Nothing like meeting a familiar old rival for inspiration.
The Detroit Red Wings fought, hit and scored Friday as they hosted the Chicago Blackhawks for the last time at Joe Louis Arena, the atmosphere invigorated by an enthusiastic bipartisan crowd. Tomas Tatar scored twice to ensure the home fans would be the ones celebrating a 4-2 victory.
Xavier Ouellet, Andreas Athanasiou and Tatar provided goals and Jimmy Howard had made 15 saves to provide a 3-2 lead after two periods.
There was a good deal of back-and-forth in the third period as the Wings tried for an insurance goal and the Blackhawks for a tying one.