Rosters announced for Avalanche vs. Red Wings throwback game.

Just like old times? Well, if it is, then Detroit’s Darren McCarty and Colorado’s Claude Lemieux will drop the gloves at the opening faceoff; whoever plays goal for the Red Wings will answer Patrick Roy’s summons to center ice for a skirmish; and Detroit’s Dino Ciccarelli will announce after the game, “I can’t believe I shook his freakin’ hand.”

There was much more to the Red Wings- Avalanche rivalry in its glory years, from 1995 to 2002, but those three scenes remain some of the often- replayed highlights. The rivalry wasn’t deeprooted; it was more of a sudden conflagration.

And at one time, it might have been the most notable combination of virulence and accomplishment in all of pro sports.

The NHL on Friday announced the preliminary rosters for the Feb. 26 Avalanche- Red Wings alumni game, which takes place at Coors Field the day before the Stadium Series game between Colorado and Detroit.

As far as they went — more players arenot only expectedtobe added, but it’s a necessity because no goaltenders were on the Red Wings’ roster — the announced names weren’t surprising.

Roy, the Avalanche coach, twice has donned the goalie skates and equipment and faced shots in beginning his preparation for the game.

The 12 others announced for the Avalanche roster include fellow Hall of Famers Rob Blake, Ray Bourque, Peter Forsberg and Joe Sakic.

The headliners on the preliminary 11- man Detroit roster are Ciccarelli, Kris Draper, Nicklas Lidstrom and Larry Murphy.