Hockey Fan's Paradise

It's been way too long, but I'm super excited about the Wings-Avalanche series that just started last night. Sure, only a few players remain from the seven-year stretch where these teams battled in the playoffs five times, but it's a perfect excuse to check out these memorable Red Wings moments from my high school/college years.

Enjoy!

Claude Lemeiux has no honor. He'll sucker punch you when you aren't looking, but he won't fight you like a man.

Revenge. The night the Wings won their first cup in 40+ years, and the night Darren McCarty became a legend in Detroit. Yes, you can win the Stanley Cup during a regular season game.

Playoff Revenge. 1997 Western Conference Finals. Marc Crawford's father would be disappointed in his son's behavior on this day. One of the best quotes from a coach ever.

(I'll skip those Colorado wins in '99 and '00)

Statue of Liberty - Game 6, 2002 Conference Finals. Patrick Roy's arrogance allows the Wings to score what ultimately holds up as the winning goal, forcing Game 7 back in Detroit. It was the beginning of the end for Patrick Roy, who was shelled for 7 goals in game 7 and retired after a disappointing season in 2003.

The 2008 playoff meeting between these two teams may no longer contain as much venom, but I still love it. Go Red Wings!