The big picture is the Stanley Cup. Teams don't play as hard as they do, through injuries and adversities, to become the first loser in the Stanley Cup Finals. NHL Teams today, play to win. Regardless of the fact that sometimes it doesn't always seem like some teams are playing to the biggest picture, it's generally the driving force. When free agents sign with teams, it's not to break a record. Sure, it's nice to have that icing on the cake but players sign with teams they think can win. They sign with organizations who they believe can take home the biggest prize at the end of the day. Cuppy, Cuppy, Cuppy and what not.
As far as records go, there can always be someone to come a break your record and take that honor away from you but no one can take a championship away. For instance, There will only ever be one 2007-2008 Stanley Cup Championship Team. No matter how many wins or losses the team goes through, no one can take the honor of being a Stanley Cup Champion away. I'm sure the 1929-1930 Boston Bruins didn't think that anyone would tie or break their record until the 1975-1976 Philadelphia Flyers did it. Both teams, given the way the sport has changed in the last 30 years, probably thought that no other team would be able to tie or break it yet one team did.
Breaking the record and being able to witness it is amazing. It's a testament to the players who work hard every game to make sure the fans at the Joe see them at their best. Sure, seeing the Wings break a record that was held by two different teams in very different eras of hockey is fantastic. And yes, seeing the team hold on to team records for many years is great. But do you think that the 2011-2012 Red Wings would rather be record breakers or champions? I'm sure the Red Wings would love to shatter records forever but in the Red Wings organization it don't mean a thing if you don't get that ring.
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