DETROIT - With the Detroit Red Wings getting ready to play their final game at Joe Louis Arena Sunday against the New Jersey Devils, what better time to take a look back at their first game?
It took place on Dec. 27, 1979, when they lost 3-2 to the St. Louis Blues.
The Blues erased a 2-1 deficit in the third period on goals by Bernie Federko - who would later be traded to Detroit in 1989 - and Blair Chapman. The loss left the Red Wings with a 10-16-7 record and in 17th place overall in the 21-team NHL.