger guys the Wings have now.

[betterREDthandead 58]

I'll sum that one up with 2 words: Mike Babcock

Indeed. Babcock has been as good as advertised, if not better.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

You guys might hate this answer, but until playoff time, we won't know what the difference is between this team and other Wings teams. Only if this team gets past the WCF, can we say that they're better than last year's team. Let's face it, on paper this is the worst Wings team since the early 90's. Right now they're rolling, but I'm waiting for the playoffs, because the regular season means nothing around hockeytown.

[Heaton 1]

Let's face it, on paper this is the worst Wings team since the early 90's.

You're kidding, right? Just because the big names are older and there are more up and comers doesn't make it the "worst since the early 90's".

On paper means nothing, the individual names mean nothing, all that matters is the quality of play on the ice.

[auxlepli 17]

No Lang?

Seriously though, I think the Wings are hungrier this year. They're pissed they didn't win it all last year, and are looking to win It this year.

[HenryMalredo 2]

You guys might hate this answer, but until playoff time, we won't know what the difference is between this team and other Wings teams. Only if this team gets past the WCF, can we say that they're better than last year's team. Let's face it, on paper this is the worst Wings team since the early 90's. Right now they're rolling, but I'm waiting for the playoffs, because the regular season means nothing around hockeytown.

This team could easily go toe to toe with the 2002 team. They may not have the names, but they have the chemistry and the quality.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

This team could easily go toe to toe with the 2002 team. They may not have the names, but they have the chemistry and the quality.

I can't see how they'd go toe to toe with that team. Both teams were hungry, and that team was far more talented. Let's not forget that the Wings have finished 1st in the West the last 3 seasons, and missed the finals each time. It's too early to canonize this team yet.

[chrisdetroit 189]

We all know that at least statistically this team is better. A record 30 wins and 41 games, and on pace for another 62 wins. So basically what exactly is the most significant change that made this team a better one then any of our recent teams?

- Is it Osgood's dominance?

- Rafalski over Schneider?

- Our second rate players getting better? (Hudler, Filppula, Holmstrom, Cleary)

- Datsyuk and Zetterberg being amongst the league's elite?

- Overall depth?

What exactly is it? It's a combination of all of the above, but I can't think which one is the most significant.

No. It's the experience and confidence gained from last years playoff run. You can see it in the way that they played last spring. They got a taste of a great playoff run that came very close last year and now they know that they can do it and they want to win it all. Winning is not 100% about talent. Much of it is about drive and confidence and hunger. The wings now have these ingrediants to go with the talent.

Everybody has stepped up their play.

[chrisdetroit 189]

You guys might hate this answer, but until playoff time, we won't know what the difference is between this team and other Wings teams. Only if this team gets past the WCF, can we say that they're better than last year's team. Let's face it, on paper this is the worst Wings team since the early 90's. Right now they're rolling, but I'm waiting for the playoffs, because the regular season means nothing around hockeytown.

On Paper? What are you talking about? On paper means statistically and they are statistically the best team in years.

You mean in terms of "star power"? Again, you are missing the boat. We have 3 guys that are hands down going to be in the HOF on the first ballot in Lids, Dom and Cheli.

If you want to jump off the bandwagon at the first sign of adversity, please do now so that we can have more room for the true fans.

There are to many people that are always negative. This way if the Wings don't bring home the cup they can walk around saying "I told you so". And if the Wings do win the cup, they hop up on the old bandwagon.

[FinRedWing 172]

Hopefully it'll be the Stanley Cup.

[HenryMalredo 2]

I can't see how they'd go toe to toe with that team. Both teams were hungry, and that team was far more talented. Let's not forget that the Wings have finished 1st in the West the last 3 seasons, and missed the finals each time. It's too early to canonize this team yet.

This team is deeper, faster, and has more hustle. And Datsyuk and Zetterberg are far and above better than any forward on that team.

[Mickeyisms Rule! 0]

No. It's the experience and confidence gained from last years playoff run. You can see it in the way that they played last spring. They got a taste of a great playoff run that came very close last year and now they know that they can do it and they want to win it all. Winning is not 100% about talent. Much of it is about drive and confidence and hunger. The wings now have these ingrediants to go with the talent.

Everybody has stepped up their play.

Agreed, and though I hate to pile on one person, I would have to say that the removal of Lang from the mix HAS aided this team. The way he coasted around out there and his half-hearted attempts at back checking was a poor example of hard work for the young guys.

The level of maturity that was gained by this club through their hard-fought playoffs made them realize that even though they worked hard last year, it still wasn't hard enough to get the ultimate prize. They realize that the habits they learn during the regular season do carry over into the post season. They fight hard to win every game, and they are successful 75% of the time.

I have finally realized that the time to sit here and nit pick every flaw and botched play is past and that it is now time just to sit back and marvel at the hockey that is being played by this team. They cover for each other on D and somehow are able to produce more offense than EVERY OTHER TEAM. At the end of the game today they had brought their GF/GA advantage to +60 over the teams they play. That's almost 1.5 more goals per game that they score compared to the opposition. If I recall correctly, the next nearest team to them in the West was Dallas at +15. That was reduced to +12 by the end of the game.

Those of you that can, I suggest you watch some other games and really compare what you see out there to what you see during a Wings game. You will probably realize, like I have, that this is a special team and we are completely spoiled by the current incarnation of our Wings.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

On Paper? What are you talking about? On paper means statistically and they are statistically the best team in years.

You mean in terms of "star power"? Again, you are missing the boat. We have 3 guys that are hands down going to be in the HOF on the first ballot in Lids, Dom and Cheli.

If you want to jump off the bandwagon at the first sign of adversity, please do now so that we can have more room for the true fans.

There are to many people that are always negative. This way if the Wings don't bring home the cup they can walk around saying "I told you so". And if the Wings do win the cup, they hop up on the old bandwagon.

What the hell are you talking about? What bandwagon? I've been a Wings fan for over 10 years now, so there is no bandwagon. I was merely saying that this team doesn't have the starpower as previous teams. 3 Hall of Famers is still less than what we've had in the past. And yes I do judge this team's success based on what happens in the playoffs. That doesn't mean I'm a bandwagon jumper. I'll still be a Wings fan whether we win or lose. You either didn't read my post carefully, or you have no clue what you're talking about.

[Mickeyisms Rule! 0]

Its fine to judge success by what happens in the playoffs, but if you only judge success by whether they win a cup or not, then you are going to be thinking them unsuccessful more often than not.

Last season they made it to the Western Conference Finals. There were 26 other teams out there that didn't make it that far.

Not just calling you out, GMR, but all of the doomasyers that say this team doesn't have what it takes and have no tolerance for less than perfection. I hope you don't have kids. They're going to end up neurotic if your lack of satisfaction for anything less than perfection.

You have been a Wings fan for 10 years? You've never seen a bad Wings team then. You're spoiled and expect success every year- and you're not satisfied unless they win a cup. If you ever expect to be satisfied and happy in life, you may weant to re-examine the standards that you hold others to.

Did you know that in the 85-86 season that the WIngs only won 17 games all season long? I was at 17 of those home games, and it was brutal.

Stand back and take a look at the overall picture instead of judging everything by such a small- albeit important- part of the NHL season(s).

[Shockwave180 0]

The "competing for 60 minutes" aspect is what impresses me the most about this team. It's such a cliche, yet it's incredibly hard to do. This year's team has done it better and more consistently than any I've seen over the first half of the season.

Based on last year's improved playoff showing and the attitude and hunger that this team has exuded over the first half, I'm cautiously optimistic for the playoffs. Of course, you still need to have the breaks (and health) go your way. But we've got a great shot. I'm excited.

Edit: Just read Mickeyism's post, and I wholeheartedly second it. Despite some disappointing playoff exits, the consistency that this organization has created and maintained is stunning, and should be appreciated.

Edited January 6, 2008 by Shockwave180

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Its fine to judge success by what happens in the playoffs, but if you only judge success by whether they win a cup or not, then you are going to be thinking them unsuccessful more often than not.

Last season they made it to the Western Conference Finals. There were 26 other teams out there that didn't make it that far.

Not just calling you out, GMR, but all of the doomasyers that say this team doesn't have what it takes and have no tolerance for less than perfection. I hope you don't have kids. They're going to end up neurotic if your lack of satisfaction for anything less than perfection.

You have been a Wings fan for 10 years? You've never seen a bad Wings team then. You're spoiled and expect success every year- and you're not satisfied unless they win a cup. If you ever expect to be satisfied and happy in life, you may weant to re-examine the standards that you hold others to.

Did you know that in the 85-86 season that the WIngs only won 17 games all season long? I was at 17 of those home games, and it was brutal.

Stand back and take a look at the overall picture instead of judging everything by such a small- albeit important- part of the NHL season(s).

So you don't mind if this team finishes 1st each year and doesn't make it to the finals. I think that's a big deal. If this was just some team that finished in the middle of the pack each year, then it's a different story. And this team should use the 80's as an example to what it doesn't ever want to regress to. There are other teams I root for in sports that are just as bad as the 80's Wings teams, so I don't only root for success. I'm just saying that this team should have more than 3 cups under its belt.

[Yzermaniac192005 0]

I really think its because all the dead weight...well almost all of it (Sammy), is gone from the team. You have guys who want to win and are out to prove something, rather then guys who just play for the hell of it (Lang). Plus, you know Ozzie playing so well light a fire under these boys and Babcock has to be given credit for keeping them on a roll. Also, with Ozzie playing so well, that causes Dom to play even better to keep a starting job. Last year, Dom knew it was his. You definitely play better when you job is on the line.

[datsyukismyfriend 4]

i think agree, i think the biggest difference is that we've gotten rid of the dead weight. this team's playing with more passion than i've seen since 2002. they take a lot fewer periods off (although recently they've picked up in that department). we're faster now and work much harder now. also z and d have stepped it up even more.

[Mickeyisms Rule! 0]

So you don't mind if this team finishes 1st each year and doesn't make it to the finals. I think that's a big deal. If this was just some team that finished in the middle of the pack each year, then it's a different story. And this team should use the 80's as an example to what it doesn't ever want to regress to. There are other teams I root for in sports that are just as bad as the 80's Wings teams, so I don't only root for success. I'm just saying that this team should have more than 3 cups under its belt.

Its frustrating at times, yes, but I look at this incarnation as being completely new (except for Lidstrom, Maltby, and Draper of course) from our previous 3 cup teams. These guys needed a chance to develop as a team before they could be expected to excel. Remember that they weren't even picked to make the playoffs last season with the exit of Yzerman and Shanahan. They also went 42 years between cups from 55 and 97. So the droughts can be long, indeed.

All I'm saying is that if you are basing your concept of a successful season on whether they win the cup or not, or get to the finals, then I am afraid that you are missing out on this special time and this special team that we are presented with this season.

Enjoy the ride, not just the destination.