frankgrimes 1,836 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 I've started watching hockex as a young kid and everyone talked about that young swedish kid ripping the NHL a new one...the time goes too fast I already hate the presser but I will watch it and promised my GF to not cry but it will be damn hard. Thank you so much for everything you did for hockey and especially this organization you have filled in big shoes after Stevie retired but because of professionalism, unmatched hockey IQ, leadership and calm behaviour this transition has been way easier, than everyone would have imagined. Words can't describe how big of an impact your retirement will be for the whole hockey world. It ashames me deep deep and evern deeper into my heart seeing you go out in the first round, one last cup would have been the only acceptable way to see a top 5 (I dont care what others are saying) alltime-great retiring. You will be heavily missed an no Weber or Suter will even come close to replace you. Thanks for 2 decades of just being what you are...the perfect human see my sig. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Azelov 10 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Watching games makes me very tired for working at 7am(jetlag). So thank you Mister#5 for all the troubles you get me into!!! I Will follow the next season with little sadness in my wing's Broken heart.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 It took me a day to compile my thoughts. No words seem to be enough to say thanks for what #5 has done for this organization. Enjoy being up in the rafters next season! In what's likely the toughest arena to get your jersey raised, that's where you belong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick zombo 3,739 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 (edited) Even though it had to happen one day, and there was a decent chance it would be this year, I'm still in shock. The fact that potentially signing a 27 year old top 10 D-man stud in his prime (Suter) will not make up for the loss of an almost 42 year old 20 year veteran speaks volumes to just how good Lidstrom was and still is. As good as we've known him to be in his career, his legend will grow that much more when we see, over the next few seasons, how much he'll be missed on this team. Right now I'm feeling like I don't even know if the organization will be able to perform basic daily tasks like flooding the ice at the Joe, or prepping Murphy's hotdogs, or sharpening skates, without Lidstrom around. Thanks for everything Nick. The Perfect Human. If I could have paid your salary out of my own pocket, I would have. Enjoy your retirement. Maybe you can sneak some bacon and 2% milk into your breakfast routine now. Edited May 31, 2012 by rick zombo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MulesWillFly93 199 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Thank you, Nick. I can't even begin to gather my thoughts on what you've meant to this fan, so I'll just leave it at that. Wish I could do better for the Perfect Human, but that's the problem - it's too hard to quantify everything that's made you perfect. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
InKennyWeTrust 126 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Nick Lidstrom and Steve Yzerman made hockey something more than just a game. I've always felt that it was ridiculous to look towards athletes to be role models but in his case it is completely warranted. The calm demeanor, the "never say die" attitude, and the ever-present fire to succeed are rare and irreplaceable. I don't think I will ever be able to fully appreciate what Nick has given to the Red Wings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevieisthebest 80 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Thank you Nick. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray1905 18 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 A 1000 thank you Nick. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kira 451 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 (edited) Dear Nick, I have two very vivid memories of you. First is when you scored that goal from center ice against Vancouver in '02. I looked at my husband and said, "This changes everything. We're going to win it all." I remember where I was, and that memory will always be a strong one. But the best moment is one that you gave me two years ago at training camp. You walked by where we sat, stopped and took off your gloves to pet our service dog, Loki. You stood there and talked to us, petted Loki, and even let me get a pic of you. It was a simple gesture, I'm sure you didn't think anything of it. But to the two of us, it was indicative of the kind of person you are - classy, kind and wonderful. Thank you, Nick. You will be missed. Good luck, and good journeys. Always, Pat and Terry (and Loki too!) Edited May 31, 2012 by Kira Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
commadore183 103 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 (edited) Lidstrom's name will be said in the same tone as other names like Gretsky, Orr, Sawchuk, Brodeur, Yzerman, Messier, among others: respect. The have all brought something to the league that raised it up to the level that it is at. Lidstrom was a defenseman that just had the intimate knowledge of hockey and a sort of omniscience of where everyone is and what will happen next and counter any moves. He is like Bobby Fischer, he can out-think his opponents, and used minimal amounts of effort to counter, thus his long playing career. His impact on hockey will be felt long, long after he's left it, and that is probably the best tribute to him than any statue, award, or speech given about him. Edited May 31, 2012 by commadore183 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
55fan 5,133 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 I fully expect that sometime today- now that he is no longer the Captain of the Red Wings and does not have to put the team first- Nicklas Lidstrom will make a mistake. Just to see what it feels like. Thank you Nick. Enjoy the rest of your life. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
softshoes 83 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 I don't know if he's better than Orr but I wouldn't laugh at the discussion. He is as good as I ever expect to see. Enjoy taking your birthdays off Nick, after 21yrs you deserve it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingslogo19 281 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Today shall be declared Nick Lidstrom day Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8 Legged RedWing 367 Report post Posted May 31, 2012 Hey rbkhockey43, did you make that picture? Do you mind if I post it on my FB? It's pretty awesome. As for Nick, there are no words in any language that can describe how much fans appreciated him. I shed a couple manly tears during the presser today. I'm not sad though, just feeling so honored to have been able to appreciate him as a player and a person while he was still playing and to this day. I never met him even though he lives down the street from my Ex-girlfriend. But I didn't need to meet him. He has done enough for the fans and this city. He has earned the right to do whatever he pleases and if that means moving back to Sweden then so be it. You know as the time passes, he will yearn to watch Red Wings hockey in person and will be back one day even if only for a game or two. Here's to all your future endeavors Nick. :beerbuddy: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diehardredwing19 11 Report post Posted June 1, 2012 cant believe hes really hung them up, i love you Nick. what can we wings fans even say, all of us cant express our gratitude towards you, iam very glad and blessed that me and my sister made the trip to Detroit from vancouver canada for the hockeytown meet n great last fall in november and got to meet you, still remember my hands shaking aas i shook your hand, and u laughingly said "wow you flew from vancouver for this?, why arent you a canucks fan" and i said please dont insult my Nick and we both had a little laught about it, its almost as you can see a halo around nicks head thats how damn good that man is and perfect he is on and off the ice its just un real .. gonna miss you nick but im sure we'll see you at the joe at games here and there, your forever #5 on the ice and forever #1 in our hearts ... thank you isnt good enough but like i said cant express my gratitude towards you its impossible.. enjoy your life sir! you sir are the greatest dman to ever lace em up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vladifan 680 Report post Posted June 1, 2012 Everybody talks about the class of the Red Wings' organization. You, Nick, were the personification of that. You made us all look so good with your quiet intensity, your perspective, your obvious love of the game and your superb talent. I'll never forget the time I met you in Chicago. There you were, with Mathieu Schneider and Brett Hull walking through a downtown mall. We'd flown in from Texas to watch you play that night. There I was in my Red Wings' sweatshirt with absolutely no paper to get autographs. I just kind of stood there watching you walk by, as I groaned out loud. You turned back, smiled, and said "No paper, huh?" And then of course you walked on with Schneider and Hull. I was beside myself. We wandered around listlessly for a few minutes and then decided to hit Bloomingdales. There you were - the three of you in the men's outerwear department, looking at scarves, gloves and hats. So I literally begged for some scratch paper from the saleslady, while you patiently waited and all three of you signed. And even though I felt like I was looking into the face of God, I managed to ask you if there was a holdout (it was about 3-4 years ago?) were you planning on coming back? And you just smiled and said "We'll just have to wait and see". I feel so blessed that out of all the Red Wings I've loved and watched since '94, you were one of the three I got to meet in person. And one of my all-time favorites. Thank you, thank you, THANK you. For everything. But especially for the kind of memories that will be with me till the day I leave this earth. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
