Are the Detroit Red Wings the best sports franchise in North America at this moment?

It would be 5 in 12 years when, not if they win. The Wings just know how to win, every time they get to the finals they know what it takes. Now if you do go back 15 years, like you said in your question, that would be the 95 Finals where they were swept by New Jersey. That was their learning experience and they haven't looked back since. They are right there with the Patriots and also the Spurs in the NBA had a good run winning 4 titles in 9 years. Those would be the top 3 in the last 12 years.

Sorry whoever said the Patriots have 5, you are mistaken they have only won 3 Super Bowls

Seriously you mention the New England Patriots? Guess you didn't hear about how they were ILLEGALLY taping opponents. At least the Red Wings haven't been caught breaking the rules. Also you realize the Patriots basically were nothing 10 years ago? If you are going to name an NFL team try the Steelers or Colts(since you probably don't want to credit a Pittsburgh team).

Add:UofM there is a difference between HALF the teams making the playoffs and 6 of 16 making the playoffs. Although the Patriots are in a weak division helping them out, you still can't just go by making the playoffs(come on 16 of 30 NHL teams are in).

Considering the Pats already have FIVE and it's in a sport where only 12 teams make the postseason as opposed to 16.......an argument can also be made for the Yankees......four WS titles in the last 15 years......last year was the ONLY time they missed the playoffs in that 15 year span, in baseball, that is pretty insane (although the 90's Braves did it too). Only 8 teams make it in baseball so to me the Yanks are the #1 franchise over the last 15 years. Followed by the Pats. Followed by the Wings.

Yes, it is as simple as that. 18 straight years making the play-offs, longest current streak in all of sports. How many Stanley Cup Championships? How many Conference Championships? How many division titles? How many regular season wins in that stretch?

Many in the media, athletes in other sports and especially hockey would agree. It starts with the owner and goes right down to management, coaches and players. How the organization scouts, drafts, and develops it's players is also a major contributor to their success. Throw in how they are successful in acquiring and signing free-agents and retaining current players for less money in some instances and under or at the NHL imposed salary cap and maintain the level they do, makes them the best run and managed team in all of North American sports, maybe in the world. Keep in mind, the long, grueling, and physically demanding grind that the team goes through in trying to win the Stanley Cup which is the HARDEST TEAM Championship trophy to win in all of sports, making it that much more special. Don't forget there are no personal issues and no pri-madonna's in this organization, it would not be tolerated at any cost!

It's nigh-impossible to argue against them. The only other pro sports team I'd even mention being half as consistent as the Wings would be the San Antonio Spurs, and they too only got rolling ten years ago.

Even the Patriots have their years when they miss the playoffs. They are easily the mos consistent franchise.

most in any franchise ...in any sport

it's a record for post season appearances

in all seriousness, it's the Anaheim Ducks

We'll know by the end of the week.

Yes they are.