LOS ANGELES — The Wings and Pistons aren’t close to contention. But then, you knew that.
What you may not have known, at least until the last couple of weeks, is how much the city's winter teams are beginning to embody Detroit. Yes, we’re not even a week into the NBA schedule and barely two weeks into the NHL’s — but the physicality and toughness both teams have displayed isn’t an accident.
It’s by design, specifically those of Steve Yzerman and Troy Weaver. Even in the small sample size of five combined games, it’s easy to see.