A Bloodless Feud is Just a Tune-Up Tilt

Avs make light work of once-great rival

It just ain't what it used to be.

Once upon a time, Avalanche vs. Red Wings was must-see TV—bigger than "Friends," even. Now? It’s a midweek game between two teams in opposite conferences. A far cry from the blood-feuds that spawned books, documentaries, and some of the most iconic moments in NHL history.

But old habits die hard. Beating Detroit still feels special. Seeing "COL" next to "DET" on the scorebug stirs something in those of us who remember. And when the final horn sounded, the scorebug told the story: Avalanche 5, Red Wings 2.

Colorado fell behind early to an all-too-familiar face: former Avs stalwart J.T. Compher. But just 44 seconds later, the response came, the first of four unanswered goals that turned the game into a rout.