This is one of greatest commentaries I have ever heard. I am an Australian and I started to follow red wings around 95/96 (found them in video game and loved them). Couldn't follow them properly due only dial up internet and ice hockey didn't exist in Australia. But read online stories etc But quickly learned who Darren was and fell in love with him. Him and lidsrom were my two favourites for years. Was so happy when they won in 97. And followed them ever since. Never got over to America to see a live game but have dreamt of it. And if I did I would love to meet Darren just so I can shake his hand and say thank you champion!
A friend of mine was a security guy at the cool alt rock venue in Detroit back then, and I used to hang out there constantly. One night shortly after their first cup win, McCarty came into the club. He walked up to the door and my buddy just said, "okay man, you gotta show me the ring" to which McCarty laughed and said, "everywhere I go, no one wants to talk to me, they just wanna see the ring!" He was super cool and funny
There’s no passion even remotely close to this in the current NHL. It’s really depressing to think about. But I’m glad I was able to live through this rivalry in real-time as it unfolded back in the day.
I have never seen more emotion unfold ever, before or since, than those wings avs rivalries in the 90s. It felt like we were watching a cinematic trilogy or something crazy like that.
The league also has tried to get certain behavior out of the game, if that hit happened today, by the time Lemiuex got back from his suspension, things wouldn't be so hot. Also in those days you would meet the same guys in the playoffs year after year so it would build hatred now even if it's the same teams with the cap the turn over is so much you could have half the team new from one year to the next
'...for every man, woman, and child of Wing Wheeled Nation, I pulled back and we hit him TOGETHER, ON THE BUTTON." And the fact he had the presence of mind to drag Lemieux to the bench and give him a piece of the boards is epic. Game winner was icing on the cake. Does it get any better than this?
Thank you Darren for the memories. It was a epic night! I will never forget the day that both you and Lemieux were sitting at a table signing autograph's. That for me was also a epic moment. Thank you for being a part of the Wings. Your the Best DMac!
Let's hope our boy Steve Yzerman can get us to the promise land at least 🙏 . I agree with you though. I was 7 or 8 and still remember the excitement throughout MI!
I'm a Rangers fan, and this game is my favorite game not played by the Rangers. I remember watching this game live from horn to horn and loved every minute of it. What an epic moment in NHL history. It still brings emotions up. Fantastic break down. Those Red Wing players are heroes. It was like, Next Man Up!! Thanks Darren!
D-Mac you are the best. I love how you took care of that turtle Lemieux. Drapes is a class act and didn't deserve what that coward did to him. Red Wings Forever.
@@yourdaddy6030 Count the cups pal, and if you don't want to go back beyond the 80s... Wings still have 4 and how many does Colorado have? Or let's count the hall of famers. Whatever metric you want to use.. Wings > Avs bud.
Thanks for doing this Darren! Remember it like it was yesterday. I hated seeing Draper hit like that, so glad you got Lemieux and Colorado team back for that. Congrats on a great career!
Draper's Revenge!! One of the all time greatest memories in Detroit Sports history. This pushed the Wings to their first Stanley Cup in over 40 years!!
I remember watching all of this unfold from my first apartment in Pensacola, Fl while I was in the Navy. Became a Red Wings fan during college at Lake Superior State.
Fall 96 was when my dad and I got into hockey, living in Michigan (i was born in CO) we were instant Red Wing fans. Had a healthy, but fierce rivalry with my relatives in CO. This brings back so many memories, I love it. I've been fortunate to be able to be around DMac a hand full of times, he's a great dude who loves his fans! Very glad he did this breakdown for us. LGRW
Im from Pittsburgh and I was glued to the TV anytime these two teams were playing anytime after the 96 WCF. I remember watching this game and loving all of this. The Avs and the Wings was must see TV for 5 or 6 years running.
Still get goosebumps thinking about this game. Love that team. Miss the rivalry, glad to see Mac looking healthy and staying busy. Most of the guys on those teams felt like family, but none more than him. Always wished I had a teammate like him. Pure heart. The best description I’ve heard about his career was he wasn’t a big goal scorer, but scored big goals. And he sure as shit had Roy’s number.
Born in 90, started skating at 3 yrs old and played for 16 years, my jersey number always had to be 25 and if I got onto a team where it was already taken, and they didn’t have a good reason to have it, we would have a little bet going to see who got more goals over a certain amount of games and they got that 25, I got it every single time. My dad and I watched this and my dad was thankfully recording the game with a VHS so we stayed up all night after that watching that game. He has all of the brawls on VHS from that time and we will still pull out the VCR sometimes to watch them.
After the North Stars bailed to Dallas, Detroit was my team. I watched this game and it will go down as one of the greatest Red Wings games ever. Being a Minnesota boy, I'm a Wild fan now, but the Red Wings are an easy number 2 favorite. Hopefully Stevie Y can bring them back to greatness.
In truth, a wholly underrated player. Seriously. A real talent and then some......... A straight up individual who played clean and would not allow crap against him or a team member. One of my all-time faves. Hope he's well and takes care of himself.
I Am not a hockey fan, I have never played hockey or been to a hockey game. I am a Black brother born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit and of course I've always loved The Mighty Red Wings and their legendary history of greatness. I have always been a Pistons fan but when I saw the news of Kris Draper being gutlessly attacked by Claude Lemieux I immediately became an instant Red Wing supporter looking for instant revenge on the goon (Lemieux) who sneak attacked one of our heroes. I started paying attention to the games and when The Red Wings and Avs played again I immediately became the biggest Darren McCarty fan in the world as flashbacks of Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn crossed my mind watching the greatest dose of Karma in human history extract viciously from the mighty fists of Darren McCarty's fury onto Claude Lemieux. And to see the whole team battling like gladiators to DEFEND THE HONOR OF THE CITY OF DETROIT and avenge the attack on Kris Draper was the proudest moment in my whole life as a Detroiter. And after that in June of that year me and my boys getting drunk at a barbecue birthday party on the Eastside of Detroit and watching the Stanley Cup Finals and seeing Darren McCarty racing across the ice giving everything he had and falling and sliding and knocking the pick into the goal leading The Wings to the Championship was and still is to this day my favorite all time hockey moment. YOU DARREN MCCARTY WILL DEFINITELY ALWAYS BE MY HERO FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP IN AVENGING KRIS DRAPERS HONOR AND THE RED WINGS HONOR AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE HONOR OF THE MIGHTY CITY OF DETROIT! I HOPE I GET A CHANCE TO MEET YOU ONE DAY JUST SO I CAN SHAKE YOUR HAND AND SALUTE YOU MY GUY! A true DETEOIT VS. EVERYBODY LEGEND!
Darren McCarty is an animal. What a great hockey 🏒 player. I'm a Chicago Blackhawks fan, and I love this guy! He was born to play hockey and play for the Wings. Respect 👊🏽
darren, this was my birthday game in 1997. i watch this highlight reel every year. it never gets old. if you’re ever in key west, i’ve got your next J.
I remember!!! I was 6 years old and I was at my grandparents house, that fight was the moment I became a die hard wings fan. McCarty will always be my favorite player!!
My dad let me stay up to watch this game cause it was a school night, still remember this game vividly, you are a legend man, miss these days of hockey and miss you on the ice
I fucking LOVE that MOMENT: McCarty gliding, puppy-dog fights to the side, eyes glinting with mischief...then...lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll's eyes. When he comes at ya, doesn't seem to be livin'.
Love it! Lemieux had 'kills' just like Quint did, until the JAWS of DEFEAT at The Joe clamped down. However the Sharks did defeat the Wings twice in playoff series if you want to get technical. (Sorry, bad joke.)
Hey McCarty, Avs fan here, I hate your guts but thanks for sharing this. This is awesome. I love to see your side of the what happened and I fucking loved this era of hockey. Thank you for making this one of the greatest moments in sports history. My personal favorite of all time. I have a question, what was said between you guys AFTER this game. Was Draper pleased?
IMO one of the best hockey games I ever watched, and I watched a lot of them back during that time. Thank you Darren for your insights on this game. I will always remember it because we all knew this was coming, but didn't know when.
I was at home watching the game, and I don't think I sat down for 5 minutes during this "Sweet Revenge" Heavyweight contest. I love what you did for your Brothers D Mac, and this slugfest of a game goes down as one of the best, if not the best, non-playoff games in Detroit Red Wings History! Darren...you set the tone for our Stanley Cup run. I love you, Man...Your Fucking Awesome!!
Being from Michigan and growing up in a Red Wings house I have always been about this date. I wasn’t born but I watch the game whenever i can because it is so amazing! Thank you for making this video and changing Hockeytown!! Brawl in Hockeytown will forever be the best!!❤️
DMac started and finished the march to the Cup that season. Beating the Avs & exacting revenge in this game solidified their belief that they could do it. And then his Game 4 goal in the Finals finished it off…made Niinimaa & Hextall look like pylons. Legendary.
When Lirionov dropped the gloves on Forsburg and you took out Lemieux. I looked at my brother and said. Wings are winning the cup this year. Thank you for great memories. Been a wings fan since the early sixties.
I was working that night., Sears at the old Adrian Mall. During my break, I went back to the loading dock and switched on the radio. First intermission, and Ken Kal and Paul Woods were talking all about the brawl and total penalty minutes. My dad was working midnights back then, and he missed it, as well, We both lamented not taping the game, but PASS got so many requests that they replayed the entire game multiple times that Spring.
I was still in elementary school when this game happened, so it's almost impossible to remember watching any specific game from that time. Except for this one. I still remember this game, then going to school the next day, and it being all anyone could talk about. Seeing it with your commentary over it is just perfection.
These two teams were so great for so many years, it just felt like they were on a different level than everyone else. The Wings add another two titles during that time if not for the Avs and maybe more. Anyone who hasn't watched the Alumni game in Devner should go watch it. I've never seen another alumni game where it was full action right from the start until the end. It was great and I would love to see another alumni game between the two in Detroit.
Best game I've ever been to hands down & I've seen the cup raised in person. I was teenager, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. This game turned the team into Stanley Cup Champs. It was a great time to be a wing nut! Late 90s-2000s were so much fun to watch.
I still have this game on VHS ! recorded on PASS because I had something else going on but to watch this whole game is a tradition for me before the start of every playoff season!
Best hockey I ever watched in my life. Thank you Sir. I was15 and this rivalry was everything to me. You LEGENDS had a huge influence on how I played the game. 🤘 Again, THANK YOU!!!!
I was at Hockeytown Cafe pre game...did not have tix...put my name in a jar for jagermeister contest for 2 standing room tix...dammit if i didnt win and me and my girl were whisked down to the Joe by shuttle and this was the game!!!!....best night of live sports ever...every seat was standing room on this night...it was the best night ever!!!!!
Old guy here...Darren, thank you for the behind the scenes of the whole epic game. I remember watching it in Texas and freakin screamed so loud I was hoarse for a couple days... thank you Sir
Was seven yrs old watching this with my dad. I thought it was the coolest shit I had ever seen when the goalies went at it. Now that I’m older and can understand more is cool. Sooo satisfying watching you work Claude. Redwings for life!
I was 8 years old sporting my Redwings blanket sitting on the couch with my dad watching this game live and watching my favorite player, D-Mac, beat the absolute shit out of practically the entire Avalanche team... that was a great night and one I'll never forget. Miss you on the ice but hope you're doing well D-Mac
This game was one of the greatest memories I had with my dad. We were screaming and cheering as you guys did what needed to be done. One of the greatest teams ever in the NHL
I know I'm almost a year late, but hearing darren break this down was super cool. I was at this game as an 8 year old directly behind Vernon and his goal keeper. I'll never forgot seeing Mike skate out/seeing Shanahan glide through the air. This memory and the building it happened in are burnt into my heart/mind until the day I leave this earth.
I'll never forget that hit on Draper. As a die hard Red Wings fan that pissed me off to no end. It hospitalized Draper, and might have ended his career. I remember that there was talk that he might not play again. Fortunately he did, and helped win 4 cups playing for 17 seasons for the Red Wings. Easily one of the best Centers we ever had. I never like Lemieux before and hated him after that. I knew that this brawl was going to happen, eventually, and in Detroit. The announcers had talked about it quite often in the first few games we had against Colorado. I suspect that the reason that there weren't more penalties, suspensions, and such, was that everyone knew that that brawl was coming. Tensions had been boiling since the previous season's Conference championship, and had not come to a head yet, after the Avalanche beat us in the previous 3 meetings that season. I suspect that the refs knew that tensions were high and I'm sure that they were aware of the bad blood being that this was easily the most competitive and roughest match-up of that decade.
This is, as a Vancouver Canucks fan, when I said my 2nd team is the Detroit Red Wings. I had to be up early for work the next morning and missed all of this. I asked my brother to tape the sports show(Sports Page in Vancouver) so I could catch the highlights. He leaves me a written message that says you have to see Darren McCarty go after Claude Lemieux. I was late for work watching the DMac dismantling. I came home from work and we sat and watched it together. So proud to watch the Wings come together as a team. All the best DMac. Stay healthy and safe also. Have an AMAZING day.
This was one of the most fond memories I have of watching you guys. I just bought a collection of wings memorabilia and In the collection is one of D mac's autographed framed jerseys with a picture of the fight in the frame and a picture of you holding the cup that same year.
There is (or was) a mural in Leamington Ontario at José's noodle factory of McCarty laying the beat down on Lemieux. Always my favorite part of going to that restaurant.
I still get chills!!!! I was on my skates, at my buddies place with him and we were jumping up and down screaming like a couple of school girls when this fight was going on. The great feeling I still get, I love it!!!!! Thank you D mac!!!
Thank you for the greatest hockey Ive ever witnessed! 90's Red Wings were my team! Stevie Y was the man!. Best game Ive ever watched was this one, best playoff hockey was Detroit and Avs. Screw the finals, it was all about those two teams meeting for this guy!
DMAC giving commentary - nothing better. Thanks, DMAC. You are one of my all-time favorites because of what you did as a Red Wing and how you punished Lemieux for what he did to Drapes.
I met D Mac at a Tigers game like 10 years ago (Yes, my profile name is also D Mac because that is essentially my name as well). Anyway, I specifically asked him about this event and he told me he was throwing every expletive about Claude and his mother that he could think of when they were at the face-off. He essentially threw the verbal kitchen sink at him, prior to the brawl. I know that's not a thrilling story, because that's what hockey players do, but it was just awesome hearing it from him. Darren will always be one of my faves!
Grew up playing in saint Clair shores played for several different usually bell tire little Caesar you're my hero man I'm glad you got a show I'm glad I found it subscribe This red wings was my spirit animal Thank you for all the memories
Thank you Forever I born in 1980 and Detroit Darren. My dad was a Veitnam Vetearn also Detroit Born. He would pass way a year after this game and when we wont the cup. My dad got to see the wings win the first cup of many ... I am grateful for that ..
Amazzzzing Commentary!!!! I remember like yesterday. The entire D became fans after that day. The news was buzzing with talk about that game. Our city was filled with excitement. Redwings fans Everywhere! The bars were filled for Every game! Such a fun time to be a Redwings fan. It went on for years.. It was the best! So proud of my Team and my hometown The D!
What the best hockey fight in history looks like!! I get a ton of comments living in Minnesota with the old school wings jerseys I wear. McCarty your next for a jersey ill own.
And after that night...McCarty never had to buy another drink again in the state of Michigan. 🤘
Amen!!
I am sure this is true! I totally loved this rivalry.
I wish I could have a beer with him
@@Tigersfan829 that would be cool but I think he is Sober my guy.
Now he is an alcoholic....way to go
Four Stanley Cups in 12 years after this. Even as a Blackhawks fan, this night was awesome.
This is one of greatest commentaries I have ever heard. I am an Australian and I started to follow red wings around 95/96 (found them in video game and loved them). Couldn't follow them properly due only dial up internet and ice hockey didn't exist in Australia. But read online stories etc But quickly learned who Darren was and fell in love with him. Him and lidsrom were my two favourites for years. Was so happy when they won in 97. And followed them ever since. Never got over to America to see a live game but have dreamt of it. And if I did I would love to meet Darren just so I can shake his hand and say thank you champion!
A friend of mine was a security guy at the cool alt rock venue in Detroit back then, and I used to hang out there constantly. One night shortly after their first cup win, McCarty came into the club. He walked up to the door and my buddy just said, "okay man, you gotta show me the ring" to which McCarty laughed and said, "everywhere I go, no one wants to talk to me, they just wanna see the ring!" He was super cool and funny
Yes it was
D-Mac made this an absolutely ELECTRIC listen. Great breakdown. Pure energy.
Right? I’m sure he’s told this story a million times and yet the energy he brought in this video is amazing, it was awesome to watch
I loved it ,great story and expertly performed felt as if I was there
Andy Wales UK
Penguins fan
We were so lucky to grow up with these guys! I miss the wings!
Here here!
I miss the Red Wings of this era!!!
Detroit vs Colorado was the best Rivalry ever played in the game!
Habs/Nordiques in the 80s is tops in my book.
Bruins/Habs for me
Good times
looool typical american, it's cute when they try to talk hockey...
@@khav11 as an av's fan ,it was the only one i was interested in, however cute it is.
"I'll take care of it" -Darren McCarty
The man always does, Lmaoo
And he DID
When a man says I'll take care of this you bet it will be avenged!
There’s no passion even remotely close to this in the current NHL. It’s really depressing to think about. But I’m glad I was able to live through this rivalry in real-time as it unfolded back in the day.
Totally more finesse and scoring oriented teams, you still get those glimpses, but few and far between
I have never seen more emotion unfold ever, before or since, than those wings avs rivalries in the 90s. It felt like we were watching a cinematic trilogy or something crazy like that.
The league also has tried to get certain behavior out of the game, if that hit happened today, by the time Lemiuex got back from his suspension, things wouldn't be so hot. Also in those days you would meet the same guys in the playoffs year after year so it would build hatred now even if it's the same teams with the cap the turn over is so much you could have half the team new from one year to the next
It’s so sad all the bleeding hearts have and are continuing to ruin our and the greatest game on earth...
Trust the Yzerplan to bring back the excitement to Detroit hockey.
He did that for the whole state of Michigan. We were so tired of getting pushed around physically and mentally by the Avs. This was the turning point
That day, a man became a legend.
'...for every man, woman, and child of Wing Wheeled Nation, I pulled back and we hit him TOGETHER, ON THE BUTTON." And the fact he had the presence of mind to drag Lemieux to the bench and give him a piece of the boards is epic. Game winner was icing on the cake. Does it get any better than this?
No it doesn’t get any better than that. These men were gladiators who didn’t take s__t.
Thank you Darren for the memories. It was a epic night! I will never forget the day that both you and Lemieux were sitting at a table signing autograph's. That for me was also a epic moment. Thank you for being a part of the Wings. Your the Best DMac!
I was a young kid at this time and was fully convinced I'd never see anything this cool ever again in my life.
I was also, and I still havent seen such an intense rivalry. Sadly, I dont think I ever will in todays NHL.
You never know 😉
Let's hope our boy Steve Yzerman can get us to the promise land at least 🙏 . I agree with you though. I was 7 or 8 and still remember the excitement throughout MI!
But we did, they replayed it on TV a couple times days after the game
I'm a Rangers fan, and this game is my favorite game not played by the Rangers. I remember watching this game live from horn to horn and loved every minute of it. What an epic moment in NHL history. It still brings emotions up. Fantastic break down. Those Red Wing players are heroes. It was like, Next Man Up!! Thanks Darren!
As a Colorado fan during the 90s, Darren McCarty you were a legend and someone to fear to play against
D-Mac you are the best. I love how you took care of that turtle Lemieux.
Drapes is a class act and didn't deserve what that coward did to him.
Red Wings Forever.
I don't know if you know this but the red wings suck. And yes I am an Avalanche fan.
I have the picture of D Mac peppering the turtle in my office. love the memories that moment brings back.
@@yourdaddy6030 Count the cups pal, and if you don't want to go back beyond the 80s... Wings still have 4 and how many does Colorado have? Or let's count the hall of famers. Whatever metric you want to use.. Wings > Avs bud.
@@viresproductions easier to have more cups when you play 70 more years. Anyways stop living in the past bud. Redwings are ass
@@xexotics_fur1461 4 cups in 10 years.. didn’t know 2008 was 70 years ago lol stay mad
Thanks for doing this Darren! Remember it like it was yesterday. I hated seeing Draper hit like that, so glad you got Lemieux and Colorado team back for that. Congrats on a great career!
Draper's Revenge!! One of the all time greatest memories in Detroit Sports history. This pushed the Wings to their first Stanley Cup in over 40 years!!
I remember watching all of this unfold from my first apartment in Pensacola, Fl while I was in the Navy. Became a Red Wings fan during college at Lake Superior State.
Thank you for your service! And LGRW!
Fall 96 was when my dad and I got into hockey, living in Michigan (i was born in CO) we were instant Red Wing fans. Had a healthy, but fierce rivalry with my relatives in CO. This brings back so many memories, I love it. I've been fortunate to be able to be around DMac a hand full of times, he's a great dude who loves his fans! Very glad he did this breakdown for us. LGRW
Im from Pittsburgh and I was glued to the TV anytime these two teams were playing anytime after the 96 WCF. I remember watching this game and loving all of this. The Avs and the Wings was must see TV for 5 or 6 years running.
Still get goosebumps thinking about this game. Love that team. Miss the rivalry, glad to see Mac looking healthy and staying busy. Most of the guys on those teams felt like family, but none more than him. Always wished I had a teammate like him. Pure heart. The best description I’ve heard about his career was he wasn’t a big goal scorer, but scored big goals. And he sure as shit had Roy’s number.
Born in 90, started skating at 3 yrs old and played for 16 years, my jersey number always had to be 25 and if I got onto a team where it was already taken, and they didn’t have a good reason to have it, we would have a little bet going to see who got more goals over a certain amount of games and they got that 25, I got it every single time. My dad and I watched this and my dad was thankfully recording the game with a VHS so we stayed up all night after that watching that game. He has all of the brawls on VHS from that time and we will still pull out the VCR sometimes to watch them.
After the North Stars bailed to Dallas, Detroit was my team. I watched this game and it will go down as one of the greatest Red Wings games ever. Being a Minnesota boy, I'm a Wild fan now, but the Red Wings are an easy number 2 favorite. Hopefully Stevie Y can bring them back to greatness.
In truth, a wholly underrated player. Seriously. A real talent and then some......... A straight up individual who played clean and would not allow crap against him or a team member. One of my all-time faves. Hope he's well and takes care of himself.
A solid dude in the Human world!
I Am not a hockey fan, I have never played hockey or been to a hockey game. I am a Black brother born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit and of course I've always loved The Mighty Red Wings and their legendary history of greatness. I have always been a Pistons fan but when I saw the news of Kris Draper being gutlessly attacked by Claude Lemieux I immediately became an instant Red Wing supporter looking for instant revenge on the goon (Lemieux) who sneak attacked one of our heroes. I started paying attention to the games and when The Red Wings and Avs played again I immediately became the biggest Darren McCarty fan in the world as flashbacks of Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn crossed my mind watching the greatest dose of Karma in human history extract viciously from the mighty fists of Darren McCarty's fury onto Claude Lemieux. And to see the whole team battling like gladiators to DEFEND THE HONOR OF THE CITY OF DETROIT and avenge the attack on Kris Draper was the proudest moment in my whole life as a Detroiter. And after that in June of that year me and my boys getting drunk at a barbecue birthday party on the Eastside of Detroit and watching the Stanley Cup Finals and seeing Darren McCarty racing across the ice giving everything he had and falling and sliding and knocking the pick into the goal leading The Wings to the Championship was and still is to this day my favorite all time hockey moment. YOU DARREN MCCARTY WILL DEFINITELY ALWAYS BE MY HERO FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP IN AVENGING KRIS DRAPERS HONOR AND THE RED WINGS HONOR AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THE HONOR OF THE MIGHTY CITY OF DETROIT! I HOPE I GET A CHANCE TO MEET YOU ONE DAY JUST SO I CAN SHAKE YOUR HAND AND SALUTE YOU MY GUY! A true DETEOIT VS. EVERYBODY LEGEND!
Such a great time to be a Hockey fan and live in Detroit.... I went to 10-12 games a year for around 15 years...
What a night that was... I was in high school in metro Detroit. Miss the NHL from those days!
Darren McCarty is an animal. What a great hockey 🏒 player. I'm a Chicago Blackhawks fan, and I love this guy! He was born to play hockey and play for the Wings. Respect 👊🏽
Talking with him is insane, honestly never met anyone with that kind of passion about anything.
Come on man. If this guy played for Boston you would say he was meant to play for Boston.
darren, this was my birthday game in 1997. i watch this highlight reel every year. it never gets old.
if you’re ever in key west, i’ve got your next J.
NICE! Happy Belated
I remember!!!
I was 6 years old and I was at my grandparents house, that fight was the moment I became a die hard wings fan. McCarty will always be my favorite player!!
My dad let me stay up to watch this game cause it was a school night, still remember this game vividly, you are a legend man, miss these days of hockey and miss you on the ice
Anyone that saw it remembers it! Fantastic breakdown by the legend!
I fucking LOVE that MOMENT: McCarty gliding, puppy-dog fights to the side, eyes glinting with mischief...then...lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll's eyes. When he comes at ya, doesn't seem to be livin'.
Jaws, right?
Until he bites ya...
Love it! Lemieux had 'kills' just like Quint did, until the JAWS of DEFEAT at The Joe clamped down.
However the Sharks did defeat the Wings twice in playoff series if you want to get technical. (Sorry, bad joke.)
Hey McCarty, Avs fan here, I hate your guts but thanks for sharing this. This is awesome. I love to see your side of the what happened and I fucking loved this era of hockey. Thank you for making this one of the greatest moments in sports history. My personal favorite of all time.
I have a question, what was said between you guys AFTER this game. Was Draper pleased?
IMO one of the best hockey games I ever watched, and I watched a lot of them back during that time. Thank you Darren for your insights on this game. I will always remember it because we all knew this was coming, but didn't know when.
That was the greatest sporting event I ever watched. The greatest rivalry. Man I miss those days.
It's insane to even see it, we'll be back there one day!
When this happened it was life changing as a Wings fan! I could listen to old wings stories all day. Love it!
I was at home watching the game, and I don't think I sat down for 5 minutes during this "Sweet Revenge" Heavyweight contest. I love what you did for your Brothers D Mac, and this slugfest of a game goes down as one of the best, if not the best, non-playoff games in Detroit Red Wings History! Darren...you set the tone for our Stanley Cup run. I love you, Man...Your Fucking Awesome!!
As an Avs fan I got mad respect for this man and most of the wings for such a rivalry. Great video. Hope to see an Avs and wings cup final one day
Bloody Rivalry, but those are they write stories about haha.
As a lifelong Wings fan, great respect for those Avs, minus Lemieux though. Great rivalry.
I remember being 8 years old, living in Flint when this happened. It was all anyone could talk about and it was the best.
Being from Michigan and growing up in a Red Wings house I have always been about this date. I wasn’t born but I watch the game whenever i can because it is so amazing! Thank you for making this video and changing Hockeytown!! Brawl in Hockeytown will forever be the best!!❤️
I feel ya man!
DMac started and finished the march to the Cup that season. Beating the Avs & exacting revenge in this game solidified their belief that they could do it. And then his Game 4 goal in the Finals finished it off…made Niinimaa & Hextall look like pylons. Legendary.
"McCarty draws, McCarty in, McCarty scores!"
When Lirionov dropped the gloves on Forsburg and you took out Lemieux. I looked at my brother and said. Wings are winning the cup this year. Thank you for great memories. Been a wings fan since the early sixties.
Still a wings fan? 😂🤣😂🤣
Holy smokes are they terrible! Didn't they turn the Joe into a pile of rubble?
@@grizfam3036 you’re trying way too hard to troll
As an avs fan.... fuck the wings.
@@Kravis63 LMFAO how he's simply telling the truth...you didn't even have to try at all to let us know how salty and triggered you are though...
@@grizfam3036 that’s what happens after 4 cups and 25 consecutive play off runs, something aves fans will never know about
You will always be my favorite player McCarty and I will never forget that night ❤️
I still have my championship t-shirts from 1997 and 2002!! Great memories!!
I was working that night., Sears at the old Adrian Mall. During my break, I went back to the loading dock and switched on the radio. First intermission, and Ken Kal and Paul Woods were talking all about the brawl and total penalty minutes. My dad was working midnights back then, and he missed it, as well, We both lamented not taping the game, but PASS got so many requests that they replayed the entire game multiple times that Spring.
That game was pivotal in red wing history!! Love ya D-Mac!
I was still in elementary school when this game happened, so it's almost impossible to remember watching any specific game from that time.
Except for this one. I still remember this game, then going to school the next day, and it being all anyone could talk about. Seeing it with your commentary over it is just perfection.
These two teams were so great for so many years, it just felt like they were on a different level than everyone else. The Wings add another two titles during that time if not for the Avs and maybe more. Anyone who hasn't watched the Alumni game in Devner should go watch it. I've never seen another alumni game where it was full action right from the start until the end. It was great and I would love to see another alumni game between the two in Detroit.
This is the best storytelling!!
Best game I've ever been to hands down & I've seen the cup raised in person. I was teenager, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. This game turned the team into Stanley Cup Champs. It was a great time to be a wing nut! Late 90s-2000s were so much fun to watch.
I still have this game on VHS ! recorded on PASS because I had something else going on but to watch this whole game is a tradition for me before the start of every playoff season!
Best hockey I ever watched in my life. Thank you Sir. I was15 and this rivalry was everything to me. You LEGENDS had a huge influence on how I played the game. 🤘
Again, THANK YOU!!!!
I was at Hockeytown Cafe pre game...did not have tix...put my name in a jar for jagermeister contest for 2 standing room tix...dammit if i didnt win and me and my girl were whisked down to the Joe by shuttle and this was the game!!!!....best night of live sports ever...every seat was standing room on this night...it was the best night ever!!!!!
Wowwww
Fuckin legendary
Old guy here...Darren, thank you for the behind the scenes of the whole epic game. I remember watching it in Texas and freakin screamed so loud I was hoarse for a couple days... thank you Sir
Was seven yrs old watching this with my dad. I thought it was the coolest shit I had ever seen when the goalies went at it. Now that I’m older and can understand more is cool. Sooo satisfying watching you work Claude. Redwings for life!
Darren!!!! Part of so many great memories for Red Wings fans. We love ya brother.
I was 8 years old sporting my Redwings blanket sitting on the couch with my dad watching this game live and watching my favorite player, D-Mac, beat the absolute shit out of practically the entire Avalanche team... that was a great night and one I'll never forget. Miss you on the ice but hope you're doing well D-Mac
This game was one of the greatest memories I had with my dad. We were screaming and cheering as you guys did what needed to be done. One of the greatest teams ever in the NHL
Vernon taking care of Roy was the icing on the cake!
Mike Vernon was a god that year
Vernie was the man!
Roy fucked him up
@@nickdiaz4961 Lol
the world doesnt have enough shit to kick out of Patrick Roy
Great stuff D Mac!! You're a Hockeytown Legend my dude. Your Cup clincher vs. Philly is still my favorite goal of all-time.
I'm glad he still feels the way we still feel about it.
I know I'm almost a year late, but hearing darren break this down was super cool. I was at this game as an 8 year old directly behind Vernon and his goal keeper. I'll never forgot seeing Mike skate out/seeing Shanahan glide through the air. This memory and the building it happened in are burnt into my heart/mind until the day I leave this earth.
It's 2024 and I'm still watching this. Good times and God Bless D-Mac....
I'll never forget that hit on Draper. As a die hard Red Wings fan that pissed me off to no end. It hospitalized Draper, and might have ended his career. I remember that there was talk that he might not play again. Fortunately he did, and helped win 4 cups playing for 17 seasons for the Red Wings. Easily one of the best Centers we ever had.
I never like Lemieux before and hated him after that. I knew that this brawl was going to happen, eventually, and in Detroit. The announcers had talked about it quite often in the first few games we had against Colorado. I suspect that the reason that there weren't more penalties, suspensions, and such, was that everyone knew that that brawl was coming. Tensions had been boiling since the previous season's Conference championship, and had not come to a head yet, after the Avalanche beat us in the previous 3 meetings that season.
I suspect that the refs knew that tensions were high and I'm sure that they were aware of the bad blood being that this was easily the most competitive and roughest match-up of that decade.
Thank you for your service - I’ll never forget this rivalry, and loved being on the Detroit side.
That was awesome!!! A great night!!! Thank you D-MAC!!!
Absolutely epic, D-Mac. Well freaking done.
I love this team and McCarty forever for this.
This is, as a Vancouver Canucks fan, when I said my 2nd team is the Detroit Red Wings.
I had to be up early for work the next morning and missed all of this. I asked my brother to tape the sports show(Sports Page in Vancouver) so I could catch the highlights. He leaves me a written message that says you have to see Darren McCarty go after Claude Lemieux. I was late for work watching the DMac dismantling. I came home from work and we sat and watched it together. So proud to watch the Wings come together as a team.
All the best DMac. Stay healthy and safe also. Have an AMAZING day.
This is completely awesome.
This was one of the most fond memories I have of watching you guys. I just bought a collection of wings memorabilia and In the collection is one of D mac's autographed framed jerseys with a picture of the fight in the frame and a picture of you holding the cup that same year.
There is (or was) a mural in Leamington Ontario at José's noodle factory of McCarty laying the beat down on Lemieux. Always my favorite part of going to that restaurant.
grew up there too - it was up there for like 15 years - always brought a smile to my face when I saw it up there
This was so great to see live! Even better re-living it thru your eyes with all the details, D. Mac!!
I still get chills!!!! I was on my skates, at my buddies place with him and we were jumping up and down screaming like a couple of school girls when this fight was going on. The great feeling I still get, I love it!!!!! Thank you D mac!!!
The guy has stories for days man
I watched that game live!!! You Guys were Awesome and did Detroit Proud!!!!
Thank you for the greatest hockey Ive ever witnessed! 90's Red Wings were my team! Stevie Y was the man!. Best game Ive ever watched was this one, best playoff hockey was Detroit and Avs. Screw the finals, it was all about those two teams meeting for this guy!
I've always said, this was the greatest moment in Detroit sports history
DMAC giving commentary - nothing better. Thanks, DMAC. You are one of my all-time favorites because of what you did as a Red Wing and how you punished Lemieux for what he did to Drapes.
Its all just...just.... Beautiful. From the city, the fans.. forever. Thank you Mac.
I met D Mac at a Tigers game like 10 years ago (Yes, my profile name is also D Mac because that is essentially my name as well). Anyway, I specifically asked him about this event and he told me he was throwing every expletive about Claude and his mother that he could think of when they were at the face-off. He essentially threw the verbal kitchen sink at him, prior to the brawl.
I know that's not a thrilling story, because that's what hockey players do, but it was just awesome hearing it from him. Darren will always be one of my faves!
My dad was at the game. It was AMAZING!!! Thank you D Mac. You did a great job righting the wrong!
how does this video not have more views. lets go DETROIT
A true thing of beauty.
To be fair Mac, it got a little sweeter when you scored in game 4 against the flyers
That's one the greatest goals in Red Wing history. He made three players look absolutely foolish, including a great goalie Hextall.
That was filthier than a 5$ hooker
Watching Shanny smoke Roy in the foreground of watching Lemieux being beat senseless.
Priceless.
Grew up playing in saint Clair shores played for several different usually bell tire little Caesar you're my hero man I'm glad you got a show I'm glad I found it subscribe This red wings was my spirit animal Thank you for all the memories
Gooooooo Detroit Redwings !!! Thanks for doing this special video #25
Best rivalry in sports.
Always liked Darren McCarty. Tough, good player with a great way he tells this story. Irishman to the t 😂😂. Dude is awesome
Thank you Forever I born in 1980 and Detroit Darren. My dad was a Veitnam Vetearn also Detroit Born. He would pass way a year after this game and when we wont the cup. My dad got to see the wings win the first cup of many ... I am grateful for that ..
McCarty is the absolute best! Love this man, always will! Throw your wings up! ❤🪽🤍
Amazzzzing Commentary!!!! I remember like yesterday. The entire D became fans after that day. The news was buzzing with talk about that game. Our city was filled with excitement. Redwings fans Everywhere! The bars were filled for Every game! Such a fun time to be a Redwings fan. It went on for years.. It was the best! So proud of my Team and my hometown The D!
What the best hockey fight in history looks like!! I get a ton of comments living in Minnesota with the old school wings jerseys I wear. McCarty your next for a jersey ill own.
Hey #25, I'm watching the video with my 1997 Stanley Cup Champions puck next to my computer. Thanks for the memories!
I came for the video and stayed for the priceless commentary. Great stuff Mac!
bro this is dope why doesn't this have views? This was such an infamous fight so cool to hear from one of the veterans.
This was fantastic. Had to share on social media.
I recorded this game on TV while living in San Jose and watched it so many times the VHS tape wore out...!!
Too bad you couldn't digitize it!