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Since joining Bleacher Report a few months back, I've done my best to deliver views, opinions, articles and lists from a centrist point of view. Read: I try pretty hard to stay away from the "homer" point of view when it comes to writing about the Detroit Red Wings.



In fact, there are few things that a reader could say about me that would dent my armor more—and I surrender this information trusting that you, the reader, won't use it against me come playoff time next season.



But this assignment rolled into my email this week, and for the first time in a few months, I'm going to give in to the inner fan and look at a few reasons why I believe the Red Wings could be considered the best franchise currently doing business in the NHL.



That isn't to say that there isn't any competition.



One could argue that teams such as the Penguins, Blackhawks and Bruins all have a place towards the top of the list. And my calling the Red Wings the best isn't a slight toward any of these teams or any other squad in the NHL.

I just think Detroit has a lot going for it moving forward.



Keep that in mind as you read this list. It's for fun, and any number of teams could be considered top of the tops in the pros. In fact I'd love to generate some discussion about this topic. If Detroit isn't the top franchise the NHL, then who is and why?



Leave your thoughts below and let me know what you think. The next few slides outline why I believe the Red Wings are indeed the premier franchise in the league right now.