Perennial Losers In Sports History

Derided as the Dead Things, this proud old Original Six franchise endured a cruel two decades that included a stretch of 11 years during which it made the playoffs once (a first-round exit in 1970) and a run of 14 sub-.500 campaigns from 1973 to `87. (The 1976-91 Vancouver Canucks hold the NHL record of 15 straight losing seasons, but appeared in the playoffs nine times, thanks to a liberally inclusive format.) Detroit's 14 included four playoff appearances that culminated in the 1987 Western Conference Finals. Pictured is Jim Rutherford (1970-71, 74-81, 83 Red Wings).