Today, we lose one of the greats - Nicklas Lidstrom will announce his retirement from the sport of hockey. This does not come as much of a surprise as the man is 42 years old without a contract into next season, and it is safe to say that there is nothing left for him to accomplish on the frozen pond.
The Swedish Captain's credentials include:
- - 11 All-star Appearances
- - 7 Norris Trophies (nominated 12 of 14 years)
- - 1 Conn Smythe
- - 1 Olympic Gold
- - 4 Stanley Cups and the 1st European Captain to ever hoist Lord Stanley
Seriously, nothing left. I put only #4 of the Bruins ahead of him in the list of all time greats when it comes to NHL defensemen and would go so far as to say he is the greatest athlete to ever play in the city of Detroit. We can debate Joe Louis, Ty Cobb, Barry Sanders, and of course, I'll throw Stevie Y into that mix, but looking at the numbers and influence, it's going to #5.
Lidstrom played over 1,500 NHL games and very rarely spent time off the ice with injuries. His steadiness, sure hands, and play making ability is not only going to be missed by the Wings, but by the game of hockey. Nik's way of playing the game is hard to find in today's blue liners who rip clappers up over 100 mph with ease and go out of their way for a big hit. He played the game with class and a pure ability that is going to make finding the next Captain in Detroit extremely difficult (although I think Mr. Datsuyk is a suitable successor).
Detroit has seen some struggles over the last decade and continues to do so. Losing this fixture on the Wings blue line is not going to help anyone when next year rolls around. The Winter Classic is going to be something special. You do not have to be a fan of Detroit, the Wings, or even hockey to appreciate what he brought to the spot. The Red Wings are the NHL's most visible franchise and as a fan myself since the early 90s, it won't be the same not seeing Nik block a shot in the last minute of a game, rip one 6 inches off the ice on the PowerPlay, or again hoist the Cup over his head.
People often ask me why I like the Red Wings and I tell them there are two reasons: Steve Yzerman and Nicklas Lidstrom. Two of the games best at what they did and two of the games greatest guys. My first trip over to Sweden in 1994 when I was 12, I was going with my brother's team of 16 year olds as a practice player, pick up skate guy, and glorified water boy, so I spent the tournament games in the stands with the parents and players from around the world on other teams. All of the Swedish kids would come up to me and ask the same things. They would say, "You are from America?? You watch the NHL?? Do you know Nicklas Lidstrom??" He is a legend in his homeland where hockey is a way of life. The Swedes continue to shine in the NHL, but I am not sure any will have the impact on the athletes of my generation that Lidstrom did.
We will miss you, Captain and congratulations on one of the greatest NHL careers ever seen and undoubtedly, the best by a defenseman in my lifetime.
Have a good weekend all!
Marshy
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