On a night when the Detroit Red Wings celebrated their franchise at one of its best times, the current team had much to live up to.
The evening's events at Little Caesars Arena began with a ceremony honoring the 1997 Stanley Cup team. It was a joyful reminder of how good the Wings were 25 years ago, and a inspiration to the current team of where the franchise wants to be again.
One game at a time, and Thursday's against the Washington Capitals wasn't easy. Seeking to right themselves after a shellacking on the road, the Wings squeezed out a 3-1 victory, secured in the final minute with am empty-net goal from Dylan Larkin.