I can't believe I'm doing this.
I can't believe I HAVE to do this, but it needs to be done.
As long as there are hockey 'analysts', there will be bad reporting. With that said, as long as the Red Wings are an organization there will also be bad reporting on how age is going to be the downfall of the team.
I can already see the bats coming out. Dead horse, beware.
In a recent article on sportsnet.ca by "veteran hockey columnist" Mike Brophy, it was suggested that the Wings are going to be on the decline based on the idea that age is making people "wonder if they remain special". Well, isn't this novel? I've NEVER heard this argument before...well except maybe a couple times over the last ten damned years. Will people just give it up already? In response to Brophy, I say yes, my Wings are still very special. Want to know why?
-19 consecutive playoff runs
- 4 cups during that span
- 2 trips to the finals in the last 3 years
Age may do a lot of things, but keeping the Wings from being successful has not been one of them. Also, I would like to point out something that Mr. Brophy neglects to touch upon in his Sportsnet piece. His claim of age tarnishing the Wings should, by logic, apply to other teams. Father Time comes for everyone, but Brophy conveniently omits the fact that there are teams just as "old" as Detroit. Calgary has an average age of just over 30 years old, and they have been pretty consistently in the hunt for a playoff spot, only missing the postseason once in the last four seasons. New Jersey, another perennial favorite to visit the second season, also have an average of 30+ years old. Why don't we hear this argument for the Flames? For the Devils? Why is it an exclusive point of debate held for Detroit discussion? On the other side of the coin, the Toronto Maple Leafs have an average age of 26, and youth sure as hell hasn't helped them accomplish anything of late.
What I'm really saying at the end of the day is this: The only thing that is tired and worn out is the argument that the Red Wings are tired and worn out. The Wings--despite age, injury, and whatever you want to throw at them--will be waving to you from the postseason, and THAT, Mr. Brophy, is why they are, and always will be, special.
