DETROIT, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- Igor Larionov, who scored perhaps the most important goal in the 2002 Stanley Cup Finals, will be back to help the Detroit Red Wings defend their title.
The oldest man in the NHL at 41, Larionov Thursday signed a one-year contract with the Red Wings.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
The Russian center didn't show his age when he ended the third-longest game in Stanley Cup Finals history, lifting a backhander over goaltender Arturs Irbe 14:47 into the third overtime to give the Red Wings a 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes and a two games to one lead in the series.
Larionov called it the biggest goal of his career and the Red Wings went on to win the Finals in five games.
The Red Wings lost coach Scotty Bowman and goaltender Dominik Hasek to retirement, but retained defenseman Chris Chelios and Larionov, who had 11 goals and 32 assists in 70 games and five goals and six assists in 18 playoff contests last season.
Also a member of Detroit's back-to-back championship teams in 1997 and 1998, Larionov has 158 goals and 432 assists for 590 points in 798 career NHL games. He has also played for Vancouver, San Jose and Florida.
