Jump ahead to the main information.
This past weekend, the Detroit Red Wings’ hopes of making it to the playoffs were dashed.
It may not come as a shock, but it does signify yet another season where a Detroit professional sports team falls short of securing a championship.
To make matters worse, the city is once again experiencing a season without a playoff victory.
Although we can all celebrate the remarkable history of the Detroit Shock, they relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, taking their three titles with them. Yes, Tulsa!
We have all indulged in making jokes and have also experienced being the target of such jokes due to Detroit’s lack of success in the postseason.
To what extent has the situation been truly terrible?
It would be advisable for you to take a seat.
Time since Detroit last won a title: 5462 days 14 hours 44 minutes 8 seconds
The city of Detroit has been deprived of a professional sports championship for over 5,000 days now.
The moment arrived on June 4, 2008, when the Red Wings emerged victorious in the Stanley Cup finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
From that time onwards, a total of 25 sports cities have triumphed in winning a championship across the four major sports. Out of those, thirteen towns have achieved the feat of securing victory on at least two occasions. Remarkably, both Boston/New England and Los Angeles have emerged victorious in seven championships each.
Adding to the lack of assistance is the realization that over 3,100 days have passed since a Detroit sports team emerged victorious in a playoff series. The last occurrence took place on Oct. 10, 2013, when the Detroit Tigers triumphed over the Oakland Athletics in the ALDS after a grueling five-game battle.
I can’t speak for you, but since then, a great deal has occurred in my life.
Paul Costanzo, a resident of Michigan, has a daughter who came into this world on December 14, 2013. Currently in her second-grade year, she has not yet experienced any triumph in the realm of professional sports in Detroit. Joining the ranks of many others, it’s unfortunate to say that the situation does not seem to improve, as the statistics indicate.
Starting with the most significant disappointment, let’s delve into each team’s letdown.
Time since the Lions last won a playoff game: 11457 days 17 hours 44 minutes 8 seconds
The Detroit Lions have established themselves as the epitome of underwhelming sports organizations.
The Lions have never won or even made an appearance in a Super Bowl.
As a young child, I have a vivid memory of my grandfather expressing his singular desire to witness the Lions emerge victorious in the Super Bowl.
Regrettably, he departed long ago. Nevertheless, I constantly reassured myself that I would savor that moment on behalf of us both. Presently, my certainty wavers.
Throughout their history, the Lions have been fortunate to possess several exceptional talents, with notable names such as Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, and Matthew Stafford standing out. However, despite their brilliance, this formidable trio has only managed to secure a single victory in the playoffs.
Here are some significant (not positively) dates in Lions history.
- The most recent NFL Championship occurred on December 29, 1957.
- The most recent division title was won on January 2, 1994.
- The most recent victory in the playoffs occurred on January 5, 1992.
- The most recent playoff appearance occurred on January 7, 2017.
The Lions have surpassed 10,000 days without a significant triumph.
As Dan Campbell enters his second season in 2022, the rebuilding process has now stretched into its seventh decade.
Time since the Tigers last won a playoff series: 3508 days 13 hours 46 minutes 8 seconds
Everyone in Michigan has a special affection for the Motor City Kitties.
There’s no doubt that this town and state are passionate about baseball. Nonetheless, the Detroit Tigers have only managed to secure four World Series championships throughout their existence.
Arguably, among the four franchises, the Tigers came closest to winning a championship in their recent history. However, this fact only intensifies the disappointment that their incredibly talented roster failed to achieve their goal.
In their prime, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Prince Fielder, and Papa Grande were all exceptional. However, they disappointingly fell short in the 2012 World Series, laying a Grande egg.
Despite not appearing too distant, the year 1984 is gradually edging closer to its 40th anniversary.
These are the significant dates in the playoff history of the Tigers:
- The most recent World Series Championship victory occurred on October 14, 1984.
- The most recent World Series appearance occurred on October 28, 2012.
- The most recent Division Championship was held on September 28, 2014.
- The most recent playoff appearance occurred on October 5, 2014.
- The most recent playoff victory occurred on October 16, 2013.
- The most recent triumph in a playoff series occurred on October 10, 2013.
Although the 2022 Detroit Tigers have a glimmer of hope to contend for a playoff spot, their chances of winning the championship this year are slim.
Time since the Red Wings last won a playoff series: 3659 days 12 hours 44 minutes 8 seconds
The Detroit Red Wings are the final team to have won a championship out of the four. However, it has been over 5,000 days since their last victory.
The Hockeytown-Era brought numerous cherished moments and instilled immense pride in the city of Detroit. The hockey franchise from Detroit has clinched an impressive 11 championships, surpassing most teams in the big four sports leagues.
However, burdensome was the responsibility that comes with wearing the crown.
Despite the Red Wings’ championship runs being incredible, this recent stretch has been equally terrible for the team.
“Hockeytown” does not resonate when there have been six consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance.
Let’s dive into the details of the Red Wings:
- The most recent Stanley Cup was won on June 4, 2008.
- The most recent appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals occurred on June 12, 2009.
- The most recent playoff appearance occurred on April 21, 2016.
- The most recent playoff victory occurred on April 17, 2016.
- The most recent playoff series victory occurred on May 12, 2013. The game concluded on May 13, accounting for the Eastern time zone.
- The most recent division title was achieved on April 10, 2011.
Fans are hopeful about the possibility of a turnaround now that Steve Yzerman is in charge of his former team.
Lucas Raymond and Moritz Seider spearhead a talented group of young players on the Red Wings roster.
Time since the Pistons last won a playoff series: 5484 days 15 hours 59 minutes 8 seconds
The Detroit Pistons have often been seen as the anti-NBA team, and this strong identity makes Detroit fans feel a deep connection with the franchise.
The NBA Championship-winning teams of 1989 and 1990, known as the Bad Boys, faced criticism and scrutiny due to their overly physical style of play.
The 2004 championship team is commonly regarded as lacking talent compared to other NBA Finals winners. Interestingly, they are the sole championship squad that does not have any players recognized in the NBA’s 75 Greatest Players of All Time.
This perfectly aligns with the motto of “Detroit vs. Everybody.”
The Pistons hold the notable achievement of being the most recent team to make it to the playoffs. However, that happened a considerable amount of time ago, exceeding 1,000 days.
Take a glance at the notable dates of the Pistons.
- The most recent NBA Championship was held on June 15, 2004.
- The most recent NBA Finals appearance occurred on June 23, 2005.
- Most recent Playoff Appearance: April 22, 2019
- The most recent victory in the playoffs occurred on May 26, 2008.
- The most recent victory in a playoff series occurred on May 13, 2008.
- The most recent division title was achieved on April 16, 2008.
There may be signs of a positive shift as Detroit emerges victorious in the NBA Draft Lottery of 2021 and secures the selection of Cade Cunningham.
Although the 2022 season didn’t reveal significant progress, the Pistons may be the team most likely to break the playoff trend.
