Special to the Free Press
In the spring of 1997 — a quarter-century ago — the Detroit Red Wings embarked on their quest to end a 42-year Stanley Cup drought.
The Free Press has commemorated that historic quest with a new book: “Stanleytown: The Inside Story of How the Stanley Cup Returned to the Motor City After 41 Frustrating Seasons.”
Day 15: April 30, 1997
The backstory: For the first time in 2½ weeks, when the Red Wings stepped on the ice at Joe Louis Arena, they prepared for an opponent other than the St.