Pat Caputo: Suddenly And Shockingly, Red Wings And Pistons Trading Places

By: Pat Caputo @patcaputo98

A few mere months ago, the debate would have been considered absurd. Not anymore.

The Pistons, who haven't made the playoffs since 2009, are trending upward, not only in regard to reaching the postseason this year, but for the future.

The Red Wings, with their 24-season playoff streak on the line, are trending downward on both fronts.

The Pistons' victory over mighty Oklahoma City tonight was that enthralling.

The Red Wings' loss to hapless Montreal was that disappointing.

The Pistons are starting five players - Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson, Tobias Harris, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marcus Morris - who are 26 or younger. Stanley Johnson, a top reserve, is 19.

The Red Wings seem to be waning because their younger players, especially goalie Petr Mrazek, have been struggling, while long-time mainstays Niklas Kronwall, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg are starting to be caught by Father Time.

As the regular season winds down, is this perception reality?

Dan Leach and I will be discussing it tonight after the Red Wings until 2 a.m. Tune in at 97.1 FM on your dial or stream live here. Also, you can join in the conversation at (248) 539-9797 or use Ticket Text at 97136. We will also get to your Tweets. It's @patcaputo98 and @DTMLeach on Twitter.