Tuesday night featured the first slate of games following the NHL’s brief Christmas break. The Buffalo Sabres strolled into Joe Louis Arena looking to get back in the win column after a 5-1 butt whoopin’ at the hands of the Islanders, while the Red Wings sought to build off of their comeback shootout win against the Panthers.
Tonight began on a special note: the Red Wings honored the 1996-97 team that snapped the franchise’s 42-year Cup drought. Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond kicked off the ceremony with a few words, followed by a video commemoration, and then the player (and coach) introductions.