Today marks the 25-year anniversary of the Detroit Red Wings clinching the 1997 Stanley Cup, and they broke out the brooms in sweeping fashion against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Prior to that championship, it had been 42 years since Detroit hoisted Lord Stanley's Cup. It also was the first of back-to-back Cups for the Wings.
A team that was led by the likes of the Russian Five, long-time captain Steve Yzerman, an all-time head coach in Scotty Bowman, and a gritty, fan-friendly player in Darren McCarty, whose goal in the second period was the eventual game-winner and series-clincher.
Enjoy highlights from Game 4 as the Detroit Red Wings swept the Flyers to win the 1997 Stanley Cup!
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4 Minutes until Detroit Red Wings win 1997 Stanley Cup
Here is what Steve Yzerman said about skating with the Cup after the big win.
“I would have preferred to go with everybody in the beginning. I wanted to go as one big group.
“As I went about halfway around, I thought, ‘This thing is getting heavy.’ My arm about fell off. I was looking for my parents and my wife and a friend in the corner. I wanted to make sure I saw them as I was carrying it around the rink. I just tried to take it all in. … I wasn’t aware of any noise.
“It was the greatest moment in my career, the most gratifying and the most rewarding. … Obviously, at the end when we piled behind the net was the greatest moment. Being on the ice when the game ends is awesome.”
Here are the final four minutes of the game, including when the Flyers cut the Wings lead down to 2-1, along with the Stanley Cup presentation.
Can you believe it has been 25 years since the Red Wings won the 1997 Stanley Cup? Let's hope we get another one in the not too distant future!
