Business of Winning: The Most Successful Franchises in Sports History – Bleacher Report

Paul Sancya/Associated Press

For a quarter century, the Detroit Red Wings represented the NHL’s constant force of playoff good. Twenty-five straight years of postseason action turned Joe Louis Arena into a sanctuary of winning.

But all good things must come to an end. As the Red Wings bid farewell to the Joe this year, they also missed out on the NHL postseason this season. It was sad, but in a way, it was a fitting end to an era of good will, championships and outrageous production.

As they move into new digs, the Red Wings will enter this new chapter with 11 Stanley Cups trophies—the most for any franchise based in the United States. Their winning ways have also produced all-time greats like Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan and Henrik Zetterberg.