What more is there to say?

Many people have already counted the Red Wings out. They did so before the playoffs started and they continued through each and every series. It was always something, perhaps questioning whether Ozzie would be able to compete, then wondering whether the Wings could skate with the physical and punishing Ducks, and finally could they keep up with the young, talented, and driven Hawks? And each time, the Wings answered their critics. They found a way to win. They fought hard during each game, each shift. On their course to the finals every opponent demanded something different of them. They maintained their puck possession, defensively dominate style, but they adapted, they worked to succeed. Because above everything else, the Wings are champions. Each and every person in that locker room is a champion, a competitor. Every. One.

Let the media and the Penguin's fans continue to discuss the offensive dominance of Malkin and Crosby. Let them praise Fleury and Bylsma. Let them salivate over the Pens desire for revenge and retribution. None of it matters. None of it. Because this team, our team, they know how to compete. They know how to win championships, and they'll do it again. Tell me Ozzie, Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Franzen, Helm, and Hossa want to watch Crosby carry the cup. Their cup. I don't care if that sounds pompous or righteous. This is their year. They know what will be demanded and as those before them have done in the past, they will rise and step up to the challenge.

There is really nothing more that I can say. This will be an epic series. And while all the die hard Red Wings fans will be nervous, look back and read these words from The Captain, Steve Yzerman. Rest assured, he passed along the legacy.

"Being a Detroit Red Wing to me is being a part of an organization that has a history that goes way back. Some of the greatest players in the National Hockey League have played for the Red Wings. For me, I feel like I have a responsibility of getting or keeping the organization at a level that players like Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuk, Alex Delvecchio, Ted Lindsay, and Sid Abel brought it to. Being a Red Wing is having an obligation to play and conduct yourself in the same manner and with the same expectations that those players had. The level of play and level of professionalism should always meet that of the Red Wings greats that came before you.

If you don't have a love and passion for the sport that you play then you won't be successful in the long haul. Money isn't the motivator in sports; you have to have the will to win and a drive to be the best. You have to want to be good, to want to win. You have to have the pride in yourself, the pride in your team to succeed.

As you read these Red Wings player's stories, you'll find that regardless of their era, or their success or failure on the ice, we all share the common bond of not only a love and passion for hockey, but the commitment to uphold the tradition of a team-our team-the Detroit Red Wings"

-Steve Yzerman, from What It Means To Be A Red Wing

Please tell me you can find one player on the Red Wings who does not know the responsibility they have to themselves and most importantly to their team. They want this. Do not underestimate their commitment, skill, drive, and desire to get it. Those aspects are key components of a Red Wing and each and every player has it. This is their year, their time to cement their dynasty. Our Red Wings, they will fight and push and sacrifice to make it happen.

It's their tradition, their team, they are the Detroit Red Wings.