Five years ago, in the Western Conference Finals, the Wings suffered a brutal 2-1 loss to a bruising and physical rival. In Game 5. At home. In overtime.

Then, they flew halfway across the country for a do-or-die Game 6.

The result was historic. The result was Dead Roy Day. Dominik Hasek didn’t give up another goal.

We’ll need all that and more tonight in another do-or-die Game 6 against a bruising and physical rival. It follows another tough 2-1 overtime loss at home in a pivotal Game 5.

Hasek, Lidstrom, Holmstrom, Draper, Chelios, and Maltby have all been here before. Even Pavel Datsuyk was the rookie hotshot on that 2002 Cup-winning team.

We’ll need every second of experience and every ounce of heart to overcome these odds.

10 down. 6 to go. But the next two are bigger than the rest.

On your feet, Wings fans. Your team needs you.