Reliving the Detroit Red Wings 2002 Stanley Cup Run
By Daniel Garza
On June 13, 2002, the Detroit Red Wings claimed their 10th Stanley Cup in franchise history by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.
It was one of the greatest teams ever assembled in the National Hockey League and they produced a memorable season in Detroit. The 2001-02 Red Wings had 10 future Hall of Famers on their roster and they amassed a season of accolades and trophies, including winning the Stanley Cup.
The team had a stellar regular season as they won the Central Division, Western Conference, and Presidents Trophy. They were the favorites to win the Cup after exiting the previous season with a loss to the Los Angeles Kings.
During the season, the Red Wings were led by Brendan Shannan, Sergei Fedorov, and Brett Hull in points. Steve Yzerman was the captain of the star-studded squad.
The newly signed Dominic Hasek had proven to be one of the best goalkeepers in the NHL that season as Ken Holland’s trade for the Czech netminder was a success. Defensively, the great Nicklas Lidstrom anchored a strong defense that also included Chris Chelios.
Playoff Run
The road to the Cup began with a come from behind series victory against the Vancouver Canucks in the Western Conference quarterfinals. After dropping the first two games, the Red Wings stormed back to win the next four to advance to the next round. They faired much better in the conference semifinals as they defeated the St. Louis Blues in five games.
Their opponents in the Conference finals were none other than their arch rivals the Colorado Avalanche. The start of the series was a back-and-forth encounter as the two teams were tied at 2-2 after four games. However, the Avalanche would win a crucial Game Five as they headed back to Colorado with a chance to advance to the Cup finals.
A 2-0 win against the Avalanche in Game Six ensured a Game Seven as the Red Wings returned home to Joe Louis Arena with a chance to knock off their rivals. Hasek turned in a stellar performance in Game Six to help the Red Wings avoid elimination.
Game Seven turned out to be one of the most memorable playoff games in Detroit sports history. The Red Wings put seven past the Avalanche as Patrick Roy was pulled after letting in six unanswered.
Their opponents in the Stanley Cup Finals would be the Hurricanes who advanced with a six-game series win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Game One went to the Hurricanes as they defeated the Red Wings in overtime. The Red Wings woke up in the next three games and defeated the Hurricanes at home to take a 3-1 series lead back to Detroit and had the opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup in front of the home crowd.
The deceive Game Five would prove to be the night the Red Wings won their 10th NHL title. Two goals in the second period from Tomas Holmstrom and Shannan gave the Wings a 2-1 lead going into the third period. In the ensuing period, Shannan would net an empty-netter in the final minute of the third period and the celebrations began.
All-in-all, this was one of the greatest Red Wings teams ever assembled and head coach Scotty Bowman did a terrific job at the helm. The 10th title was one of the best.