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 32: May 17, 1997
The backstory: After nine exhibition games, 82 regular-season games and 11 playoff games, the Red Wings’ season, for all intents and purposes, came down to Game 2 of the Western Conference finals.