Sergei Fedorov finds stride, 1997 Detroit Red Wings set for Game 2

In the spring of 1997 — a quarter-century ago — the Detroit Red Wings embarked on their quest to end a 42-year Stanley Cup drought.

The Free Press has commemorated that historic quest with a new book: “Stanleytown: The Inside Story of How the Stanley Cup Returned to the Motor City After 41 Frustrating Seasons.”

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Day 18: May 3, 1997

The backstory: Although flummoxed by the Mighty Ducks’ trapping, dumping and stalling tactics, the Red Wings managed to win Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on goals by Sergei Fedorov — his first of the playoffs — and Martin Lapointe — 59 seconds into overtime. It wasn’t the prettiest hockey, but the Wings loved the end result. On the off day before Game 2 (a Sunday matinee at Joe Louis Arena) the hot topics were how Fedorov had raised his game for three straight outings, a pair of shoulder injuries for Anaheim and, believe it or not, epic Greek poetry.

Sergei’s saga: The Hart Trophy winner as the league’s MVP three years earlier, Fedorov spent parts of the 1996-97 season injured, on the third line and as a defenseman. Still, he managed 30 goals, including five in a December game, and, at times, dominated as a two-way center. He also endured long goalless stretches, appeared to live in Scotty Bowman’s doghouse and lamented how little the Russian Five played together. He was slated to be a restricted free agent after the season.

On the off day, he told the Los Angeles Times: “It’s an interesting season. I think I can write a book on this one season. But I’m not a psychic. I can’t predict what is next for me. I could call one of those numbers and say, ‘How does my season end?’” Fedorov also said: “They tell you to write a story, and tie your hands behind a chair. How are you going to write it? Nice handcuffs. Let’s put it this way: The…