almost 2 months without a goal Lids

[hak 21]

He's getting older, getting less ice-time, focusing more on the defensive side of things, babysitting Lebda/Meech/Ericsson and so on. We can't expect him to put up 10+ goals and 60+ points until he's 45. Someday his production has to drop, and I think the beforementioned factors contribute to that.

But he's still playing really good and he's pretty much the last player on the team I'm worried about.

I will say that his shot from the point is a bit of a concern. I'd like to see him blast one in someday soon, or atleast hit the target more. He's usually been the only one you can rely on to always get his shot through to the goal for deflections and rebounds, but lately that hasn't been the case and it's the only part of his game I'd really like to see him step up again.

good post, agree with everything

i do think his blast from the blue line will come as the season progress. with the team struggling and all the injuries, lidstrom might feel like he has a heavy load to carry and therefore can't play with the focus and confidence he is used to. hopefully, when the injured players return, he might get a bit of relief from the loss of pressure and the offence will come automatically

[bdavis 28]

Think of it this way...We have so many injuries, that our pressure forwards aren't able to keep the puck in the other teams end like we used to, hence nick has to float back a little more than usual to cover their asses because lets face it, they're making a LOT of mistakes, and giving up a LOT of turnovers.

I agree with you. I don't know the stat for sure, but I bet they are spending much less time in the offensive zone. People have to remember, he is a defenseman. If the Wings play well, and spend more time in the offensive zone while Lidstrom is on the ice, the offensive points will come. He still looks solid to me defensively.

[Pavel Hossyukstrom 2]

I think it's the tendonitis. He's always had it but I think it's really starting to catch up with him now. I think he plays with more pain than anybody realizes which slows a player down.

[Pavel Hossyukstrom 2]

I could just see it now when Lids retires and the ensuing "end of the world" debates going on here for the start of the next season. Oh boy!! Lids retirement=PANIC BUTTON!! LOL

[Shady Ultima 40]

Lidstrom retiring is a scary thing for our team. The dynasty that began with Yzerman gave us Lidstrom who is our strongest player. When he is gone, our defense is only average.

[GMRwings1983 8,804]

Yeah, his point shot used to be deadly, but now he can never get it through.

Maybe he needs glasses or something. He's just too proud to admit that he has vision problems.

[Jake Ryan 1]

The only thing I'm worried about with Lidstrom is next year and his contract. If the Wings want to get better, Lids and Rafalski have to lower their salaries. 13.5 mil for those two is ABSURD right now. 2 years ago, I'd say they were worth it. Now, I don't think so.

[Hack & Whack Rule! 160]

When you have a d-man like Lidstrom, and line issues like the Wings have right now, you want that guy playing D. I think he's concentrating on his defensive play because the offense is causing so many turnovers. They are unable to keep the puck deep in the zone, unable to control the puck, losing battles and losing races. A guy like Lidstrom needs to be very aware of his role as a defenseman. As far as this goes:

If the Wings want to get better, Lids and Rafalski have to lower their salaries. 13.5 mil for those two is ABSURD right now.

lower contracts won't fix the issues, healthy players will. And why is Raffi now a part of this?

[Guest zackmorris]

When you have a defensive partner who isn't playing too well, and then when your other defensive partner who is lighting it up gets injured, you're kinda screwed.

Not to mention our forwards aren't scoring as much. A ton of Lids points came from assists and our forwards putting home his misdirection shots, slap passes or rebounds.

He's still playing great defense so I'm not worried about points. I'm not worried about the Norris as much as I am still peeved he didn't win about 3 more than he did when he should've.

They can have their Mike Greens, who can't play defense to save a pale of kittens, or their Charas who look nice in the reg season and flop in the playoffs. I'll take our Lidstrom, who can shut down any opposing star whenever he's asked to, in the most clutch games possible.

If there was a playoff version of the Norris, it'd be called The Lidstrom Award.

Edited December 5, 2009 by zackmorris