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No secret to Wings success

ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI, QMI Agency, Feb 4 2012

Detroit Red Wings' Niklas Kronwall hits Edmonton Oilers' Ales Hemsky during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Edmonton Feb. 4, 2012.

It happens like clockwork, but it’s not automatic for the Detroit Red Wings.

While the numbers are staggering — 11 straight seasons of 100-plus points and 20 straight seasons in the playoffs — success doesn’t just happen.

“Individually, guys take it upon themselves to be ready and focused,” said veteran forward Dan Cleary, adding players have created a culture where everyone gives as much to the Wings as the Wings give to them.

“Everybody has a lot of pride in playing here in Detroit; we all believe that we’re treated very well, there’s nothing that we don’t get or need, and we don’t like to take advantage of that.”

But for all of Detroit’s winning, they have “just” two Stanley Cups in the last 13 years, which goes to show how tough it really is to win that trophy.

“You ask anyone who’s won here in the last few years, it’s really hard, you need everything to go your way,” said Cleary.

“You need all your best players to be their best, your role players to be the best role players, no injuries or timely bounces.

“It’s amazing how everything has to fall in line, but it’s certainly well worth the journey and the work that goes into it.”

NICK OF TIME

This just in: Nick Lidstrom is awesome.

Wings defenceman Ian White always knew that, but he never really understood just how awesome until he got a chance to play with him in Detroit.

“It’s been a thrill so far, for sure,” said White, whose plus-29 rating was second best in the NHL heading into the weekend schedule (Tyler Seguin is first at plus-30).

“He’s one of the greatest of all time. Getting an opportunity to play with him and practice with him, you learn so much.

“You get an extra boost of confidence every time you go out there knowing he’s your partner.”

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
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