Lately I’ve heard plenty of talk about the Detroit Red Wings. Yes, the 8th place Detroit Red Wings. Most of the talk has been centered around the Wings being a “sleeping giant” and “the team no one wants to play” in the upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs. To this I say “Hogwash” with a capital H.
First off, Detroit may not even make the postseason. They’re currently in 8th place, only ahead of the 9th place Calgary Flames by one point. Sure, chances are good, but they’re not a lock. A bad bounce here, or a poor Jimmy Howard game there and they’re watching the playoffs.
Secondly, IF they make the playoffs they’re the 8th seed. Why wouldn’t Chicago or San Jose want to play the 8th seed as opposed to the 5th, 6th or even 7th seed? The Red Wings are the 8th seed because they are the 8th best team in the Western Conference. Sure, the national media will tell you that the Blackhawks would rather face 7th place Nashville than the Wings, but this is silly. You should always want to play the lowest-seeded team, regardless of mystique. Regardless of Hockeytown. Regardless of overrated Red Wing speculation.
And yes, before people start up with the “Well, the Wild aren’t even in the playoffs” talk, I agree. The Wild are in rebulding mode and won’t make a serious playoff run for 2-3 seasons.
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