Forget last year, the Avs are hot, but Wings are sizzling, along with gutsy Steve Yzerman who clearly demonstrates how a hockey player should act during the playoffs no matter what type of injury bothers him.

Sergei Federov and Brendan Shanahan know the rules while Chris Chelios and Nicklas Linstrom are no strangers to the extreme requirements of the playoffs. Although the two teams are well-known for a fierce rivalry, players change and evolve. Now, the usual I-hate-you pattern is present but put aside, teams being concentrated more on the game itself.

"Game 5 of the Blues series was the best my team had played throughout the playoffs. Chris Pronger was hurt because we played a physical style. The Conference Finals is always a test of toughness and strength," Detroit coach Scotty Bowman said.

Detroit has someone new to the rivalry as Dominik Hasek makes up one of the greatest goalie duels in playoff history. The six-time Vezina Trophy winner has done just about everything in his career, except win a Stanley Cup. The Avs' Patrick Roy is seeking his fifth title and second in a row.

As for the Avs, Peter Forsberg's return could make winds change. He is the leading scorer in playoffs with 7 goals and 12 assists (19 points!). Adam Foote, Rob Blake, Joe Sakic, and Alex Tanguay should bring the merchandise easily along with the outstanding Steven Reinprecht.

"Steven has made a tremendous job. He is everywhere on the ice and his determination shows the team spirit", coach Bob Hartley said.

Brett Hull and Luc Robitaille will experience the rivalry for the first time. Hull is "ready and waiting." As for Robitaille, he anticipates Forsberg's presence, "Peter is probably the best player in the world in the corners or in traffic. He's one of those guys you can never let up on him. He's a battler. But I can't wait to start."

The Avalanche are trying to claim their third Cup in seven years, something that hasn't been accomplished since the Edmonton Oilers' dynasty won five in seven seasons from 1984-90.

"When we say anything but the Stanley Cup is a disappointing year, I don't know if we're saying it's our Cup to lose, but that's our goal," Detroit's Darren McCarty told the Detroit News. "And we feel if we play our best hockey, with our talent, we should win."

The time has come to prove it.

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