With a nod to 2002 team, legendary 1952 Red Wings set standard of excellence

DETROIT — There have been a lot of outstanding Red Wings teams over the years, clearly evidenced by the 11 Stanley Cups won by the organization.

Many would rank with the best teams ever assembled in NHL history. But when you analyze the 1951-52 Red Wings squad, it can leave a hockey fan a little awestruck.

Of all the great Wings teams — and, obviously, the 2002 Stanley Cup champions will have, deservedly, a lot of backers — it’s difficult to not call the 1951-52 team the greatest.

Just look at some of the accomplishments of that legendary team:

• The 1951-52 team played during the Original Six era and the talent was so sublime, each roster so deep then. Yet this Wings team accumulated 100 points (44-14-12) with a 22-point lead over second-place Montreal. In the playoffs, the Wings swep