In most sports, the season-by-season philosophy for success entails staying healthy, and defending your home turf. No team in sports has done that this season quite like the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. Winning their 21st consecutive home game at The Joe last Tuesday, the Wings broke the record for most consecutive home victories by defeating the Dallas Stars. The record had been held by the 1929 Boston Bruins club.

Boasting the NHL’s best overall record (40-17-2) and leading the league in points (82), the Wings have maintained a consistent rhythm of success throughout the entire season. Detroit is currently on a five-game winning streak, and have won seven of their last ten games. The club has achieved success this season as a result of superb coaching by Mike Babcock and staff, exceptional goaltending by Joey MacDonald, and all around cohesive teamwork — with leaders such as Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk raising their level of play.

Ineligible for further debate, the Red Wings are currently the hottest team in professional sports. They go for their 23rd consecutive home victory this afternoon, hosting the rival San Jose Sharks.