The Detroit Red Wings were on the road to take on the Chicago Blackhawks. These two organizations go back a century and have an incredibly rich rivalry.
Before the game began on Sunday, some big things were going on at the United Center. There was a ceremony to celebrate Chris Chelios. There were tons of Blackhawks/NHL legends in the building for the celebration.
There were also tons of Chicago sports legends either in town for the celebration or sending in video tributes. He is such a prominent figure even to this day.
The Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings had a magical night in Chicago
We're sending 7 to the rafters. pic.twitter.com/ynU9sZvbcF
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
One of the greatest American born players of all time and Chicago's very own. pic.twitter.com/oGyrsCuLmI
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
From one Chicago icon to another...
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 25, 2024
Congratulations on your @NHLBlackhawks jersey retirement, Chris Chelios! pic.twitter.com/ApyfUBRDIz
Michael Jordan gives a shoutout to Cheli ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cip67ol9Rm
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 26, 2024
After his ceremony concluded, the Hawks retired his number seven. It went into the raptors forever and nobody is to wear it ever again. This is a special honor that only a select few ever receive.
The Hall of Famer won the Stanley Cup three times, the Norris Trophy three times, and was named one of the NHL's 100 greatest players. 9 of his 26 seasons were with his hometown Chicago Blackhawks and he was honored the right way.
SENDING 7 TO RAFTERS FOREVER. pic.twitter.com/6oxAJ7BqQV
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
CHELI
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
CHELI
CHELI
CHELI pic.twitter.com/iNAxUuiKBY
This wasn't the only big storyline in the game either. Patrick Kane made his return to the United Center as a member of the road team for the first time. He has been on fire this season as you'd expect for the now-current member of the Red Wings.
Like Chelios, he was a member of both Chicago and Detroit so this was a very fitting return for Kane. The former gave Kane a nod during his speech and acknowledged that he'd be standing in that position someday. He is right.
And the United Center roars: pic.twitter.com/yBgytyf8ln
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
During the first TV timeout, the Hawks gave a video tribute to Kane. It was as special as you'd expect as a local hero was being honored. Kane is more than a former player. He is a legend that did so much over a long period. This team was incredible for a decade all thanks to him.
Heartbreaker.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 25, 2024
Showtime.
Kaner.
88.
Thank you @88PKane ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gh0IHLNBT3
There was the business of hockey to take care of too. With a 2-1 Blackhawks lead late in the third period, Alex DeBrincat (another former Blackhawks star) tied the game. Of course, it was assisted by Kane. That forced the two teams to find overtime. What came next was magical.
Mr. Showtime himself found himself on a breakaway in overtime and he did not miss. He scored the overtime winner in his return to the United Center. He celebrated hard and enjoyed the moment as much as you'd expect. It was a great ending to a fantastic night.
different kind of heartbreaker 💔
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) February 26, 2024
PATRICK KANE GETS THE OVERTIME WINNER ON THE BREAKAWAY IN CHICAGO!!!!!
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 26, 2024
ABSOLUTE SCENES IN THE UNITED CENTER 😱 pic.twitter.com/5xlUlGlIfI
Even Blackhawks fans will recognize how legendary that moment was. It was an insane ending to a big day in Chicago. This is one of those nights that people will remember for a long time. It reminds us of how good hockey can be when it is at its best.