Trailing the Wings for top spot are the Chicago Blackhawks (97.4 percent) and Pittsburgh Penguins (97.2 percent). Like Detroit’s, their images have been bolstered by a recent Stanley Cup victory, but again, we’re talking about teams predicated on quickness and superior talent.
However, those who say image and consumer appeal is all about winning Cups would be surprised at the team that came in fourth. That would be the New Jersey Devils (95.7 percent) a franchise that, as we all are well aware, has made defense into an art, albeit an often-ponderous art. Even though they have played a style of hockey that doubles as relief for insomniacs, people understand what a ticket to a Devils game means.