Raise the Banner!

It was the first time in 42 years that the fans here could cheer their team as champions and Hockeytown could call itself Titletown.

It was supposed to be a night of nothing but celebration and joy. Yet there were many teary eyes. The thoughts of many clearly were with defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and massage therapist Sergei Mnatsakanov, who remain hospitalized from a June 13 limousine crash. They suffered massive head injuries and their recovery has been slow.

The third Red Wing in the crash, Slava Fetisov, was in the Detroit lineup after suffering only mild chest injuries. He remained optimistic about his friends recovery. "I still think they can come back" Fetisov said.

The Red Wings players wore patches with the word "believe" written in English and Russian honoring Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov. Replicas of the patches will be sold to the public to raise money for the families of the accident victims.

Despite all the sadness, however, there were many joyous moments. Eight new banners were raised in a loud ceremony. There was one for each of the Red Wings' Stanley Cup championships. Seven old banners were considered too small and were redone to match the new one.

Some Red Wing old-timers were also present and introduced to the crowd. Gordie Howe got the longest ovation with roaring applause.

The Red Wings are the champs, but will they be able to repeat the feat next spring? Mike Vernon is gone, Konstantinov may never skate again and Sergei Fedorov remains a hold-out. The answer will not be known until June, but despite all the losses, the Red Wings remain a powerful hockey club with experience, depth in key positions and balanced chemistry.