Post-Cup hangover is there, Babcock says, but skill and professionalism have helped obscure it.
Should anyone think the Red Wings aren't playing that well, look at the standings at the halfway mark.
Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, the Wings' 41st game, gave them a 29-7-5 record for 63 points. Last season, when the Wings steamrolled through teams in the first half and eventually won the Stanley Cup, the Wings also had 63 points (30-8-3).
The Wings are on a similar pace to last season. So much for that much-talked-about post-Stanley Cup hangover, although coach Mike Babcock admits there has been one.
"There has been, but we've had enough skill, professionalism and determination that it hasn't shown up in the wins and losses as it has shown up in how we've played," Babcock said.
Detroit trails only San Jose (31-5-5, 67 points) in the Western Conference. Eastern Conference-leading Boston (31-7-4, 66 points) also leads Detroit overall. But the Wings are satisfied with where they are right now.
On a six-game winning streak, in which they've outscored their opponents, 25-8, the Wings have tightened things defensively and are getting fine goaltending, and the depth of their offensive talent is readily apparent every game.
"It's the second-best start in our franchise history, and when you look at the history we've had over the last 12 to 15 years, there's not much more you have to say," general manager Ken Holland said. "Since the San Jose game (a 6-0 victory Dec. 18) and obviously the Chicago series (Dec. 30-Jan. 1, both Wings victories), we've gotten better and better, outshooting opponents and controlling the play and doing things we want to do."
Babcock also points to the Chicago series -- including the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, which seemed to perk up the Wings' energy level -- as a turning point.
"Since the Winter Classic we're more engaged, seem to have more enthusiasm, preparation," Babcock said. "We just seem to be emotionally better. That's a good sign for our team."
The fact Detroit has closed to within four points of San Jose, and the top seed in the West, is startling considering the explosive start the Sharks had.
The Sharks bettered last season's Red Wings by winning 31 of 41 games (31-5-5) by the halfway mark. Still, San Jose has gone 6-2-3 in its last 11 games, while Detroit has gone 9-1-1.
"If you can get on a roll, and they lose a couple of games, it moves you up (the standings) quick," Nicklas Lidstrom said. "That's something we want to do, and build our confidence, and build on what we've started.
"They (the Sharks) had an unbelievable start to the season, so it feels good to be close to them. But we're only at the halfway mark, we still have 41 games to go. It's a long year."
Ice chips
Chris Osgood will get the start tonight in Dallas. He is 28-10-3 against the Stars.
Should anyone think the Red Wings aren't playing that well, look at the standings at the halfway mark.
Saturday's 3-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, the Wings' 41st game, gave them a 29-7-5 record for 63 points. Last season, when the Wings steamrolled through teams in the first half and eventually won the Stanley Cup, the Wings also had 63 points (30-8-3).
The Wings are on a similar pace to last season. So much for that much-talked-about post-Stanley Cup hangover, although coach Mike Babcock admits there has been one.
"There has been, but we've had enough skill, professionalism and determination that it hasn't shown up in the wins and losses as it has shown up in how we've played," Babcock said.
Detroit trails only San Jose (31-5-5, 67 points) in the Western Conference. Eastern Conference-leading Boston (31-7-4, 66 points) also leads Detroit overall. But the Wings are satisfied with where they are right now.
On a six-game winning streak, in which they've outscored their opponents, 25-8, the Wings have tightened things defensively and are getting fine goaltending, and the depth of their offensive talent is readily apparent every game.
"It's the second-best start in our franchise history, and when you look at the history we've had over the last 12 to 15 years, there's not much more you have to say," general manager Ken Holland said. "Since the San Jose game (a 6-0 victory Dec. 18) and obviously the Chicago series (Dec. 30-Jan. 1, both Wings victories), we've gotten better and better, outshooting opponents and controlling the play and doing things we want to do."
Babcock also points to the Chicago series -- including the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field, which seemed to perk up the Wings' energy level -- as a turning point.
"Since the Winter Classic we're more engaged, seem to have more enthusiasm, preparation," Babcock said. "We just seem to be emotionally better. That's a good sign for our team."
The fact Detroit has closed to within four points of San Jose, and the top seed in the West, is startling considering the explosive start the Sharks had.
The Sharks bettered last season's Red Wings by winning 31 of 41 games (31-5-5) by the halfway mark. Still, San Jose has gone 6-2-3 in its last 11 games, while Detroit has gone 9-1-1.
"If you can get on a roll, and they lose a couple of games, it moves you up (the standings) quick," Nicklas Lidstrom said. "That's something we want to do, and build our confidence, and build on what we've started.
"They (the Sharks) had an unbelievable start to the season, so it feels good to be close to them. But we're only at the halfway mark, we still have 41 games to go. It's a long year."
Ice chips
Chris Osgood will get the start tonight in Dallas. He is 28-10-3 against the Stars.
