Phoenix was only like, one game worse post-olympics (and notably better before, of course). Nobody noticed because it's Phoenix.
I have no problem with considering the Wings the favourite (don't think I agree, think they're too close to have an easy favourite), but it's comments like Rob's being common which just irked me. It's easy enough to see why, since it's a combination of Phoenix disrespect (lol Bettman) and overrating the Wings (who seem worse this year, they aren't the offensive threat they used to be with the loss of Hossa and Samuellson, and Lidstrom is starting to look like he might only be top 10 defencemen material instead of Mr. Norris Trophy). It makes sense, but it still annoys me.