Special to Detroit 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 34: May 19, 1997
The backstory: For the first time since March 26 — a date that would live in Red Wings infamy because of Fight Night at The Joe — Claude Lemieux and the Colorado Avalanche were back on the ice in Detroit.