Go Wings!

From the AP (Red Wings top 100 points for NHL-record ninth straight season):

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- No need to hit the panic button, Detroit fans. Despite some bad games, rocky times and nagging question marks, the Red Wings are right back atop the heap.

Chris Osgood made 23 saves for his 49th career shutout, and the Red Wings beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0 on Sunday to become the first team in NHL history to top 100 points in nine straight seasons.

[…]

The victory came eight days after the Blue Jackets humiliated the reigning Stanley Cup champions 8-2 on their own ice, with Osgood surrendering seven goals -- also on 23 shots.

"Anytime you're embarrassed it is [motivation]," Babcock said. "They're big boys, they're smart. They were up for the game. They suffered humiliation, just like anybody else. We needed to respond here today."

[…]

The Red Wings broke a tie with Montreal (1974-75 through 1981-82) for the NHL mark for consecutive 100-point seasons.

Highlights:

No one I know has hit the panic button but there has been some cause for concern… specifically the Wings’ problems in goal. Both Ozzie and Conklin have been inconsistent (to say the very least) and the defense have had their problems as well. Still and even, last night’s game is cause for celebration. It’s good to see Hossa back, too, and on form.
It's also worth noting the Wings clinched a playoff berth with the win, as well. And why is this significant? Because it's also another record... the Wings will be making their 18th consecutive playoff appearance this year, the best record in ALL of US professional sports. No one team in any sport has ever done this before. Period.