When Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond discusses his favorite sports team, it sure sounds a lot like the team with which he earns a living in the NHL.
They wear predominantly red uniforms. The team is nicknamed the Red Devils. Not so long ago, they were the scourge of their sport, the team every other team strived to be, the standard-bearer in the sport.
Today, they are floundering helplessly near the bottom of the league. The fan base is angry, and there doesn’t appear to be any immediate hope for a return to the glory days.
Some photos of Lucas & Mo at European Player Media Tour to brighten your Tuesday pic.twitter.com/DeiO0pg08c
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Which team might that be? Well, if you haven’t already figured it out, allow Raymond to let you in on the secret.
“I follow Manchester United,” Raymond told NHL.com, referencing the world-famous soccer club from the English Premier League. “I’ve been lucky enough to be able to go to a couple of games (in Manchester), which I’m grateful for.”
Red Wings Raymond Knows Of The Struggle
The similarities between the rise and fall of Manchester United and the Red Wings are stark.
Between 1992-93 and 2016-17, Manchester United finished first in the English Premier League 13 times. The club twice won the European Champions League title and also captured the Europa League crown.
During a 25-season playoff run from 1990-91 through 2015-16, the Red Wings won four Stanley Cups and played in six Cup final series. Detroit would win an NHL-leading six Presidents’ Trophies while earning 14 first-place finishes.
big fan of the lucas raymond blank stare pic.twitter.com/vf4qOHwm3H
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The Red Wings haven’t made the playoffs since. They’ve missed out on postseason play for nine successive seasons. That’s the longest drought in franchise history.
Manchester United has gone 12 seasons since its most recent EPL title. Lately, though, things have really taken a turn for the worse. The club finished 15th last season. That’s the worst showing by Manchester United in England’s top division since a 21st-place finish in 1973-74.
Two weeks into the current season, Manchester United sits 16th in the table. The club is still seeking its first win of the campaign.
“It’s been a tough couple of years here,” Raymond admitted.