Nicklas Lidstrom: The Perfect Human

Tonight, Nicklas Lidstrom will officially be a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. A 3rd round draft pick of the Detroit Red Wings, he is arguably the best defenseman to ever play the game. Breaking into the league in 1991 and playing until 2012, Lidstrom never missed the playoffs in his entire 20 season career. How many guys get to say that? Racking up seven Norris Trophies for the leagues best defenseman, winning 4 Stanley Cups in six Finals appearances, and is also a member of the Triple Gold club. Lidstrom put up 1,142 points in 1,564 NHL games, and missing only 42 games in his entire career. His durability is in large part due to the fact he was never a physical guy. He didn't have to be. He saw the game in a way few others did. Using his stick in ways few others could, knew how to make a perfect breakout pass, and was always in perfect position. 

Lidstrom was a huge part in turning the Red Wings franchise around. Part of the core that got the franchise out of the "Dead Wings" era. A 3rd round pick in 1989 in what may be the best drafting an NHL team has ever done with the likes of Sergei Fedorov, Vladimir Konstintinov, Mike Sillinger, and Bob Boughner being drafted by the Wings in the same draft. His biggest knock was his strength. 

After playing in Sweden for a couple years, the Wings brought him over in 1991 and they never looked back. Starting what is currently the longest active playoff streak in all 4 of the major professional sports at 24 consecutive seasons, Lidstrom never got a chance to enjoy a long offseason although I'm sure he wouldn't complain. 

The key to Lidstrom was his positioning. The way he used his stick and the boards to cut the opposition from creating an offensive attack is something that may never be done again. He was never out of position, go ahead, try and find a time he was, you'll be looking forever. He never got himself caught up ice and never put himself in a vulnerable position. 

Not only was Lidstrom great defensively, he was pretty darn good in the offensive zone as well. Him and Tomas Holmstrom made up some of the most frustrating and annoying times for opponents. With Lidstrom's shot and Holmstrom's ability to screen the goalie and deflect shots in a way that hasn't been duplicated since made up one of the deadliest power plays in the NHL.

When Lidstrom decided to retire in 2012, it ended an era. His accomplishments speak for themselves. He did just about everything a hockey player can possibly do. Winning championships internationally and in the NHL. Winning multiple individual awards, being named captain and also the first European born NHL player to win the Stanley Cup as captain in 2008, he was also one of the best players on and off the ice the NHL has ever seen. As if having his jersey retired in March of 2014 wasn't enough, he will now be a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame officially marking the end of  a career the only way a guy with the nickname of "The Perfect Human" could end: Perfectly. 

Red Wings Shuffle Lines

Coach Jeff Blashill after 3 straight losses and a couple bad performances, has shuffled the lines a bit. 

According to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press, GM Ken Holland said Brad Richards is out with an upper-body injury and is headed back to Detroit for tests. While Defenseman Jakub Kindl is a healthy scratch and Brendan Smith will replace him. Kindl really didn't look good against the Oilers so this was expected. Hopefully these changes can spark this Wings team as they take on the Calgary Flames at 9:00pm tonight. 

Wings fan reaction (WFR) videos!

If you have a couple minutes and would like to check out some Red Wings related videos, check out my YouTube page! I'm doing Red Wings fan reaction videos after every game and will also be doing videos on any NHL topic that may come up during the season. Give me some feedback and I will do anything to make the videos better! 

Here is a link to the most recent video from the game against Edmonton:  https://youtu.be/T8DRrE9VgNs

Thank you! 

10 Random NHL Thoughts.

I think I'm going to make this a weekly thing, I'm not sure. But here are 10 random, possibly (probably) dumb thoughts on topics in the NHL. 

1. The Columbus Blue Jackets who are now 0-8-0 made a panic move and fired coach Todd Richards and replaced him with John Torterella. Who apparently benched star Ryan Johansen in his first game as coach. Oh, and they lost. Great start. 

2. The Anaheim Ducks who were favored by many to win the Stanley Cup, are now playing so badly, they are considering a coaching change. Potential Randy Carlyle reunion anyone? 

3. The Dallas Stars are doing exactly what most people thought they would do last year. Dominating. I pray for the opposing goalie who has to play against Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn. 

4.  The LA Kings are actually out scoring the Anaheim Ducks. I'm not kidding. 

5. I think the Habs forgot how to lose games. At a pretty nice 7-0-0 record they are the best team in the NHL. Oh, Carey Price is still really good too. 

6. Crosby went 5 games without a point and the hockey world went into a frenzy. Crosby then puts up a 3 point night and all is right in the world. 

7. Blake Wheeler is leading the Jets in scoring. Another top 10 draft pick the Bruins traded away. I guess to be good in the NHL, just hope the Bruins pick you in the top 10 and trade you. Works every time.

8. Ovechkin has scored 3 goals in 3 games. I guess he really can score goals in his sleep.... I'll see myself out. 

9. The Avs continue to struggle and they do have a nice little verteran with the last name Iginla who hasn't won a cup. Free up some cap space Ducks... 

10. The Chicago Blackhawks continue to find ways to replace traded talent. Artemi Panarin leads all NHL rookies in points with 7. A KHL signee, too. 

Red Wings- 3 Hurricanes- 5

(Photo from mlive.com) 

The Carolina Hurricanes defeat the Detrot Red Wings 5-3 for the Wings first loss of the season. This game can be summed up with one word: karma. The result of this game is basically what the result of last Saturday's game should have been. 

For the second time in consecutive meetings the Hurricanes just flat out outplayed the Wings. 55 seconds in, Hurricanes rookie Brock McGinn in his first career NHL game gets his first career NHL goal after getting his own rebound and putting it past Jimmy Howard. 

The Canes would eventually jump out to a 3-0 lead early in the second until the Wings (just like last Saturday) score two quick ones to make it 3-2 and put them right back in the game. The jolt of energy the Wings got from those goals just didn't really hold up and they eventually would lose 5-3. 

All night the Red Wings defense was soft, and out of position. Howard gave up a few rebounds that he probably shouldn't have but the D was just no where to he found. Brenden Smith had a terrible game as he just didn't look like he knew what he was doing out there. All and all a lackluster effort from the Wings gave them the result they probably deserved. Chalk it up to them potentially not taking the Canes very serious and looking past them to the Montreal Canadiens who are 5-0 for the first time in their long, historic franchise history. As stated above, the next taste of Wings action is tonight against the undefeated Canadiens at 7:00 pm. 

Franzen placed on short term IR

GM Ken Holland announced today that forward Johan Franzen has been placed on short term IR with post concussion symptoms. Franzen who has suffered at least 3 concussions during his playing career has been limited the last two seasons due to concussion issues. Last season Franzen talked about how bad his symptoms were saying that he would sleep 16-20 hours and his headaches were so bad he couldn't even play with his children. 

While this move now creates a roster spot for Darren Helm who is now doubtful for the weekend, it puts Franzen's career in a bit of doubt. Head injuries are a major topic these days and rightfully so. Franzen has said he wants his career to end on his terms. Who knows what this means for his future but hopefully this isn't how it ends for the Wings forward. Wings fans are certainly pulling for you, Mule. 

Who Wins the Calder Trophy?

In a year where it looks like the phrase "young mans game" really looks like it's coming into full effect with the likes of Buffalo's Jack Eichel, Edmonton's Connor McDavid, Detroit's Dylan Larkin and more taking the league by storm, the race for the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year may end up closer than ever before. Here are the cases for some of the leagues best rookies. 

Connor McDavid (EDM): Most likely everyone's odds on early favorite, McDavid although pointless in his first two games, McDavid has had an alright start. He's been one of Edmontons best players, he's show he has a high hockey IQ, and good speed. He's a bit weak in the face off department but that's something he can work on. As long as he continues to play as hard as he has in the first couple games, the points will eventually follow.

Jack Eichel (BUF): Most people's early choice for runner up, Eichel has been very impressive early on. He scored his first career goal in his first career game going top shelf and showing his shooting ability. His second goal was more of the same. Eichel's speed and shooting ability is certainly a deadly combination that can very easily get him some hardware.

Dylan Larkin (DET): A guy that wasn't expected to even be in the NHL this season, Larkin impressed so much in camp and preseason that the Wings management had no choice but to keep him on the NHL roster. So far, he hasn't disappointed. With two points in his NHL debut (a pretty nifty goal too) Larkin has 3 points in 2 games and leads the NHL in plus minus being a +6. Playing with the likes of Henrik Zetterberg can certainly give him an edge. He's shown his playmaking ability, speed, and the way the puck just seems to follow him around make a pretty good case for the Calder. 

Atremi Panarin (CHI): Another guy that not many expected to be in this conversation, Panarin has gotten off to an incredibly hot start. With 2 goals and 2 assists in 3 games, Panarin has shown the skill set he has. Having played in the KHL for 5 years where he put up good numbers, GM Stan Bowman was able to get him in a 2 year entry level deal. At 23 years of age he's a bit older than most rookies so maybe that also gives him a bit of an edge. Oh, and playing with that Patrick Kane guy helps too. 

I'm sure there are some guys I missed. Who do you think will win the Calder? Who do you think will even be in the race?