DENVER – With the Stadium Series backdrop looming, the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings resumed their rivalry in a big way Friday night in the alumni game. Both squads featured players who figured prominently in the heyday of this rivalry. Current coach and former Avalanche goaltender Patrick Roy loomed large, as he always does. From chatting with Chris Chelios before the game to a number of spectacular saves, number 33 kept all eyes on him throughout the evening.
After a rousing recap of the glory days of the rivalry, the action on the ice did not dissapoint. With a pair of number 19s facing off, the game started quickly, with Mike Ricci getting an early shot on goal. Valeri Kamensky, echoing the first goal in Avalanche history, scored the first goal off an assist from Peter Forsberg. Detroit captain Steve Yzerman tied the game up moments later, scoring on a juicy rebound given up by Roy. After giving up the goal, Roy showed off his skills, smothering a number of shots on goal in the first period. His efforts were helped by his boss, Avalanche General Manager Joe Sakic, who scored on a slow to develop rush late in the first.
The second period proved more physical than the first, though no hits were liable to make anyone drop the gloves. Players from both sides were all smiles as the period took its course. Once again, Roy left his mark on the game, stopping a pair of good chances by Detroit midway through the period, as his counterpart, Ty Conklin, gave way for Manny Legace to man the opposing goal. Once again, Joe Sakic was able to make a play, feeding Milan Hejduk for a tip-in. Not to be outdone, Roy made a diving save on a shot from Dino Ciccarelli a couple of minutes later.
The third period started with Craig Billington in net for the Avs, and Ray Bourque beating Legace from long range. Roy left the game after making 20 saves on 21 shots. Billington was forced to make a save on a penalty shot from Tomas Holmstrom, which he did with ease. Ricci missed a penalty shot moments later, leaving the door open for Detroit to come back from a three goal deficit. The Red Wings shook up their lines, looking for a scoring spark, with Igor Larionov feeding Brendan Shanahan to bring the Av’s lead down to two goals, but they would get no closer. Stephane Yelle scored for Colorado on a two on one breakaway to ice the game with two minutes to play.
The animosity from the old days did not spill over onto the ice at Coors Field, making for an entertaining and fairly fast-paced hockey game. The home fans were treated to some old favorites making big plays in a win over Detroit. Even the handshake line was civil, proving that time does temper even the rawest of rivalries.
IMages by Terry.Sanford@prohockeynews.com
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