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As passionate Detroit sports fans, our current sources of excitement revolve around two things: 1. Drafts, where we anticipate the arrival of promising talent; 2. Engaging documentaries that nostalgically remind us of the greatness our teams once possessed.
This Sunday, ESPN will broadcast the eagerly-awaited “Unrivaled” documentary, taking us on a journey to revisit the intense rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche.
I have no doubt when I say that I’ve never been more thrilled to tune into a TV show.
How to watch ESPN’s Unrivaled documentary
Tune in to ESPN on Sunday, June 26, at 1 p.m. ET to catch the documentary. It showcases exclusive interviews with notable players from both teams, such as Darren McCarty, Kris Draper, Claude Lemieux, Patrick Roy, Steve Yzerman, and Vladimir Konstantinov.
The experience is going to be absolutely incredible.
Red Wings vs. Avalanche was the fiercest rivalry in hockey history
The trailer that was shared on Twitter approximately a month ago sent shivers down my spine.
I believe this marked the pinnacle of my enthusiasm for sports. Initially, this realization saddened me, considering that I was only 13 years old when the rivalry began and 20 when it ultimately concluded. It’s not an ideal period to reach one’s prime in anything other than, perhaps, academics or dealing with acne.
However, if my assumption is correct, it was an extraordinary pinnacle. The Red Wings not only stood as fierce contenders in championship battles, but they were also entangled in the most significant rivalry of that era. Each encounter with the Avalanche was a must-watch event, as it held great significance and the unexpected was always on the horizon.
There’s no denying ESPN’s claim that the rivalry depicted in the trailer is the most intense in the history of hockey.
From 1996 to 2002, the Avalanche and the Red Wings clashed in the playoffs on five occasions, of which the Avalanche emerged victorious three times. Within this period, both teams collectively secured an impressive total of five Stanley Cups, with the Red Wings leading the charge by winning three championships.
They were not only rivals, but also the most powerful teams of that era.
According to Lemieux, a rivalry may begin on the ice, but it can only truly flourish when it extends beyond the game. I agree with this sentiment. However, I would contend that the Red Wings and Avalanche rivalry reached new heights not solely due to Lemieux’s hit on Draper, but primarily because their matchups featured the top two teams in the NHL.
The outcome of their meeting in the playoffs held significance beyond just Michigan and Colorado, as the victorious team was highly probable to triumphantly lift the Cup in the near future.
Pure hate for Claude Lemieux
Let me clarify, the hit in 1996 ignited the spark, and the brawl at Joe Louis Arena 10 months later only added fuel to the fire.
The intensity between fans of both teams was fueled by genuine animosity.
To explore a compilation of Colorado players I strongly disliked, simply click here. Or here. Or even here. It’s pretty self-explanatory.
Lemieux was undoubtedly the most prominent name on the list. Although he and McCarty have reconciled and the animosity has diminished, I must admit that a surge of emotions arose within me upon seeing his face in the opening scene of the trailer.
The name had such a negative impact in Detroit that I’m certain Mario Lemieux faced backlash.
It could be argued that the state of Michigan has never been as unified as it was when they all came together to express their hatred and find satisfaction in witnessing McCarty pummel him until he retreated.
The perfect ending
The memory of McCarty delivering a punch to Lemieux’s head remains vivid in our minds, but our nostalgia for this rivalry is likely tied to its ultimate conclusion.
The conclusion of Game 7 in the 2002 Western Conference Final marked a significant turning point. Although it’s not to suggest that the two teams or the players suddenly became fond of each other in the following season, the intense rivalry between them was never quite as fiery.
Fortunately, for us Detroit fans, it concluded in a magnificent manner. By crushing the Avalanche 7-0 and forcing Patrick Roy to step down, we wrapped things up perfectly. We had the ultimate satisfaction and the final word.
It is highly likely that this rivalry will not be duplicated, not only between these two teams but also in general.
However, for a blissful two hours every Sunday, we have the opportunity to revisit those cherished moments. We can transport ourselves back in time, liberating ourselves from the current barren state of Detroit professional sports, and immerse ourselves once again in the pinnacle of our sports fanaticism.
Just the thought of it is giving me chills.
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