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DETROIT – What was your favorite moment from the 2003-04 season? Was it Brett Hull scoring his 732nd career goal? Or how about Pavel Datsyuk’s first All-Star Game appearance?
For the next week, DetroitRedWings.com will be tallying your votes on your favorite moment from the Red Wings past season. Vote as often as you’d like and we’ll post the results when the voting concludes next week.
Here’s a closer look at the nominees:
YZERMAN SCORES GAME-WINNER IS SEASON OPENER
October 10, 2003
Steve Yzerman showed he is not done yet.
Yzerman's goal with 1.7 seconds left capped the Detroit Red Wings' come-from-behind 3-2 season-opening win against the Los Angeles Kings.
Yzerman, playing in his 21st season, scored from the right circle off a pass from newcomer Ray Whitney after starting the rush in Detroit's end.
He scored two goals in 16 games last season after having an osteotomy -- a procedure that involved sawing into the bone below his right knee and using a wedge to realign the joint.
Yzerman, the most-adored athlete in Detroit, was given a rousing ovation before this game.
"My first thought was, 'I just don't want it to be booing by the third period,'" said Yzerman, who wasn't joking. "I just want to be able to play well. During the preseason, I felt pretty good about things at times and at others, I wasn't so sure."
RED WINGS SCORCH DUCKS 7-2 IN FEDOROV’S RETURN
December 3, 2003
Sergei Fedorov, who signed with Anaheim over the summer after 13 seasons with the Red Wings, scored a goal in his return to Detroit, but nothing else went right for the former Wings star.
Pavel Datsyuk had two goals and two assists, and the Red Wings spoiled Fedorov's homecoming with a 7-2 victory over the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
HULL MOVES INTO THIRD PLACE ON GOAL LIST
December 8, 2003
Hull moved into third place on the NHL career goal list by scoring 1:51 into overtime during the Detroit Red Wings' 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
His 732nd goal snapped a tie with Marcel Dionne and moved the Red Wings forward behind only Wayne Gretzky (894) and Gordie Howe (801). Hull, who also had an assist, one-timed a shot from the bottom of the left circle to give him a goal in his seventh straight game.
"Just to be there behind Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe, I can't put it into words," Hull said. "One guy is known as the greatest player ever and the other guy in known as Mr. Hockey."
DATSYUK NAMED TO WESTERN ALL-STAR TEAM
January 24, 2004
Pavel Datsyuk was named to the Western Conference's All-Star squad in January after compiling 22 goals and 26 assists during the season’s first half.
“The sky is the limit for this guy,” said forward Brett Hull, a frequent linemate of Datsyuk’s the last three seasons. “This kid has so much potential. He’s going to be fun to watch for a lot of years.”
Said Wings General Manager Ken Holland: “Before the season, Pavel was one of the young players we felt could handle more responsibility, more ice time, and he’s certainly responded.”
YZERMAN MOVES INTO SIXTH ON ALL-TIME SCORING LIST
January 30, 2004
Steve Yzerman moved past Mario Lemieux for sixth place on the NHL's career scoring list with his 1,702nd point in Detroit's 5-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils.
Yzerman assisted on Tomas Holmstrom's goal, which gave the Red Wings a 4-2 lead midway through the third period. When his feat was recognized by the public-address announcer, Yzerman stood and raised a hand to the crowd.
"Every time we make an announcement, I assume it's about Steve," Detroit coach Dave Lewis said. "It's pretty constant around here."
RED WINGS TRADE FOR ROBERT LANG
February 27, 2004
Adding a marquee player near the trade deadline has been a staple for the Red Wings over the past few years. This season was no different as general manager Ken Holland traded for center Robert Lang. At the time, Lang led the league in scoring and contributed right away by tallying three assists in his Red Wings’ debut on Feb. 29 against Philadelphia.
SHANAHAN LEADS THE WAY OVER NASHVILLE WITH THREE GOALS
March 14, 2004
All the Detroit Red Wings needed on March 14 was Brendan Shanahan.
Shanahan's third goal of the game, completing his 16th career hat trick, gave the Detroit Red Wings a 3-2 overtime win over the Nashville Predators.
"It's great for him and great for the team," said Detroit coach Dave Lewis. "Any time you have a hat trick, it's an exciting night."
RED WINGS CLINCH PRESIDENT’S TROPHY
April 1, 2004
Managing only 12 shots and leaning on a 30-year-old rookie goaltender, the Detroit Red Wings found a way to secure the NHL's regular-season points title.
Marc Lamothe had 26 saves in his second start of the season and Chris Chelios had two assists in the Red Wings' 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues.
Detroit’s 109 points put them three up on Tampa Bay with one game remaining apiece.
"The one thing about the President's Trophy is it's a tribute to the grind of the season," coach Dave Lewis said.
GO RED WINGS!