I remember a few early exits from the playoffs by heavily favored
Wings teams. Also this year when they had a goalie of the quality
{or lack thereof} of Mike Vernon:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1995_Stanley_Cup_Finals#Game_one
"The series opened on Saturday,
June 17 at the
Joe Louis Arena in
Detroit, Michigan. Few gave
New Jersey much of a chance against the NHL’s best team. Going into the game, Detroit was a perfect 8–0 at home in the playoffs, and had outscored their opponents 30–11 in their eight home games. Detroit fans even chanted after every Devils name was read during introductions "
Who Cares?" "