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 26: May 11, 1997
The backstory: During the day, a handful of Red Wings showed up at Joe Louis Arena to work out, but they couldn’t skate because of a 14-year-old, 5-foot-2 wizard on skates, Tara Lipinski.