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CaptainCrunch · 06-15-2024, 06:07 PM

1996-97

Once the New York Rangers had ended their 54 year curse in 1994, all eye's turned to the Red Wings who became the team with the longest cup drought. For the first time in 42 years the Red Wings would bring the cup home to the fans in Hockeytown.

The Wings had dominated the league in the previous year with 62 wins and were expected to walk to the Cup, but a upset by the Avalanche led to a summer of heartache. In 1996 Scotty Bowman decided to alternate his goaltenders and try MVP forward Sergei Fedorov on defense. Bowman's carefully constructed plan, which centered on defence first worked perfectly.

To help bolster the teams chemistry the Red Wings aquired two key players. Brendan Shanahan came from Hartford for hold out Keith Primeau who was a holdout and Paul Coffey, and defenceman Larry Murphy who had been boo'd out of Toronto, proved he still had game in his 36 year old legs by providing veteran leadership from the blueline. Shanahan and Murphy aided 14 year Captain Steve Yzerman, who provided the leadership needed to win the Stanley Cup.

Before the playoff field had been reduced to two teams, the NHL lost one of its greatest players as Mario Lemieux and his Pens were knocked out by the Flyers in the first round. After overcoming Hodgkin's disease and a chronic back injury through his career, Mario decided to retire saying he'd had enough of the clutching and interference that had now become an everyday activity in the NHL.

In his last season Lemieux exited like a champion winning his sixth scoring title and second in a row with 122 points. Shortly after he hung up his skates, the Hockey Hall of Fame announced that he would be enshrined without the normal 3 year waiting period.

Meanwhile a heated rivalry between Colorado and Detroit had evolved over the past two seasons, including the "Fight Night at the Joe" on March 26, 1997. Four battles took place that night including goalie Mike Vernon bloodying Patrick Roy. The two teams met again in the Conference finals. After the wings dominated the opener but lost 2-1, they rolled off 3 straight capping off a 6-0 romp with 236 minutes in penalties.

The Wings dance partner in the finals were the Philadelphia Flyers who had advanced after trouncing the Rangers in 5 games. But the Flyers were no match and were swept in the finals.

The Flyers could blame Conn Smythe winner Mike Vernon for their destruction. Bowman decided to start the aged veteran after Chris Osgood stood between the pipes for a majority of the regular season. Mike Vernon proved to be magical after he stopped 102 of 108 shots in the Finals and allowed the Wings to sip their first champagne from the Cup in 42 years.

Trivia

The Winnipeg Jets leave Manitoba and head to Phoenix where they become the Coyote.
In September Team USA wins the first ever World Cup of Hockey, as they take a 5-2 victory in game 3 of the finals. Rangers goalie Mike Richter is the tournament MVP.
Following a brief stint In St Louis, Wayne Gretzky signs with the New York Rangers, reuniting with Mark Messier.
In August Chicago trades hold out Jeremy Roenick to Phoenix for playmaker Alexi Zhamnov.
NHL Draft https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NHL_Entry_Draft
Just 12 games into the season Buffalo's Pat Lafontaine is knocked out for the year with Post Concussion syndrome, a growing problem in the NHL.
In a December 1996, Wayne Gretzky passes the unprecedented 3,000 point mark with 2,639 regular season points and 362 post season points.
On Dec 22, Brett Hull scores his 500th career goal passing his old man Bobby.
With injuries to both Tom Barrass and Ken Wregget, the Penguins turn to rookie Patrick Lalime who starts his NHL career with a 14-0-2 record.
Playing in his final season Mario Lemieux scores his 600th goal on Feb 4, 1997.
Scotty Bowman wins his 1,000th career game on Feb 9th.
In mid March, Pittsburgh's Joe Mullen and Devil Dave Andreychuk become the 25th and 26th players respectively to join the 500 goal club.
Colorado led by Patrick Roy's 38 wins takes the President's trophy with 107 points.
For the first time in 5 years the Oilers return to the playoffs as Doug Smith with 82 points and Ryan Smyth 39 goals lead the Oilers to third in the Pacific.
Despite a respectable defence, with a 2.87 goals against he Flames miss the playoffs and finish 5th in the Pacific.
The Central Division title goes to Dallas who win a franchise record 48 games.
Brendan Shanahan scores 47 goals and Mike Vernon collects his 300th win to help the Wing's take 2nd in the Central with a 38-26-18 record.
In a successful first year in Arizona, the Coyotes get 52 goals from Keith Tkachuk and finish 3rd in the Division.
The Blue's survive Mike Keenan who is fired to finish fourth in the Central.
On the strength of Martin Brodeur's 1.88 league leading gaa, the Devils take the Atlantic Division title with 104 points.
The Flyers get 50 goals from John LeClair, and 79 points in 52 games by Eric Lindros to finish 2nd in the Atlantic.
Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier take the Rangers to a 38-34-10 record good for 4th in the Atlantic.
For the first time since 1982 the Capitals miss the playoffs.
Behind Dominik Hasek the Sabres win the Northeast Division at 40-30-12.
The Pens boast three of the NHL's top scorers, Mario Lemieux (122 points), Jaromir Jagr (95), Ron Francis (90) to finish second in the North East.
For the first time in 5 years, the Senators earn a playoff spot, finishing 3rd in the Northeast.
In a sad finale, the Whalers finish their last year in Hartford as a bust. Their top three scorers Geoff Sanderson, Andrew Cassels and Derek King are destined to be dealt.
For the First time in 10 years the Bruins miss the playoffs, finishing with a 25-47-9 record.
Mario Lemieux wins the scoring title with 122 points, while Keith Tkachuk leads the league with 52 goals, and Brian Leetch of the Rangers leads all blueliners with 78 points.
In the Eastern quarter finals, the Devils crush the Habs in 5, The Flyers throttle the Pens in 5, the Rangers tame the Panthers in 5 and Buffalo survives Ottawa in Overtime of game 7.
In the Western quarterfinals, Colorado beats Chicago in 6, Detroit ousts St. Louis in 6, Edmonton shocks Dallas in 7, and Anaheim edges Phoenix in 7.
In the Eastern semis, the Rangers upset the Devils in 5, The Flyers clap Buffalo in 5.
In the Western semis, The Red Wings take three games in ot to beat the Ducks in 4. Colorado drills for Oil sweeping the Oilers.
In the Eastern finals, the Flyers dispatch the Rangers in 5.
In the Western finals, the Wings and Avalanche engage in a blood feud including back to back 6-0 whippings of each other, before Detroit wins in 6.
In game 1 of the finals, the Red Wings beat the Flyers on the road 4-2.
The Wings take game 2 4-2, when Kirk Maltby breaks a 2-2 tie in the second period.
Back in Detroit, the Red Wings are unstoppable ripping 6 goals past Ron Hextall in a 6-1 win and 3-0 lead.
In game 4 the Red Wings beat the Flyers 2-1 on the basis of Darren McCarty's Stanley Cup winning goals.
For the first time since 1955, the Wings are Champions, Mike Vernon wins the Conn Smythe.
Buffalo goalie Dominik Hasek rules as he wins the Hart, Lester B. Pearson and Vezina trophy.
Tony Granato of San Jose who returns from life threatening brain surgery a year before wins the Masterton trophy.
Rangers blueliner Brian Leetch wins his second straight Norris Trophy.
Paul Kariya takes home his second straight Lady Byng.
Michael Peca climbs out of his coffin in Buffalo to win the Selke trophy.
Ted Nolan of Buffalo wins the Adams.
Bryan Berard who refused to play for Ottawa when drafted first overall in 1995 wins the Calder trophy for the Islanders.
The NHL announces its next expansion as Nashville, Atlanta, Columbus and Minnesota are to join the league in stages from 1998-99 to 2000-01.

First game

Dwayne Roloson, Calgary Flames
Roman Turek, Dallas Stars
Tomas Holmstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Mike Knuble, Detroit Red Wings
Mike Grier, Edmonton Oilers
Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Hartford Whalers
Tomas Vokoun, Montreal Canadiens
Bryan Berard, New York Islanders
Todd Bertuzzi, New York Islanders
Wade Redden, Ottawa Senators
Vaclav Prospal, Philadelphia Flyers
Dainius Zubrus, Philadelphia Flyers
Patrick Lalime, Pittsburgh Penguins

Last Game

Charlie Huddy, Buffalo Sabres
Denis Savard, Chicago Blackhawks
Sergei Makarov, Dallas Stars
Neal Broten, Dallas Stars
Mike Ramsey, Detroit Red Wings
Vladimir Konstantinov, Detroit Red Wings
Dale Hawerchuk, Philadelphia Flyers
Brad McCrimmon, Phoenix Coyotes
Joe Mullen, Pittsburgh Penguins
Tim Hunter, San Jose Sharks
Craig MacTavish, St. Louis Blues (the last helmetless player)
Jay Wells, Tampa Bay Lightning
Don Beaupre, Toronto Maple Leafs
Dave McLlwain, New York Islanders
Gary Leeman, St. Louis Blues

06-15-2024, 06:07 PM	#216
CaptainCrunch Norm! Join Date: Jun 2002 Exp:	1996-97 Once the New York Rangers had ended their 54 year curse in 1994, all eye's turned to the Red Wings who became the team with the longest cup drought. For the first time in 42 years the Red Wings would bring the cup home to the fans in Hockeytown. The Wings had dominated the league in the previous year with 62 wins and were expected to walk to the Cup, but a upset by the Avalanche led to a summer of heartache. In 1996 Scotty Bowman decided to alternate his goaltenders and try MVP forward Sergei Fedorov on defense. Bowman's carefully constructed plan, which centered on defence first worked perfectly. To help bolster the teams chemistry the Red Wings aquired two key players. Brendan Shanahan came from Hartford for hold out Keith Primeau who was a holdout and Paul Coffey, and defenceman Larry Murphy who had been boo'd out of Toronto, proved he still had game in his 36 year old legs by providing veteran leadership from the blueline. Shanahan and Murphy aided 14 year Captain Steve Yzerman, who provided the leadership needed to win the Stanley Cup. Before the playoff field had been reduced to two teams, the NHL lost one of its greatest players as Mario Lemieux and his Pens were knocked out by the Flyers in the first round. After overcoming Hodgkin's disease and a chronic back injury through his career, Mario decided to retire saying he'd had enough of the clutching and interference that had now become an everyday activity in the NHL. In his last season Lemieux exited like a champion winning his sixth scoring title and second in a row with 122 points. Shortly after he hung up his skates, the Hockey Hall of Fame announced that he would be enshrined without the normal 3 year waiting period. Meanwhile a heated rivalry between Colorado and Detroit had evolved over the past two seasons, including the "Fight Night at the Joe" on March 26, 1997. Four battles took place that night including goalie Mike Vernon bloodying Patrick Roy. The two teams met again in the Conference finals. After the wings dominated the opener but lost 2-1, they rolled off 3 straight capping off a 6-0 romp with 236 minutes in penalties. The Wings dance partner in the finals were the Philadelphia Flyers who had advanced after trouncing the Rangers in 5 games. But the Flyers were no match and were swept in the finals. The Flyers could blame Conn Smythe winner Mike Vernon for their destruction. Bowman decided to start the aged veteran after Chris Osgood stood between the pipes for a majority of the regular season. Mike Vernon proved to be magical after he stopped 102 of 108 shots in the Finals and allowed the Wings to sip their first champagne from the Cup in 42 years. Trivia The Winnipeg Jets leave Manitoba and head to Phoenix where they become the Coyote. In September Team USA wins the first ever World Cup of Hockey, as they take a 5-2 victory in game 3 of the finals. Rangers goalie Mike Richter is the tournament MVP. Following a brief stint In St Louis, Wayne Gretzky signs with the New York Rangers, reuniting with Mark Messier. In August Chicago trades hold out Jeremy Roenick to Phoenix for playmaker Alexi Zhamnov. NHL Draft https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_NHL_Entry_Draft Just 12 games into the season Buffalo's Pat Lafontaine is knocked out for the year with Post Concussion syndrome, a growing problem in the NHL. In a December 1996, Wayne Gretzky passes the unprecedented 3,000 point mark with 2,639 regular season points and 362 post season points. On Dec 22, Brett Hull scores his 500th career goal passing his old man Bobby. With injuries to both Tom Barrass and Ken Wregget, the Penguins turn to rookie Patrick Lalime who starts his NHL career with a 14-0-2 record. Playing in his final season Mario Lemieux scores his 600th goal on Feb 4, 1997. Scotty Bowman wins his 1,000th career game on Feb 9th. In mid March, Pittsburgh's Joe Mullen and Devil Dave Andreychuk become the 25th and 26th players respectively to join the 500 goal club. Colorado led by Patrick Roy's 38 wins takes the President's trophy with 107 points. For the first time in 5 years the Oilers return to the playoffs as Doug Smith with 82 points and Ryan Smyth 39 goals lead the Oilers to third in the Pacific. Despite a respectable defence, with a 2.87 goals against he Flames miss the playoffs and finish 5th in the Pacific. The Central Division title goes to Dallas who win a franchise record 48 games. Brendan Shanahan scores 47 goals and Mike Vernon collects his 300th win to help the Wing's take 2nd in the Central with a 38-26-18 record. In a successful first year in Arizona, the Coyotes get 52 goals from Keith Tkachuk and finish 3rd in the Division. The Blue's survive Mike Keenan who is fired to finish fourth in the Central. On the strength of Martin Brodeur's 1.88 league leading gaa, the Devils take the Atlantic Division title with 104 points. The Flyers get 50 goals from John LeClair, and 79 points in 52 games by Eric Lindros to finish 2nd in the Atlantic. Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier take the Rangers to a 38-34-10 record good for 4th in the Atlantic. For the first time since 1982 the Capitals miss the playoffs. Behind Dominik Hasek the Sabres win the Northeast Division at 40-30-12. The Pens boast three of the NHL's top scorers, Mario Lemieux (122 points), Jaromir Jagr (95), Ron Francis (90) to finish second in the North East. For the first time in 5 years, the Senators earn a playoff spot, finishing 3rd in the Northeast. In a sad finale, the Whalers finish their last year in Hartford as a bust. Their top three scorers Geoff Sanderson, Andrew Cassels and Derek King are destined to be dealt. For the First time in 10 years the Bruins miss the playoffs, finishing with a 25-47-9 record. Mario Lemieux wins the scoring title with 122 points, while Keith Tkachuk leads the league with 52 goals, and Brian Leetch of the Rangers leads all blueliners with 78 points. In the Eastern quarter finals, the Devils crush the Habs in 5, The Flyers throttle the Pens in 5, the Rangers tame the Panthers in 5 and Buffalo survives Ottawa in Overtime of game 7. In the Western quarterfinals, Colorado beats Chicago in 6, Detroit ousts St. Louis in 6, Edmonton shocks Dallas in 7, and Anaheim edges Phoenix in 7. In the Eastern semis, the Rangers upset the Devils in 5, The Flyers clap Buffalo in 5. In the Western semis, The Red Wings take three games in ot to beat the Ducks in 4. Colorado drills for Oil sweeping the Oilers. In the Eastern finals, the Flyers dispatch the Rangers in 5. In the Western finals, the Wings and Avalanche engage in a blood feud including back to back 6-0 whippings of each other, before Detroit wins in 6. In game 1 of the finals, the Red Wings beat the Flyers on the road 4-2. The Wings take game 2 4-2, when Kirk Maltby breaks a 2-2 tie in the second period. Back in Detroit, the Red Wings are unstoppable ripping 6 goals past Ron Hextall in a 6-1 win and 3-0 lead. In game 4 the Red Wings beat the Flyers 2-1 on the basis of Darren McCarty's Stanley Cup winning goals. For the first time since 1955, the Wings are Champions, Mike Vernon wins the Conn Smythe. Buffalo goalie Dominik Hasek rules as he wins the Hart, Lester B. Pearson and Vezina trophy. Tony Granato of San Jose who returns from life threatening brain surgery a year before wins the Masterton trophy. Rangers blueliner Brian Leetch wins his second straight Norris Trophy. Paul Kariya takes home his second straight Lady Byng. Michael Peca climbs out of his coffin in Buffalo to win the Selke trophy. Ted Nolan of Buffalo wins the Adams. Bryan Berard who refused to play for Ottawa when drafted first overall in 1995 wins the Calder trophy for the Islanders. The NHL announces its next expansion as Nashville, Atlanta, Columbus and Minnesota are to join the league in stages from 1998-99 to 2000-01. First game Dwayne Roloson, Calgary Flames Roman Turek, Dallas Stars Tomas Holmstrom, Detroit Red Wings Mike Knuble, Detroit Red Wings Mike Grier, Edmonton Oilers Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Hartford Whalers Tomas Vokoun, Montreal Canadiens Bryan Berard, New York Islanders Todd Bertuzzi, New York Islanders Wade Redden, Ottawa Senators Vaclav Prospal, Philadelphia Flyers Dainius Zubrus, Philadelphia Flyers Patrick Lalime, Pittsburgh Penguins Last Game Charlie Huddy, Buffalo Sabres Denis Savard, Chicago Blackhawks Sergei Makarov, Dallas Stars Neal Broten, Dallas Stars Mike Ramsey, Detroit Red Wings Vladimir Konstantinov, Detroit Red Wings Dale Hawerchuk, Philadelphia Flyers Brad McCrimmon, Phoenix Coyotes Joe Mullen, Pittsburgh Penguins Tim Hunter, San Jose Sharks Craig MacTavish, St. Louis Blues (the last helmetless player) Jay Wells, Tampa Bay Lightning Don Beaupre, Toronto Maple Leafs Dave McLlwain, New York Islanders Gary Leeman, St. Louis Blues YouTube Video YouTube Video YouTube Video YouTube Video YouTube Video YouTube Video YouTube Video __________________ My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!