The Detroit Red Wings have ruled the hockey world for the past two decades, riding a 22-year streak of qualifying for the playoffs that dates back to the 1990-91 season. 2013, however, saw the Wings in an unfamiliar situation as they needed to win the final four games of the season in order to continue the streak. Obviously, they did just that and went on to upset the second-seeded Anaheim Ducksand take the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks to seven games.

The struggle the Red Wings went through last season, however, led some to believe that their days of glory were fading away.

Detroit went all-in on free agency after the season, signing veterans Daniel Alfredsson and Stephen Weiss to help fill the offensive holes that hurt the team last season.

Especially after a move to the Eastern Conference and a lighter travel schedule, the Red Wings were once again considered a Stanley Cup favorite heading into the 2013-14 season. Unfortunately, this season has not exactly gone as planned.

Injuries have marred the Red Wings, causing them to once again put their long playoff streak in jeopardy. If the team does not return to greatness soon, is it fair to say that Detroit is still "Hockeytown"?

The short answer? Yes.

Maybe the Wings are not playing extremely well as of late, but expecting any team to play near-flawless hockey for over two decades without any bumps in the road is absolutely ridiculous.

Detroit still needs to be considered a playoff team this year anyways, as they are on the bubble and the injured stars are about to return. Also, the future may be bright for years as the injuries have given the Red Wings a chance to showcase their tremendous young talent in players like Tomas Tatar, Gustav Nyquist, Tomas Jurco and Riley Sheahan.

If the Red Wings can make a playoff run this year, the streak may continue for many more years as these young stars look like they have what it takes to grow into franchise players. 

Another factor that makes Detroit Hockeytown is the fanbase. Red Wings fans are among the most well-traveled in sports and also sell out Joe Louis Arena on a consistent basis. While other fanbases seem just as loyal, no other group of fans has helped lead its team to as much success as Red Wings fans have. Just look at the 23-game home win streak in 2012-13.

Yes, the Red Wings have struggled at home this season and have struggled more than usual in pretty much every facet of the game. Still, try naming a team in North American sports that has not had a down year in the past decade.

As long as the fans continue to show up and as long as the Red Wings can stay in the playoff hunt this season and continue developing their youth, the title of Hockeytown should belong to Detroit for many years to come.