THE STORY
On March 26, 1996, during a playoff game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche, Avalanche forward Claude Lemieux delivered a dangerous check to Red Wings center Kris Draper, causing Draper to crash headfirst into the boards. This incident led to a fractured jaw, cheekbone, and nose for Draper, and intensified the rivalry between the two teams.
TEAMS / PEOPLE:
Claude Lemieux, Kris Draper, Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche
WHY IT MATTERS
The hit on Draper was a pivotal moment that escalated the rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche, leading to a series of intense and memorable matchups in the following seasons.