Red Wings vs Avalanche Rivalry History

The rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche is one of the most intense and memorable in NHL history. It peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s, fueled by fierce competition, physical play, and multiple playoff meetings. Here’s what you should know:

Origins of the Rivalry

The animosity began in 1996 when the Avalanche (who had recently relocated from Quebec as the Nordiques) defeated the Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals.

A key moment was Claude Lemieux's hit on Kris Draper in Game 6, which left Draper with a broken jaw, orbital bone, and other injuries. This led to bad blood between the teams.

The Brawl in Hockeytown (March 26, 1997)

One of the most infamous games in NHL history, known as 'Fight Night at the Joe.'

After a hit by Lemieux on Igor Larionov, Darren McCarty retaliated, leading to an all-out brawl, including goalies Patrick Roy vs. Mike Vernon.

The Red Wings won the game 6-5 in OT and went on to sweep the Avs in the playoffs that year, winning their first Stanley Cup in 42 years.

Playoff Battles

1996 WCF: Avalanche won (4-2), went on to win the Cup.

1997 WCF: Red Wings swept the Avs (4-0), won the Cup.

1999 WSF: Avalanche won (4-2).

2000 WSF: Avalanche won (4-1).

2002 WCF: Red Wings won (4-3), en route to another Cup.

Key Players in the Rivalry

Red Wings: Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, Nicklas Lidström, Sergei Fedorov, Darren McCarty, Kris Draper.

Avalanche: Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Patrick Roy, Claude Lemieux, Adam Foote, Milan Hejduk.

Legacy

The rivalry cooled in the mid-2000s as key players retired or moved teams.

Both franchises honored their rivalry in 2022 with an outdoor game at Coors Field (Avalanche won 6-3).

The Red Wings and Avalanche are now in different conferences, reducing the frequency of matchups, but the history remains iconic.

Would you like details on a specific game or era?

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