Early Years
The Detroit Cougars/Falcons were the third American team to join the NHL in 1926. The team would struggle their first 6 years in the league until James E. Norris bought the team in 1932 renaming them the Detroit Red Wings. Things would only be looking up going to the Stanley Cup in 3 consecutive seasons in 1934, 1935, and 1936 winning it in 1935 and 1936.
|
Detroit's original logo (1933-1948)
|
Original Six Era
In the early 40s, they would go to 3 consecutive Stanley Cups winning it in 1943 after being the runner-up in back to back years. In 1946 future Hall of Famer Gordie Howe joined the Red Wings. In 1947 the Red Wings' "Production Line" consisting of Gordie Howe, Sid Abel, and Ted Lindsay led the way for the Red Wings fourth Stanley Cup win. In 1950 the Red Wings would win the Stanley Cup again with Ted Lindsay starting the tradition of carrying the Cup around the ice rink. The early to mid-50s were dominated by the Red Wings. In 1957 one of the most lopsided trades of all time occurred when the Red Wings traded Future Hall of Famers Ted Lindsay and Glenn Hall both to the Chicago Blackhawks which had led to a decline in play for the remainder of the decade. In the 60s the Red Wings looked rejuvenated going to the Stanley Cup 4 times between 1961 to 1966 but would end the Original Six era empty-handed.
|
Detroit's Original Six logo (1949-Present)
|
Greatest Players
1. Offense: Gordie Howe: Gordie Howe's (1947-1971) nickname is Mr. Hockey. This is because Howe played in 5 different decades (not consecutively) playing in 26 NHL seasons. Howe won the Art Ross Trophy (league leader in points) 6 different times, lead the league in goals 4 times, 6 Hart Trophies (league MVP), and 4 Stanley Cups with Detroit in his 25 seasons there. Gordie Howe is the Red Wings all-time leader in points (1809), goals (786), and is second in assists (1,023).
|
2. Offense: Steve Yzerman: Steve Yzerman (1984-2006) became the Red Wings youngest captain at the age of 21 and would hold that distinction until his retirement after 22 years in the NHL (Yzerman dressed as captain over 1,300 times more than any other North American sports athlete). In those years Yzerman would help the Red Wings win 3 Stanley Cups. In his 22 years, Yzerman would win 1 Selke Trophy (best defensive forward), 1 Conn Smyth Trophy (Playoff MVP), 1 Ted Lindsay Award (Most Outstanding player decided by the NHL Players Association), and 1 Bill Masterton Award (most perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanship to hockey). Yzerman ranks second in Red Wings all-time points (1,755), goals (692), and ranks first in assists (1,063).
|
3. Defense: Nicklas Lidstrom: In 20 seasons (1992-2012) all for the Detroit Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom proved to be one of the greatest defensemen to play the game. Winning 7 James Norris Trophies (best defenseman). Lidstrom only missed 44 games over his 20 seasons and never missed a playoff game his entire career (the Red Wings went to the playoffs every season he played for them). Lidstrom is the all-time leader in games played with a single team (1,564).
|
4. Defense: Red Kelly: Red Kelly played 12 seasons (1948-1960) with the Detroit Red Wings. In his career, Kelly would win 3 Lady Byng awards with the Red Wings along with 4 Stanley Cups. In 1954 he was awarded with the James Norris Trophy (best defenseman). In his career with the Red Wings Kelly would amount to 162 goals, 310 assists, and 472 total points.
|
5. Goalie: Terry Sawchuk: Terry Sawchuk played 14 seasons (1950-1955, 1958-1964, 1969) with the Detroit Red Wings winning the Calder Trophy (best rookie) in his first season. Sawchuk would lead the Red Wings to 3 Stanley Cup wins in 4 years winning 3 Vezina Trophies (best goalie) along the way. After 2 seasons with Boston Sawchuk rejoined the Red Wings helping them go back to the Stanley Cup finals 3 times losing all 3. Terry Sawchuk is the Red Wings all-time leader in goals against (1770), wins (350), and shutouts (85).
|
Stanley Cup Wins
Since being founded in 1926 the Red Wings have won 11 Stanley Cups. 1936, 1937, 1943, 1950,1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008.