The Detroit Falcons had a phenomenal Season 37. With a stunning 29-16-5 record, the Falcons secured the 2nd seed and were granted a first-round bye.

The Falcons success stems from the roster's depth. With veteran players like the Barlow brothers on their 4th line, the Falcons are consistently able to ice a line that is a scoring threat. These guys don't rely on the elite skill of their top 6 and hope that their depth guys can just get by. 4 lines, rolling deep, at all times. Around the season's mid-point, Detroit management made a win-now trade for forward Shaun Stephens, who has fit in wonderfully alongside Kevin Marks and Francesco Belluci.

While Falcons goaltender Evgueni Marmeladov possesses all-world talent, he didn't quite wow anybody this season.. and that's okay. The Russian goaltender is a veteran in this league and he knows that the real test doesn't begin until the postseason. Expect Marmeladov to come off of the first-round bye rested and refreshed. Personally, I have big expectations.

The Falcons defense got by this season despite losing big time players like Karl Hefeweizen and Ryan Strathairn. Detroit management addressed the loss of these guys by making a shrewd trade for overager Hermanis Villy and traded up in the draft for the 1st Overall selection, using it on Tatu Mäkelä. With a defense consisting mostly of grizzled, veteran bluelines like Ben Turska, Ryan Richter, and Dawong Ho, the addition of such a skilled young player was a sight for sore eyes. This particular group allowed the 3rd fewest goals in the league and played a big role in the Falcons ability to move the puck and make plays.

Going into the playoffs, this roster is a threat to make a serious run for the championship. On their best days, they'll flat out beat you down. On their worst days, their ability to play physical and block shots will keep them in games when their skill alone can't get the job done.