Quick question.

[Dynheart 42]

As much as I love Lids, I can't help but think that this was Dats' team since two years ago. It seems odd to see it that way...but the more I think about it, the more it seems like Pavel just ripped it from Lids' hands. Even after Lids is no longer captain (I'm going to assume Zetts will be captain), I'll probably still feel the same.

How do you guys feel?

Edited August 11, 2011 by Dynheart

[Echolalia 2,961]

The way he played last postseason I would agree with you. I think he's the most influential player on the Wings' roster.

[Uncle Danny 155]

I disagree, although I can see where you're coming from.

Firstly, I don't think the Wings are any one individual's team, and likely haven't been since Stevie left. Even before he retired, an argument could've been made that it was the entire lockerroom's team, as I'm sure Draper and others were just as instrumental in maintaining team focus. That's one of the great things about this team over the past decade plus -- the team first mentality that brought success. In fact, I seem to recall a story about the team being down heading into the third period and every member of the team having to step up and stare both Yzerman and Chelios in the eye for near a minute before heading back out onto the ice.

Secondly, I think that Datsyuk is the player everyone else looks to in the clutch to step things up. He's the guy who will get you that amazing play to save the game. However, I believe (and this is from a spectator's perspective only) that the person they'd look to bring order from chaos when a series is on the line is still Lidstrom. There is a big difference between being the best and most talented game breaker on the ice and being the leader that everyone looks to for emotional direction. Lidstrom is the emotional bedrock of this team, and Datsyuk is looked upon to be the guy who takes that leadership first (again, IMO).

This, in a nutshell, is why I see Z taking the mantle as a done deal once Lidstrom retires. Not because Datsyuk's english is suspect, not because Z is the better player...but because when the chips are down he seems more the type to be able to tell everyone in the room what needs to happen in order to pull out a victory (and to back it up with his play). Datsyuk's a supreme talent, no question, and by all accounts a great dressing room presence...but talent doesn't necessarily translate to managing a room.

EDIT: I guess what I'm trying to say is that they all look to Datsyuk to save them in a pinch, because he can. They all look to Lidstrom (and soon Z) to ask "what do we need to do?"

Edited August 11, 2011 by Uncle Danny

[drumlife19 4]

@ Uncle Danny

Well put.

[Kira 451]

When Nick and Homer decide to hang up the skates, the player with the most seniority will be Pasha. Naturally, people will think he has the stability and experience to lead. I think he's got it in him, but he needs to know inside himself that he can do it. He needs to realize that he has the ability to do it, but he needs to have that little bit more confidence...even a bit of arrogance. Not overly arrogant, like some players do have, but just enough to say, "This is how we do it." And then back up those words with the goods.

Edited August 12, 2011 by Kira

[hooon 1,089]

When Nick and Homer decide to hang up the skates, the player with the most seniority will be Pasha. Naturally, people will think he has the stability and experience to lead. I think he's got it in him, but he needs to know inside himself that he can do it. He needs to realize that he has the ability to do it, but he needs to have that little bit more confidence...even a bit of arrogance. Not overly arrogant, like some players do have, but just enough to say, "This is how we do it." And then back up those words with the goods.

Totally hear what your saying, but I don't ever see Pavel getting that kind of 'arrogance' or confidence or whatever you want to call it. From everything I've read about him, Pavs seems like the most humble guy ever.

I just feel like Z will be the better team leader. Pavs will always lead by example, and will always inspire the best in others simply based on his play and work ethic, whereas Z fits the roll of Captain a little better, will be more vocal and outspoken.

I don't think we can go wrong with either, however.

As far as the OP question, this team is still very much Lidstrom's team as evidenced by his incredible season last year. There is so much more to leadership than playmaking and points. Like others have noted, we have an unbelievable team-first mentality that doesn't put any single player on a pedestal, and rather celebrates the unity of the team as a whole.

Guys like Draper, Maltby, Osgood, McCarty, Chelios, Murphy, etc. all brought leadership to the team without being named captain. While the C on the chest is important and special (particularly following the likes of Yzerman and Lidstrom), there will always be leadership support in the locker room.

[Dynheart 42]

I'm not saying being captain. I think the room already looks to Pasha to get thinks done. To me, that's basically being frontman, taking the reigns; the big cheese if you will. I see where you guys are coming from, though. And I agree 99%, but even from a marketing stand point....the last year and half has been all Pavel. It's to the point of like "Zetter-who" And that's from both inside and outside the red wings org.

That's the only reason why I posted what I posted. With all the marketing AND changes the organization has seen since 2008, heck probably since Stevie-Y left. Who knows.../shrug

EDIT: I'm horrible at this forum thing because I don't do it often enough heh. So for give me for any blips or bloops here. I just meant Pavels team on the ice, not in the locker room. I know it would help if I type these things first, but eh, I suck at the forum thing.

Edited August 12, 2011 by Dynheart

[eva unit zero 271]

I'm not saying being captain. I think the room already looks to Pasha to get thinks done. To me, that's basically being frontman, taking the reigns; the big cheese if you will. I see where you guys are coming from, though. And I agree 99%, but even from a marketing stand point....the last year and half has been all Pavel. It's to the point of like "Zetter-who" And that's from both inside and outside the red wings org.

That's the only reason why I posted what I posted. With all the marketing AND changes the organization has seen since 2008, heck probably since Stevie-Y left. Who knows.../shrug

EDIT: I'm horrible at this forum thing because I don't do it often enough heh. So for give me for any blips or bloops here. I just meant Pavels team on the ice, not in the locker room. I know it would help if I type these things first, but eh, I suck at the forum thing.

I would disagree. For one thing, a big part of last year was Zetterberg almost singlehandedly carrying the team through a 15-game stretch. Datsyuk is flashier, and so he gets the media attention and praise. But ultimately Z has shown himself to be the foundation that the Wings will be built on going forward. Datsyuk is certainly important, but it's like the question of "Who's more important to the Homecoming Dance, the Homecoming Queen or the dance planner?"