The Wings simply may be losing to a better playoff team. Colorado's 104 regular-season points trailed Detroit by 27, but the Avalanche weren't chasing anything, except the best playoff team possible. These Wings deserved a chance to make another run, but they probably needed more help, more tinkering. While regular-season success lulled the Wings into an illusion of security, Colorado was out acquiring playoff stalwarts such as Roy and Claude Lemieux. Everyone finishes their hits.
Some players respond better than others.
As good as you are in the regular season, everyone looks at what you did in the playoffs. New Jersey didn't care about the regular season a year ago, but was ready for the playoffs. When the Devils swept the Wings, we assumed Bowman recognized the evidence, that they were worn down by physical play. But at the trading deadline this season, he made one minor move, acquiring Kirk Maltby, a tough player he uses sparingly. Even Lemieux, who led the Devils last year, admitted surprise Detroit didn't adjust its roster.