Scouting the Detroit Red Wings: Nicklas Lidstrom

July 21, 12:34 PMDetroit Red Wings ExaminerMike Mouat

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Nicklas Lidstrom

Today's profile: Nicklas Lidstrom

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 189
Birthdate: April 28, 1970 (39 years old)
Position: Defense
Shoots: Left
Uniform #: 5
Contract status: Final year of his contract
Salary Cap Figure: $7,450,000
Salary in 2009-10: $7,450,000
 

2008-09

Lidstrom was not as dominant in 2008-09 as in prior years, perhaps showing his age for the first time in his career. He played fewer minutes per game than at anytime since the NHL has maintained that statistic, and nearly two minutes less per game than 2007-08. In what would be characterized as an off-year for Lidstrom he was not as sharp as he has been in previous seasons, but the same could be said for the entire Red Wings defense. And while it was an "off-year" for Lidstrom he remains one of the best in the league, scored six more goals than in 2007-08, finished tied for third overall in defenseman scoring, and third in Norris Trophy balloting. It was also the first time in Lidstrom's career that he was selected to the Second All-Star Team, ending a streak of nine consecutive seasons on the First Team.

Lidstrom scored 10 of his 16 goals in 2008-09 while on the powerplay. He is very adept at changing the angle of his shot with subtle movements in his position to avoid shot block attempts. His shot is not as hard as it once was, but it it is still hard enough and more importantly Lidstrom is deadly accurate. Lidstrom often uses his big shot as a decoy to open passing lanes and he remains one of the very best puck movers in the NHL. Defensively there are few who think the game as well as Lidstrom who uses his understanding of the game to anticipate his opponents next move. He has superior hand eye coordination and intercepts clearing or passing attempts out of mid-air and starts the Wings in transition with his deft passes. One of the best defeneman of all-time he plays with great poise, patience and makes it all seem effortless.

Career Notes: James Norris Trophy (2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008); Conn Smythe Trophy (2002); NHL All-Rookie Team (1992), NHL First All-Star Team (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008) NHL Second All-Star Team (2009), Olympic Tournament All-Star (2006).

Throughout the summer I will be profiling the 2009-10 Detroit Red Wings players in comprehensive scouting reports.

Be sure to check out the slide show for some action shots of Lidstrom from last season. 

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• Dan Cleary  Pavel Datsyuk  Kris Draper  Patrick Eaves  Jonathan Ericsson  Valtteri Filppula  Johan Franzen  Darren Helm  Tomas Holmstrom  Niklas Kronwall   Brett Lebda   Ville Leino  Nicklas Lidstrom  Andreas Lilja  Kirk Maltby  Derek Meech  Chris Osgood  Brian Rafalski  Brad Stuart  Jason Williams  Henrik Zetterberg