The Detroit Red Wings' franchise has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows over the past four-plus decades, becoming one of the worst franchises in the NHL in recent years after four Stanley Cup wins in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Red Wings, once a model of efficiency and a shoo-in for the NHL Playoffs each season, have now failed the make the league's postseason in nine straight seasons.
On Wednesday, video was shared of legendary Red Wings center and current general manager Steve Yzerman as he did his best to reassure the residents of 'Hockeytown' his willingness to tackle their sky high expectations.
"I want to say to our fanbase, I appreciate and have always appreciated the support whether I was a player here or the general manager of the team," Yzerman said.
"The passion, the knowledge, the history of our fanbase, I'm very appreciative of their support, and very understanding of the demand and the want for success here because this fanbase expects it, and we are very fortunate as an organization to have a passionate, demanding fanbase."
Yzerman was named GM of the Red Wings in April 2019. He has yet to lead the Red Wings to the playoffs.
The 2024-2025 season was their second winning season in a row. The Wings finished fifth in the Atlantic Division last season and sixth this season, failing to qualify for the NHL's second season each time.
