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 19: May 4, 1997
The backstory: Although only Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals, the stakes were high for the Red Wings. Of immediate concern: They needed a victory to retain home-ice advantage before flying out to the Left Coast.