Detriot Red Wings

Since 1947 I have been a steadfast Red Wing follower and fan. It was mainly because of one of the greatest athletes who ever played the game of hockey, Gordie Howe. From Flora ,Saskatchewan he played locally but came to the NHL as a young boy. In his first year his career was nearly ended when he received a severe blow to his head. He did recover and became the dominant player for decades. He was the leader and symbol of the Red Wings and celebrated his 85th birthday recently with his boys, also hockey players.

This year Detroit was not given a chance to reach the playoffs but they did. They were under dogs in the first round and won in seven games. They are in the middle of the second round with Chicago ,the NHL leaders this year and number 1 seed for the playoffs. They lead this series 3 games to 1. How do they manage this record?

They have a long history of being a team who are more interested in winning for the team than personal glory.There are many Swedes playing in the NHL

and Detroit has a few. In fact they are some of the great leaders who excel under pressure. Vancouver has a few too but they are of a different cut and lack grit and commitment to the team.

Vancouver has a pair of twins who play OK during the year but before the playoffs they get a call from mama back home telling them to be careful as they have to flay for their country real soon. They do nothing during the playoffs for their team but stay out of the corners and harms way. That team does not demand and get a positive result but Detroit does because there is a built in commitment for all who put on the Red Wing sweater.

This devotion to the team comes from the top. The coach, the captain and the fans in Detroit instill that spirit of team and it all started with great players and leaders like the great Gordie Howe.