I get the feeling the Wings aren't well-liked around here, but if I were running a hockey team, I'd like it to run like the Wings. Say what you will about their style of play, but the bottom line is that every single player on that roster buys into it, and what's more, they all seem to execute it damn near flawlessly.

Everyone tends to point out how good Lidstrom is with his stick, but as a team, the Wings have the best sticks in the league. You don't realize how big a part it plays until you watch the Wings, and how they can make or break a play, whether it's dangling through a forest of legs, or getting it in a passing lane to eliminate a chance against. Watch them in scrums along the boards or in the corners, and you'll see how effective they are. I don't know which coach is responsible for that sort of play, but whoever it is deserves huge kudos.

If they do end up closing it out on Monday to win the Cup, I don't know how anyone could argue that the best team didn't win this year. Like them or not, the Wings are as sound as hockey gets.