The 2007-08 Red Wings team was seen as a benchmark for puck possession success since it was the first year of the NHL with advanced stats. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg showed their extraordinary talent while players like Kirk Maltby, Darren McCarty and Kris Draper provided the physicality and toughness necessary to their playoff success.
Johan Franzen emerged as a postseason star showing that he can be a skill and physical player at the same time. His nine-goal streak in four games against the Colorado Avalanche in the second round was a hell of a performance. Franzen's combination of scoring ability and physical presence made him a crucial player for the Red Wings during their playoff run.
Despite their 2008 victory, the Red Wings faced defeat the following year against the same team they beat in 2008. They were nearing a repeat championship but fell to the Penguins in Game 7 on home ice. Since then, Detroit has not returned to the Cup Final, marking the end of an era of dominance for the franchise.
