from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

The first-year team is competing for the best record in the NHL and is a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. The 92-year-old franchise is virtually eliminated from playoff contention and will be hoping for some luck in the draft lottery.

The surprising expansion Vegas Golden Knights make their first appearance in Detroit Thursday to face the rebuilding Red Wings (7:30 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

Vegas (42-19-5) is fourth overall with 89 points. The Red Wings (26-29-11) are 25th overall with 63 points.

How is Vegas so much better than the Red Wings? It's an apples to oranges comparison.

The Red Wings' demise, following an amazing 25-year playoff run that included four Cup titles and two other finals appearances, was inevitable.

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