from Ansar Khan of Mlive,

For one night at least, the Detroit Red Wings went back in time to how many of their games were some seven years ago, when they regularly hosted a division rival in front of a festive crowd and enjoyed much success.

They don’t see the Chicago Blackhawks as much since moving to the Eastern Conference in 2013-14. Their building isn’t as packed or as lively as it once was. And they don’t win many games.

That’s why they will savor Friday’s 2-1 victory over the Blackhawks at Little Caesars Arena, at least until the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that has beaten Detroit 16 consecutive times, visits on Sunday.

“We went through those three games or so around the trade deadline when we were bad,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “Since then we’ve gotten way better with our physical engagement, our emotional engagement, more talk on the bench. It just gives life to our team.

“Then the crowd, I think’s been awesome all year. I think our crowd’s done an unbelievable job and under extremely tough circumstances. They’ve been super supportive. Detroit fans respect hard work and physicality. I thought we did those two things tonight.”

continued

Below, catch the extended game highlights plus the post-game talk.