2001 Second Round Game 7 vs Detroit Red Wings
The rivalry that defined an era of NHL hockey.
The Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings met in the 1997 Western Conference finals, where the Red Wings won the series in six games en route to their first Stanley Cup in 42 years.
Quick Facts
- Date
- May 9, 2001
- Location
- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
- Series result
- Avalanche win 4-3 series; Game score 5-4 (OT)
- Key hero
- Milan Hejduk (Game-winning goal scorer)
- Goaltender mvp
- Patrick Roy (34 saves in regulation/OT)
- Historical context
- First OT Game 7 win for Avalanche in franchise history; Colorado entered the series as Presidents' Trophy winners
Lore & Background
The rivalry peaked from 1996 to 2002, with the teams meeting in the postseason five times and combining to win five Stanley Cups. The epicenter was a March 26, 1997 game at Joe Louis Arena featuring 18 fighting majors and 148 penalty minutes.
Reader's Guide
In the 1997 Western Conference finals, Marc Crawford screamed at Scotty Bowman across the glass separating the two benches in game four at Joe Louis Arena on May 22. Bowman told Crawford, 'I knew your father before you did, and I don't think he'd be very proud of how you're acting.' Crawford was fined $10,000. The Red Wings won that game 6–0 and the series in six games.
Did You Know?
- Kris Draper skated past Claude Lemieux in the handshake line following the 1997 Western Conference finals.
- Draper and Lemieux finally shook hands at the 2014 NHL entry draft, but Lemieux never apologized to Draper.
- The Detroit News printed a 'wanted' poster of Lemieux with a prison number under his photo on the day of the March 26, 1997 game.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did this historic Game 7 take place?
The match occurred on May 9, 2001, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit during the second round of the playoffs.
What was the final score and series result?
Colorado defeated Detroit by a score of 5-4 in overtime to win the series four games to three.
Who scored the game-winning goal for Colorado?
Milan Hejduk delivered the decisive strike in overtime, silencing the home crowd and advancing his team.
How many saves did Patrick Roy make in this contest?
The legendary goaltender made 34 saves across regulation and overtime to keep Colorado in the game against a powerful Red Wings offense.
What historical milestone does this victory represent for the franchise?
It marked the franchise's first-ever overtime Game 7 victory, proving their resilience as Presidents' Trophy winners en route to the Stanley Cup Final.
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