ProfessorLidstrom5 0 Report post Posted January 6, 2008 While I agree with the added scoring depth and more team toughness being the main factors, I also think that the fruition of Dats and Z as leaders to this team may be the biggest difference. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungGuns1340 1 Report post Posted January 6, 2008 Attitude/Work Ethic, which starts with Babcock Team Chemistry - this is probably the most gelled team in the entire league. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueMonk 102 Report post Posted January 6, 2008 They've improved a little bit in a lot of areas. The work ethic is incredible. Mike Babcock is responsible for that. He's a tremendous coach. I knew that before he got here, but now we're seeing the fruits of his work. The team has a tougher attitude, largely owing to having a couple of guys (Downey and Drake) who set the tone that they're not going to be pushed around or take any s***. Maybe most importantly, they're younger. I really think the "fat cat" persona of the team has been replaced by a youthful hunger that makes it possible for the team to play with so much collective energy every night. Talent is great, but having lazy veterans who don't want to backcheck, block shots or dig pucks out of corners is a fatal flaw in the playoffs, and I believe was more responsible for this team's playoff failures than any other single element. I guess I didn't stay on topic, comparing this team to those of the past few years. Last year's team was very good, too. But this year's edition is a really special team. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lidstromrules16 7 Report post Posted January 6, 2008 well if we are comparing this team to 2002's squad, certain players are going to have to pick sides what makes this team good? The rhythm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lady in REd 0 Report post Posted January 6, 2008 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. - Secondary scoring is huge in my opinion - As most people have stated - the attitude of the team, instilled by Babcock - Overall team chemistry - Osgood's consistency (and now Hasek's steady improvement will make this even better) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted January 6, 2008 -No Lang and Williams -More toughness -Everyone plays Babs system well -Osgood is a ******* tank IMO. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
