Sad news came out today for the Detroit Red Wings. Their captain and defensive leader Nicklas Lidstrom retired after 19 seasons of NHL hockey, all with the Detroit Red Wings. After four Stanley Cups and seven Norris trophies, here is what Lidstrom said at the emotional press conference about retiring from the game.
”My drive and motivation are not where they to need to be to play at this level,” Lidstrom said.
”A couple weeks after the season is over, you start working out. Once I started doing that, I didn’t have the push I need, and I can’t cheat myself.”
I guess if Lidstrom himself did not feel like he should play next year then the fans can’t be mad at him for retiring. I’m not saying anyone is but I am sure disappointed and sad. I have had the honor and privileged like many of you to watch Lidstrom my whole life. He played the game the right way and competed hard every night. Unlike most athletes these days, you never heard Lidstrom complain about bad calls or plays after a game. Also, you never heard him gloat and talk about how good he was or anything like that. Besides being a great competitor and human being, he has the numbers to prove just how good he was.
Lidstrom set an NHL record by playing 1,564 games with a single team. He ended up with 264 goals and 1,142 points for his career as well. But it wasn’t what he did individually, it was the intangibles he brought to the team. Here is what the great Scotty Bowman had to say about Lidstrom, according to SI.com.
“I think he’s the best,” Bowman said on the phone just a few minutes before Lidstrom made the formal announcement. “For longevity, no injuries, winning, he’s in a class by himself.”
There is no doubt that Bowman is spot on. Lidstrom is for sure to be mentioned with the best of the best. I agree with Bowman. However, the best part about Lidstrom was that he led by example. In my book, he has to be number the two defenseman of all time behind Bobby Orr. But no matter where you put him on the all-time list, he will be deeply missed by Red Wings and hockey fans for a long time.
What do you think? Let us know by commenting below or contact us on Twitter or Facebook.
detroitsportsbloggers.com 
The Red Wings have gotten such great value out of a player not even picked out of the top-15 it’s amazing. But it’s even more amazing that he was still playing major, top defenseman minutes on the wrong side of 40 last year. He is obviously a first ballot hall of famer and almost definitely a top-5 defenceman of all-time. I didn’t love the guy personally but it is no doubt the last we’ll see of one of the true class acts in NHL history. Also, you think you could check out my blog cuz I’d love to hear what you have to say http://chrisross91.wordpress.com/2012/06/01/put-your-tears-away/
Nick Lidstrom… I am honestly curious to see how the Wings adapt to losing their captain. I am in no means worried, the organization is one of the most proffesional in all of the major sports. However we shall see just how good Mike Babcock is as a coach. A dose of the youth we glimpsed hints of this season I believe will be a breath of fresh air. The pedigree of our wings are never in question and it will be exciting to see a youthful squad on the ice. Albeit, you will be dearly missed Mr. Lidstrom, at least by this guy. I love yer face and happy retirement !!!!