dats13owns 157 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 I'm sure it's quite obvious that Lidstrom has been all but non-existent in this series. We all know that he is still hampered by his ankle injury and wouldlikely be missing more time to nurse it if not for the playoffs. He is not playing on the all important PK, has been lacking on the offensive side and has been effective on 5-on-5 but nothing spectacular. This isn't a headhunting thread but this season and series has been a kick in the face that the end may be sooner than later. While he started out strong he slowed down later in the season and missed a rare significant amount of time with an injury. What does be look at when he decides it he's going to keep this thing going? He's still playing at a high level and warrants respect every time he's on the ice not only because of his play but because of the name on the back of his jersey. He's done all there is to do and will go down as one of the all time greats. Looking at the last few seasons, particularly this one, this team is closer to taking a step back than contending. I know he's not going to make a knee jerk decision like us fans, but what are your thoughts in his decision making in the offseason? 2 MidMichSteve and sputman reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dirty Dangle 83 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 I hope it's just his ankle injury because if it's not, Lids has dropped further than any of us would have previously thought. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8 Legged RedWing 367 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 Honestly, I think there will be tons of talk about this going on when it is the offseason... but yea obviously his ankle is still not at 100% but it's not just his play that benefits the team. He is like a 2nd coach on the ice when he plays. 1 MidMichSteve reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dabura 12,207 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 For the first time (more or less), Nick looks very mortal, maybe even - dare I say it - old. It's depressing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barabbas16 499 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 I'm sure it's quite obvious that Lidstrom has been all but non-existent in this series. We all know that he is still hampered by his ankle injury and wouldlikely be missing more time to nurse it if not for the playoffs. He is not playing on the all important PK, has been lacking on the offensive side and has been effective on 5-on-5 but nothing spectacular. This isn't a headhunting thread but this season and series has been a kick in the face that the end may be sooner than later. While he started out strong he slowed down later in the season and missed a rare significant amount of time with an injury. What does be look at when he decides it he's going to keep this thing going? He's still playing at a high level and warrants respect every time he's on the ice not only because of his play but because of the name on the back of his jersey. He's done all there is to do and will go down as one of the all time greats. Looking at the last few seasons, particularly this one, this team is closer to taking a step back than contending. I know he's not going to make a knee jerk decision like us fans, but what are your thoughts in his decision making in the offseason? I disagree with basically everything in the first paragraph of this post except that we are aware of the ankle injury and that he isn't playing on the PK. The PK really hasn't been the Wing's biggest issue in the series, though. I disagree that he has been lacking in any way while on the ice in even strength or power play situations. I guess I do agree with one more thing that you said in that paragraph.... he has been "effective" on 5 on 5. I think "effective" would describe Nick Lidstrom to a T. Most would not usually use the word "spectacular" when discussing Lidstrom at first glance. No big hits, magnificent dekes, etc. Just effectiveness. I think his constant effectiveness is what makes him spectacular. My thoughts on his decision... I don't want to think about it yet, because I think it will be a sad moment this offseason. I hope not, but that's what I think. And it will be a sad moment, not just because we won't see the name on the back of the jersey that has historically earned so much respect on the ice anymore.... but because Detroit will be down one currently effective and spectacular defenseman that they will not be able to replace. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NHLrules? 32 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 (edited) It depends if he still enjoys playing the game. He doesnt look as happy the past few years as he normally did. So maybe he isnt enjoying it as much. Lets face it hes rich, a shoe in HOF and accomplished the status of one of the best all time dmen. All he is playing for is the enjoyment of the game, and from the look I saw on his face all day it seems to me the craziness in the league may finally beat that out of him. We will see, but I think either way Nick retires at the end of the season. Edited April 15, 2012 by NHLrules? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dats13owns 157 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 I disagree with basically everything in the first paragraph of this post except that we are aware of the ankle injury and that he isn't playing on the PK. The PK really hasn't been the Wing's biggest issue in the series, though. The PK has been nothing short of fantastic. Ten out of Ten times, you want him on the PK. Typically you see Lids step up and do something big to spark the team in these situations. We haven't seen it yet The main thought of this thread is does be want to go out on top or does he want to inevitably regress into a shell of what he once was. The dude loves hockey but he seems like he's more family oriented. I don't see him neglecting that just to stay on the ice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dobbles 252 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 our defense has been pretty brutal in this series, but lidstrom isn't the problem. while he is not up to his normal standards, he is still playing pretty well. 3 Hossa4Life, MidMichSteve and MabusIncarnate reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Pred 48 337 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 Lids will wait and see what moves (if any) that Kenny makes this off season before making his mind up. I feel that he was expecting some extra troops in before this years deadline past but KH let him down. I would love him to go out in a blaze of glory but i cant see it happening this playoffs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dirty Dangle 83 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 Don't overlook the fact that there is a possibility of a lock out next season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted April 15, 2012 Lids will wait and see what moves (if any) that Kenny makes this off season before making his mind up. I feel that he was expecting some extra troops in before this years deadline past but KH let him down. I would love him to go out in a blaze of glory but i cant see it happening this playoffs. Lidstrom is a smart guy, so I really doubt that he felt let down by Holland's unwillingness to pay massive prices for borderline players at the deadline. Don't overlook the fact that there is a possibility of a lock out next season. There is not. The current CBA will automatically extend through the end of next season if a new agreement is not reached before the 2012-2013 season begins. 1 55fan reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dirty Dangle 83 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 There is not. The current CBA will automatically extend through the end of next season if a new agreement is not reached before the 2012-2013 season begins. The current CBA is set to expire on September 15, 2012. The 2011–12 NHL season will be the final year of the current collective bargaining agreement as the NHL Players' Association will no longer have the option to extend the current CBA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Crymson Report post Posted April 15, 2012 (edited) As far as I know, the current CBA carries the proviso that it can remain in place for next season while a new CBA is being negotiated. Edit: It might have been this season that was the extension. Well, whatever. Edited April 15, 2012 by Crymson Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dats13owns 157 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 Lidstrom is a smart guy, so I really doubt that he felt let down by Holland's unwillingness to pay massive prices for borderline players at the deadline. I'm with you on this one. Lids has done everything there is to do, while everyone ultimately plays for the same reason, he's a smart company man and understands how the business is run. It's not like he's a 20 year veteran that a Cup has always eluded. His decision will come down to his desire to play at a level that he feels is comprible. It has nothing to do with the front office that has treated him and everyone else like Kings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dirty Dangle 83 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 (edited) As far as I know, the current CBA carries the proviso that it can remain in place for next season while a new CBA is being negotiated. Every article I have read says it expires and that a lockout is possible, although not as likely as last time. Found this though: However, the players' association is trying to move the expiration date to June 30 in order to avoid a repeat of the lockout that canceled the 2004-05 season. Not sure what that is about. Edited April 15, 2012 by Dirty Dangle Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yzermania 156 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 Lids will wait and see what moves (if any) that Kenny makes this off season before making his mind up. I don't see this as being true because whether he plays again or not will have a significant effect on what moves we make due to the money he will tie up or free up. He'll have to make his decision before Kenny goes shopping. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
canadian wings fan 305 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 Lidstrom has lost a step (duh) but he is still our smartest Dman out there making good plays and still never out of position. 1 MidMichSteve reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jeff6851 168 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 I just know that if he leaves we need to make Suter our top priority Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mjtm77 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 it is really funny that when we loose a game threads like this come up 1 Nightfall reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
haroldsnepsts 4,826 Report post Posted April 15, 2012 Lids will go out on his terms, especially because I don't think he'll hang around too long when his level of play clearly drops. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
canadian wings fan 305 Report post Posted April 16, 2012 No true Red Wings fan would ever call out Lidstrom. This thread is disgraceful 3 Zeowingsfan, 55fan and Red Wings Addict reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nevermind 363 Report post Posted April 16, 2012 As the game went on and the entire team played better, I thought he manned the blueline well. His passing and vision was still at an elite level. But, he was definitely sluggish today--especially when getting back for that icing call at the end of the game. I think the lingering image of that play is the reason for this thread, really. IMO, that has everything to do with his ankle. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LeftWinger 4,962 Report post Posted April 16, 2012 If Lids continues this downward trend, he should no doubt (gulp) have to retire this summer....especially making some silly mistakes as he has been doing... 1 lookalive07 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dats13owns 157 Report post Posted April 16, 2012 (edited) it is really funny that when we loose a game threads like this come up Please don't lump me in with the doom and gloomers, I assure you that this thought goes beyond losing one game. It's funny how anytime anyone has something not completely positive to say around here people like you have to question peoples ideas and accuse others of being bad fans and bandwagoners. Thanks for the input, though, it was definitely pertinent to this discussion. Edited April 16, 2012 by dats13owns Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dats13owns 157 Report post Posted April 16, 2012 No true Red Wings fan would ever call out Lidstrom. This thread is disgraceful Ok. I totally called him out by provoking a discussion that I guarantee just about every Wings fan has on their mind on. Heaven forbid someone acknowledge that he's not going to play until he's 75 and try to see what everyone's thoughts are on the situation based on some of the out of the normal things that happens this season. People like you are the reason that 75% of the people who used to frequent this board in the last few years... How's that for a call out, super fan? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites