The agony of defeat, NHL style

It's always a tough day. That is, the day after your favourite team is eliminated from the playoffs. For me, that day is today. Last night, my Detroit Red Wings met their demise against the San Jose Sharks.

It was a long season for the Wings, one in which no one expected them to succeed, at least until after the Olympic break. Now it's a summer of building and one filled with uncertainty. Especially with the potential retirement of Niclas Lidstrom. Even if the future Hall of Famer doesn't retire, this playoff season made it all too clear that he has lost a step.

So what is next? Well for me, I'll still be watching hockey, but with a little less vigor. And just like those NHL players, it's time for a little golf. Plus, the Wings can rid themselves of the traditional playoff beards.

I am cautiously optimistic about the Red Wings' future. They don't seem to have a hidden Datsyuk or Zetterberg on the horizon (with the possible exception of Tomas Tartar. But who knows, they wouldn't be hidden if we saw it coming.

In net, I think Jimmy Howard did a fine job and that he is capable of carrying the team again next season. I would like to see a young back up come in and replace Osgood. With multiple Stanley Cup rings in his cupboard, it's time for Ozzy to gracefully bow out.

For those of you who question why Detroit is still "Hockeytown," well, try four Stanley Cups since 1997 and the longest active playoff streak in professional sports. Sure, the Red Wings will go through struggles in the coming years, just as the city of Detroit has done, but everytime an octopus hits the ice, it will definitely bring chills to the spines of thousands of fans, including mine.

Let the games begin.