Bob Duff: The end of an era Missing the playoffs for the first time since 1989-90, getting back to the postseason won't be a quick fix for the Detroit Red Wings.

Mega fist!

Bob Duff: The end of an era
Missing the playoffs for the first time since 1989-90, getting back to the postseason won't be a quick fix for the Detroit Red Wings.
- BobDuff

I didn't care too much for the Wings in the 90's. The put together a very good team the old fashioned way but we're able to keep it going because they attracted the best veteran free agents by being good and having cash. I gained respect for them because they drafted and developed more top talent despite not having her there picks and having a level playing field in the salary cap era.

Unfortunately with some of the contracts they have now it's going to be a long painful process to return to the top.

it was an amazing stretch and what a team. Red Wings should have changed their approach earlier, because the first round picks weren't bad but something went wrong with the contracts and trades.

I didn't care too much for the Wings in the 90's. The put together a very good team the old fashioned way but we're able to keep it going because they attracted the best veteran free agents by being good and having cash. I gained respect for them because they drafted and developed more top talent despite not having her there picks and having a level playing field in the salary cap era.

Unfortunately with some of the contracts they have now it's going to be a long painful process to return to the top.
- Larsson_fan

that 2002 edition ...jeezuz

Their 132 points (out of a possible 160) are still the most by any team in one season (the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings had 131 of a possible 164), and they set an NHL record by losing just once in 40 home games.

that is an amazing stat

Was an eventuality. The wings have been on their last legs in the past few seasons, I think twice qualifying for the playoffs on the last couple days of the season. Oh well. This should be a good chance to retool and ring some bells in hollands head

it was an amazing stretch and what a team. Red Wings should have changed their approach earlier, because the first round picks weren't bad but something went wrong with the contracts and trades.
- DutchSenators

Salary cap league also allowed other teams to catchup

Here are a couple of facts that still blow my mind:

(1) 2017 will be the first year since 1990 (27 years!) that the Red Wings will have a draft pick in the single digits (Keith Primeau, No. 3).

(2) Jakub Kindl, at No. 19 overall in 2005, was Detroit's only top-20 pick in a 21-year period (1992-2012). And the only reason they got to pick that high was because the entire 2005 draft order was chosen by lottery.

I give Ken Holland a lot of crap these days. The Red Wings were ahead of the curve for a long time, but other teams have caught up. I think the game is starting to pass him by, and I don't think he's ever quite adapted to the realities of the salary cap.

But I also can step back and appreciate just how astounding it is that the Wings were able to be so good for so long -- and draft such good players -- despite having jack all in the way of high picks. In 1999 they didn't pick util 120th overall! And they ended up getting Zetterberg later in that draft anyway. Unbelievable.

To save money, the new arena will use water from Flint for the ice surface

Their 132 points (out of a possible 160) are still the most by any team in one season (the 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings had 131 of a possible 164), and they set an NHL record by losing just once in 40 home games.

that is an amazing stat
- yakattack

Are you serious..? 1 home loss..? Holy f^&*.

i'd love the Jets to make a deal with Detroit or Vegas (if left unprotected ) for Howard. we could easily take on his contratc for the next two years. I think a prospect like Chase De Leo or maybe flipping our first rounder for your 2nd or something would work? i know you guys need that salary gone.

Absolutely done. Get your gm on the phone. No returns. All sales final. We will take the prospect or draft pick swap. Or gift cards. It's all good.

what a run, proud to say I have been there for it all.

Been a Wings fan since 1989', I remember hearing tell of this young dman named Lidstrom they thought might turn into something. Alot of memories.

The last few years, I think Holland just continued to do what he did to try and get one last kick at the can. I suspect, also, that much of going into to free agency trying to add piece may have been for Mr. I himself... that is a theory I had that no one touched one, but I think its entirely possible.

I am not convinced the game has passed KH by, more so there was a elite talent drop off in their prospect pool, but without any top 10 picks you cannot replenish it in today's NHL like you could years ago.

I suspect, you will see KH go into rebuild mode again building through the draft and doing what they do, but having more kids push for jobs early. I suspect we will also have another 3-4yrs similar to what we saw this year... keeping his loyalty to the vets under contract, albeit bad contracts.

either way, it was a good run and now its time to try to march up the hill once again.

Lets' Go Wings.