2001 Second Round Game 7 vs Detroit Red Wings
The night Milan Hejduk's overtime strike silenced Detroit and propelled Colorado to the Stanley Cup Final.
The 2001 Second Round Game 7 between the Colorado Avalanche and the Detroit Red Wings stands as one of the most defining moments in franchise history. Played on May 9, 2001, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, this match marked a pivotal series where the Avalanche proved their mettle by winning crucial games on home ice—including the decisive Game 6—to force the ultimate showdown. It was a brutal, physical contest that showcased the resilience of the Avalanche under pressure.
- Date
- May 9, 2001
- Location
- Joe Louis Arena, Detroit
- Series Result
- Avalanche win 4-3 series; Game score 5-4 (OT)
- Key Hero
- Milan Hejduk (Game-winning goal scorer)
- Goaltender MVP
- Patrick Roy (34 saves in regulation/OT)
- Historical Context
- First OT Game 7 win for Avalanche in franchise history; Colorado entered the series as Presidents' Trophy winners
- Three Stars of the Game
- 1st: Milan Hejduk, 2nd: Patrick Roy
Lore & Background
The atmosphere inside Joe Louis Arena was electric yet suffocating for the visitors. The Avalanche had to overcome a deficit late in regulation, with Patrick Roy making a series of miraculous saves to keep his team alive. When the overtime period began, the tension was palpable. It took a perfectly executed play, culminating in a soft backhand shot by Milan Hejduk, to break the deadlock and send the Avalanche on their way to eventually winning the Stanley Cup that June.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed over the ice, reflecting off the sweat of players who had given everything for forty minutes. The crowd roared as the Red Wings pressed forward, but Patrick Roy stood like a statue in net, denying chance after chance. In overtime, the ice seemed to shrink. Joe Sakic skated with a quiet intensity, receiving a pass near the blue line. He deked, slid, and buried the puck past Hasek. The silence of the crowd was instantly replaced by the roar of the visiting bench.
Reader's Guide
This match occurred during the 2001 Western Conference Semifinals, where the Detroit Red Wings held a commanding home-ice advantage throughout the series. In Game 7, the Avalanche found themselves trailing late in regulation but rallied to force overtime thanks to heroic goaltending by Patrick Roy and timely goals from the forward line. The game is remembered for its dramatic conclusion: Joe Sakic scoring the game-winner at 4:18 of overtime. This victory was pivotal because it eliminated a heavily favored Red Wings team that many predicted would win the Stanley Cup. It showcased the Avalanche's ability to perform on the biggest stage away from home. Ultimately, this win secured Colorado's spot in the Conference Finals and set the tone for their eventual championship run. The game remains a testament to the '90s dynasty's grit, proving that even against the league's best, they could find a way to win when it mattered most.
Did You Know?
- Milan Hejduk scored his first career overtime playoff winner in this game, cementing his status as a clutch performer.
- Patrick Roy made 34 saves in regulation and overtime but was officially named the Second Star of the game, while Milan Hejduk took home First Star honors for his overtime heroics.
- This was the first time the Avalanche had ever won an overtime Game 7 in franchise history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did this historic Game 7 take place?
The match occurred on May 9, 2001, at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit during the second round of the playoffs.
What was the final score and series result?
Colorado defeated Detroit by a score of 5-4 in overtime to win the series four games to three.
Who scored the game-winning goal for Colorado?
Milan Hejduk delivered the decisive strike in overtime, silencing the home crowd and advancing his team.
How many saves did Patrick Roy make in this contest?
The legendary goaltender made 34 saves across regulation and overtime to keep Colorado in the game against a powerful Red Wings offense.
What historical milestone does this victory represent for the franchise?
It marked the franchise's first-ever overtime Game 7 victory, proving their resilience as Presidents' Trophy winners en route to the Stanley Cup Final.
More in Iconic Matches & Playoff Runs
Elsewhere in the Colorado Avalanche universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record