Lidström interview

[P. Marlowe 748]

DetNews

April 12. 2011 by Bob Wojnowski.

Q . Do you swear?

A . I swear. (Laughs.)

Q . I heard a rumor that during the 10-3 loss to St. Louis a couple weeks ago, you let loose. True?

A . Yeah, that's true.

Q . As angry as you've gotten in a long time?

A . Probably. Just being embarrassed in front of the home fans, I was mad and I showed my teammates that after the second period.

Q . Was that a case where it's the captain's job to give the team a kick in the butt?

A . Yeah, and I felt frustrated too. This wasn't acceptable, and I needed to say something about it. We were all upset, it was embarrassing getting booed off the ice, and we deserved it.

Q . Did you kick over a Gatorade bucket, or throw anything?

A . No, I didn't throw anything. I was throwing a lot of F-bombs, but that was about it.

Q . Really? Wow.

A . When I'm in the locker room, I probably use a different language than when I talk to you, or to people outside the rink. It's a different atmosphere, that's why you pick your spots.

[e_prime 1,936]

Spotpicker.

[wingnut40 176]

I read that hearing Nick's voice, but my mind cannot hear his voice say the F word...Or even "F-bomb".

[e_prime 1,936]

By the way, Lidstrom cannot retire after this season. After this read, it just cannot happen.

As much as I want Z to wear the C, it's still Nick's time.

[crotty99 302]

It's strange, but it's so good to hear things like this. I'm always so frustrated when the wings give generic "gotta work harder" interviews after bad losses. Good to see the passion is there, not that I doubted it was, just nice to have it confirmed.

[Electrophile 3,554]

I bet it would be hysterical if Nick just went off and started cussing in Swedish and English. Swenglish, if you will. Now that I'd pay good money to see.

[P. Marlowe 748]

It's strange, but it's so good to hear things like this. I'm always so frustrated when the wings give generic "gotta work harder" interviews after bad losses. Good to see the passion is there, not that I doubted it was, just nice to have it confirmed.

I agree. Athletes' interviews are usually boring, but they don't have to be entertaining and full of emotion. What matters is what they say to each other in the locker room and not what they say to the public.

[Learn2LuvIt 245]

Luv it. Hope Nick is proactive with his "picking of spots" leadership....like how about before the first period tomorrow night!

One thing that drives me crazy with the Wings in the playoffs is their "We've been through this before, a lot of veterans in this lockeroom, no panic whatsoever" mentality when we go down in a series. It's probably the exact attitude that has been a key to our playoff sucess, however I can't stand it!! I can't sleep and they are so "la de da"!!!! Not kidding, it drives me to drink.

[AtomicPunk 296]

I think athletes have been conditioned to give the press nothing to write about because if they say anything remotely controversial, it will be all over Sportscenter (well, not if it's hockey related) and all the talking heads will have a field day with it all day. But behind closed doors be sure that at their core, these guys are all competitors and all want to win.

EDIT - just finished the whole interview and Wojo did a nice job with that one.

Edited April 12, 2011 by AtomicPunk

[Mabuhay Red Wings 177]

Q. You considered retirement last year and now you're about to turn 41, and practically playing as well as ever. Have you surprised yourself at all?

A. Looking back at last year, I thought I could've had a stronger season. So I wanted to prove to myself I could play better, be more of an offensive threat. Having said that, maybe I'm a little bit surprised.

Q . Wait a minute. With all you've done in 19 seasons, you felt you had something to prove?

A . Just to myself. (Smiles.) One thing I tried to focus on was taking more shots. I haven't looked at my stats compared to last season, but that's one of the things I was thinking about.

Q . It worked — your point total went from 49 to 62. What would a seventh Norris Trophy mean to you?

A . It would mean a lot, especially as you get older, and younger kids keep coming into the league. I don't feel like I'm 40. I think it helps hanging around young players.

Q . But everybody's younger than you.

A . (Laughs). Yeah, true. Even (Mike) Modano.

Q . Kidding aside, is there some secret? Is it genetics, or your workout regimen?

A . I think it's just the way I'm put together. It's hard work, but it's not like I gain a lot of weight and have to do all the extras in the summertime. I think sitting next to (Chris) Chelios for almost 10 years and seeing what he went through and how he took care of himself, that really helped me. I do a variety of things, but cardio is always part of it. I lift weights, I run, and I like to play tennis.

Q . What other fun activities do you do?

A . I'm a boater. We're on the lake a lot (back in Sweden), the kids like tubing and wake-boarding. I'll wake-board and golf a little too.

Q . Everyone talks about your even-keeled personality. I've covered you for 20 years and never seen you angry. Ken Holland says he's never heard you swear. Is this true, you don't lose your temper, or do you get sick of people asking you that?

A . Well, I do get asked that question a lot.

Q . Sorry.

A . That's OK. I don't think I show it as much as other guys, but I get as mad as anyone.

Q . Do you swear?

A . I swear. (Laughs.)

Q . I heard a rumor that during the 10-3 loss to St. Louis a couple weeks ago, you let loose. True?

A . Yeah, that's true.

Q . As angry as you've gotten in a long time?

A . Probably. Just being embarrassed in front of the home fans, I was mad and I showed my teammates that after the second period.

Q . Was that a case where it's the captain's job to give the team a kick in the butt?

A . Yeah, and I felt frustrated too. This wasn't acceptable, and I needed to say something about it. We were all upset, it was embarrassing getting booed off the ice, and we deserved it.

Q . Did you kick over a Gatorade bucket, or throw anything?

A . No, I didn't throw anything. I was throwing a lot of F-bombs, but that was about it.

Q . Really? Wow.

A . When I'm in the locker room, I probably use a different language than when I talk to you, or to people outside the rink. It's a different atmosphere, that's why you pick your spots.

Q . I'm sure this will make you blush, but teammates have called you the "Perfect Human." That's a lot to live up to.

A . Yeah, I don't feel like that at all. You can ask my wife, for one. I know I make mistakes out there every game.

It's kind of nice to hear but I know it's not true.

Q . If I asked your wife, what would she say you're imperfect about?

A . It could be anything, little things, maybe not clearing off the table after dinner.

I can be lazy sometimes when I'm at home.

Q . OK, let's get to the important stuff. You still only weigh, what, 190 pounds, same as always. What about your diet — you have a favorite food?

A . I always like the big steaks in the U.S., I miss that in Sweden. I usually eat healthy, but it's not a strict diet.

Q . So when was the last time you had McDonald's?

A . Uh, maybe 2-3 weeks ago. I'll have a burger, or pizza, or pop. I eat all that.

Q . I bet not as often as I do. So what would be the ideal free night for you and your family (wife Annika, sons Kevin, Adam, Samuel and Lucas)?

A . Well, having four boys and they all play hockey, it's usually spending the night at the rink somewhere. If they don't have activities, we like to take them out for dinner or the movies.

Q . Do you have free nights, or do you get swamped when you go out?

A . People recognize me, but it's not where it's so overwhelming that I get bothered by it. I might take a picture or give some autographs, but that's about it.

Q . In Novi, they recently named a street after you. You feel like this is home now, after growing up in Sweden?

A . I do, it's my home away from home. Our kids were all born here, and I've lived pretty much my adult life here, since I was 21. I was a little bit surprised, but definitely honored to have a street named after me.

Q . You signed a one-year deal, so I imagine you'll debate retirement again?

A . Yeah, it'll be some of the same factors -- the motivation, the health, the family. It's something I'll think about and worry about once the season is over.

Q . Your oldest son, Kevin, is playing hockey and going to school in Sweden. That transition was part of your debate last summer. Is that no longer a concern?

A . He's really enjoyed himself over there. It's working out well, but it's still something we'll discuss.

Q . Holland thinks you can play five more years.

A . (Laughs.) I don't know about that. Some nights it's hard, especially the morning after a game, you can feel it. Once I'm on the ice and start skating, I feel good again.

Q . As long as the team has a chance to win, you're interested?

A . Yeah, and I think the team will be competitive if I'm here or not. I like the mix we have of some older guys, guys in their prime, and the young guys have really responded.

Q . Have you given any thought to what you'll do when your playing days are over? Be a coach, a GM, stay with the Wings in some capacity?

A . I have kids in hockey, so youth hockey is something I'd like to be part of. Besides that, I haven't really decided what to do. If the Wings asked me, I'd have to think about it for sure and see what capacity they'd consider.

Q . You could always go buy an Ikea, right? Cripes, how obvious am I, asking you about a Swedish store?

A . (Laughs.) It is a busy one here. I've been there a few times, and the wife went there and bought some Christmas hams for all the Swedish guys.

Q . Let me pick your brain about your teammates. Who's the funniest?

A . Homer (Thomas Holmstrom) ranks up there for sure, the personality he has. Ozzie (Chris Osgood) is always joking. Same thing with Drapes (Kris Draper).

Q . Who's the best dresser?

A . Oh, Hank (Henrik Zetterberg) ranks up there. I think (Danny) Cleary claims himself as the best dresser. But it's probably Zetterberg and (Todd) Bertuzzi.

I'm not gonna say the weirdest dresser, but the funniest-dressed guy is probably Patrick Eaves. He's got some real different suits.

Q . The biggest eater?

A . Got to be Mule (Johan Franzen). He really, really likes to eat.

Q . Let's talk about Lidstrom the homebody. You ever watch "American Idol" or "Dancing with the Stars"?

A . No, but my wife does and I might be caught in the room when she's watching it.

I used to watch "Law and Order" a lot. I like "CSI," too, the New York one.

Q . You a big movie guy?

A . Yeah, especially on the plane. "Slapshot" is a classic. (Laughs). I can see it over and over, even though it's starting to get real old. I've seen it so many times, back to when I was on the bus in Juniors.

Q . You have four Cup rings, and a fifth won't be easy, especially with Zetterberg's injury. That was a bit of a blow?

A . Yeah, a little bit, especially happening late in the year. I think he's gonna be able to play, but if he can't, someone else will have to step in. We have a legitimate chance with the team we have, but it takes a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck.

Q . The defense has struggled. How much does that concern you?

A . That inconsistency is what we want to get rid of. We've been letting up too many shots and not pushing teams to the outside. We have to do a better job of that. We have to be more determined.

Q . Every time you go into the playoffs, you figure you have a chance to win it all?

A . I think we're right there with the other teams in our conference. We have as good a shot as anyone. There's always pressure playing for the Wings. I learned that early, playing for a great organization and an owner like Mike Ilitch that wants to win.

Q . When you look back, is there one moment or game that gnaws at you, any major regret?

A . Yeah, that Game 7 at home against Pittsburgh (in 2009), losing in the Finals after we were up 3-2 in the series. Even though we won the Cup the year before, it still bugs me.

Q . On the positive side, could you pick which Cup win was the most special?

A . All four have different meanings. But in '08, it was post-lockout and more of an even playing field.

People probably thought the Wings were going to dip for obvious reasons. We were able to be on top and it was special for me, being the first European captain. People doubted you could have that many Europeans and win a Stanley Cup, and I think we had 11.

Q . When people describe your game, they talk about positioning and intelligence, not physical play. That's fine with you?

A . Yeah, that's my style. I would take my guy out but I wouldn't bowl him over. It's hard to be physical and play a lot of minutes, so positioning becomes even more important. I was taught that early in my career, and Scotty (Bowman) really emphasized it, that you have to play sound defensively.

Q . You've won six Norris Trophies but never been a finalist for the Hart (MVP). You're often viewed as under-appreciated. Does that bother you?

A . No, not really. I know I've been up there, maybe in the top five or six.

I never even thought about being considered for the Hart.

Q . It looks like you still have fun. With all you've accomplished, what drives you now?

A . I still love the game. If I didn't like what I was doing, if I didn't like coming down here every day and putting on the gear and skating and sweating, I wouldn't be doing this.

And I want to be at my best. I don't want to go out there and kind of just go through it. That's what I was looking at this season, that I wasn't happy with last year. I think I'm playing better, and the team is playing better too.

Q . Last question, I promise. When you're done, what's the best thing someone could say about you as a player?

A . I hope people say, "He always showed up to play." I haven't missed any games so far, knock on wood. I hope people remember me for showing up every night and every year.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110412/OPINION03/104120315/Nobody’s-perfect-but-Nicklas-Lidstrom’s-close#ixzz1JKZ0UN99

[Echolalia 2,961]

I read that hearing Nick's voice, but my mind cannot hear his voice say the F word...Or even "F-bomb".

Honestly, if I was in the lockerroom after that debacle against the Blues and Nick started letting F bombs drop, I think I'd laugh. I can't imagine it sounding natural at all coming out of St. Nick's mouth.

[Guest Howard He Do It?!]

"We look like s*** out there guys! ******* get it together! Can you imagine what LGW is going to look like tonight?"

[Mabuhay Red Wings 177]

Honestly, if I was in the lockerroom after that debacle against the Blues and Nick started letting F bombs drop, I think I'd laugh. I can't imagine it sounding natural at all coming out of St. Nick's mouth.

Based on that interview, it seems like he's done that a number of times before. It may not happen often but when it does the team really knows its in trouble.

[ogreslayer 1,069]

I bet it would be hysterical if Nick just went off and started cussing in Swedish and English. Swenglish, if you will. Now that I'd pay good money to see.

Personally, I want to hear a Homer rant. Given his level of Swenglish, I would imagine he would come across sounding like Roman Moronie from "Johnny Dangerously" but even funnier.

Yes I just dropped a "Johnny Dangerously" referrence, you fargin' iceholes.

Edited April 12, 2011 by ogreslayer

[Ram 240]

I can see big Johnny Ericsson taking a crap in his hockey pants during that second intermission too

[Konnan511 1,736]

I can be lazy.

Wings already have enough lazy players. Trade this bum.

[softshoes 83]

Q . When you look back, is there one moment or game that gnaws at you, any major regret?

A . Yeah, that Game 7 at home against Pittsburgh (in 2009), losing in the Finals after we were up 3-2 in the series. Even though we won the Cup the year before, it still bugs me.

Nice to know we share the same regret. I'll never get over that one.

[Mabuhay Red Wings 177]

Q . When you look back, is there one moment or game that gnaws at you, any major regret?

A . Yeah, that Game 7 at home against Pittsburgh (in 2009), losing in the Finals after we were up 3-2 in the series. Even though we won the Cup the year before, it still bugs me.

Nice to know we share the same regret. I'll never get over that one.

There have been a couple other interviews where he first and foremost mentions the Swedish team's loss to Belarus in 2002 and then the 2009 finals.

[RWRNHZ40 18]

It's strange, but it's so good to hear things like this. I'm always so frustrated when the wings give generic "gotta work harder" interviews after bad losses. Good to see the passion is there, not that I doubted it was, just nice to have it confirmed.

I completely agree with this. I had the exact feeling while reading that particular part of the interview. It's sort of exciting to hear that, to know that they felt the frustration, and that he, as our captain, let the rest of the team know how he felt about their performance.

[wingnut40 176]

I completely agree with this. I had the exact feeling while reading that particular part of the interview. It's sort of exciting to hear that, to know that they felt the frustration, and that he, as our captain, let the rest of the team know how he felt about their performance.

Yeah I hope it makes the people who questioned his leadership feel like total ****** bags. The man can only motivate the team so much. It's up to the players to have a sense of pride and respond!

[Mabuhay Red Wings 177]

A little worried. Not gonna lie.