The "Good Team" Effect

So I finally figure out why the Red Wings do well against top teams, then go out and get beat by Edmonton. Its the "Good Team" effect. Have you ever noticed that your golf game is better when you are playing against someone that is a great golfer? OK, so me neither, but I have heard that this is true. The Wings could care less about the bad teams, but when it comes to playing the likes of Washington, Pittsburgh, Philly, etc...they bring out the A game and win, and usually in regulation. I may be imagining things, but last night against the Capitals they looked like a great hockey team again. Passing, skating all right up there with goaltending. Darren Helm and Kris Draper were everywhere, to the point of my wife making the comment: "Damn is that Helm and Draper that are everywhere?"

This is why the Red Wings have a serious shot at the Cup again this year. All Detroit fans KNOW that last night, as well as they played, was not the best hockey that they can play. Even as they spent minutes at a time in the Capitals zone, even pulling off a defensive pair change once while in the Caps zone, fans know there is another hidden level. Just like a video game where if you complete the game it opens a new level? Yeah, that's the same thing.

Datsyuk and Zeterberg are peaking at just the right time, Modano is back, Rafalski is back(no pun intended Raffy), and Bertuzzi, Helm and even Draper are showing signs that they have a little more to give. I predict that Jiri Hudler and Johan Franzen open the floodgates in the playoffs, and light the lamp several times each. Add that to Lidstrom and Kronwall blasting away from the points to put the biscuit in the basket and you have a Stanley Cup contender.

So...since all the teams in the playoffs are good, the Wings should have no problems, right?