DENVER — The Detroit Red Wings noticed fans still remember the rivalry, and the competitiveness of the Colorado Avalanche stoked hopes it soon might be revived.
The Wings head into Wednesday's game at Minnesota, their last before the break, on a five-game losing skid after dropping a 6-3 Monday matinee at Pepsi Center. There were enough partisan fans to start a few "Go Wings" chants, but many more voiced their disapproval of the Wings, whose rivalry with the Avalanche two decades ago was one of the best in sports.