On this Day: Dan Cleary nets late game winner in Game 7 vs. Ducks (VIDEO)

It’s already been 11 years, and it’s hard to believe!

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The Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks faced off on May 14, 2009 at Joe Louis Arena in a Game 7 with a Western Conference Finals berth at stake.

Jiri Hudler gave Detroit a 1-0 lead in the first period, re-directing a pass from Johan Franzen past goaltender Jonas Hiller. Detroit would then strike early in the second period, thanks to a burst of speed from Darren Helm, who beat Hiller clean on a breakaway.

But the Ducks refused to lay down and go away, as Teemu Selanne would stuff the puck in at the side of the net to cut the lead in half. The Red Wings and Ducks then traded goals by Mikael Samuelson and Corey Perry, ending the second period with a 3-2 Detroit lead.

The third period was as tense as a Game 7 could get, as the Ducks were able to capitalize halfway through the frame thanks to a broken stick on the ice that led to a turnover and subsequent Bobby Ryan tying goal.

The two teams seemed destined for overtime. Enter Dan Cleary:

The goal stood and Detroit held on for a 4-3 game and series win!

Michael Whitaker
Michael Whitaker

Always at the front lines of Detroit Sports.