AP Now that Detroit has won 20 straight home games and tied the NHL record also held by the 1929-30 Boston Bruins and 1975-76 Philadelphia Flyers, it’s worth asking: Is Detroit’s run just as impressive as the two that came before it?
It’s a purely academic question, but it is worth pointing out, as Brian Hedger did for the NHL.com, that the Boston Bruins 20-game home winning streak came at the end of their season and they won their first two home matchups in 1930-31. So if you want to get technical, the Bruins actually won 22 straight home games – but the NHL only counts streaks that span over a single season. Additionally, while Detroit and Boston had the benefit of overtime – and in Detroit’s case the shootout – the 75-76 Flyers were forced to win all 20 of their contests in regulation time.
So does that mean that the Philadelphia Flyers and Boston Bruins home winning streaks are more impressive? Maybe, but that doesn’t mean that what Detroit has accomplished is any less remarkable. Their record tying performance on Sunday is the latest high note of one of the most persistent dynasties in NHL history. Detroit hasn’t missed the playoffs since 1989-90 and despite some fierce competition, it looks like they will not only continue that trend, but they might do so in style by winning the Central Division for the 10th time in 11 seasons. That high seed would certainly be great for the Red Wings because – as we’ve all seen – they really know how to make the most of home ice advantage.
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Brown on poor ice: “It was like playing with a tennis ball, quite honestly”
May 31, 2012, 12:43 AM EDT
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This isn’t the first time that the Prudential Center has been criticized during the Devils’ 2012 playoff run.
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It might be tough to keep his team from getting a little cocky.
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A sign of things to come?
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There’s a little bit more to this game-winning goal, though.
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Devils coach: “I don’t believe we deserved to win that game”
May 31, 2012, 12:15 AM EDT
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Some New Jersey players called it the team’s worst performance of 2012 playoffs.
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Kopitar on beating Brodeur for game-winner: “World class goaltender, but I think I got the best of it tonight”
May 31, 2012, 12:13 AM EDT
He became the first King to score a Stanley Cup finals OT goal in the process.
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The vast majority of Game 1 winners have gone on to hoist the Stanley Cup.
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What they’re saying about Game 1 of the 2012 Stanley Cup finals
May 30, 2012, 11:49 PM EDT
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Even Tommy Lasorda shared his thoughts.
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Video: Parise gloves in go-ahead goal, officials wave it off
May 30, 2012, 11:49 PM EDT
The Devils had a key third-period lead…and then they didn’t.
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Discuss: Kings road dominance continues, beat Devils 2-1 in OT
May 30, 2012, 11:24 PM EDT
Anze Kopitar wins it midway through the first extra session.
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Win or lose, we’ll probably see him playing with New Jersey in 2012-13.
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NHL commish supports Isles owner Charles Wang’s efforts.
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Blue Jackets on No. 2 pick: “We’re doing everything in our power to get it right”
May 30, 2012, 9:45 PM EDT
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They might just be drafting the new face of their franchise,after all.
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Check out the five minute interview with the NHL commissioner.
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PHT Live Chat — Stanley Cup finals Game 1: Los Angeles at New Jersey
May 30, 2012, 9:13 PM EDT
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Chat with PHT’s Mike Halford and Jason Brough throughout the game.
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A fun video feature from NBC’s experts.
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AP
“It’s the right way to play.”
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The goal is for Hossa to be back by training camp.
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Despite reports to the contrary, the deadline is not July 1 to refinance or settle their debt.
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Bettman: “I don’t understand all the speculation and the degree of negativity.”
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