41 replies to this topic

[redwingfan19]

What a career by that man. Glad I was able to see him play so well for so long, him and Homer are the last of the guys I grew up watching and idolizing in the 90's.

Going to shed a tear tomorrow I think.

[KATIEBARTHEDOOR24]

We've had it pretty good with Steve's career and Nick's

[puckbags]

Thank you to Lids of course, but this news just ruined my year. He shouldn't have to go out losing in an enemy arena... and I though he was going to beat Orr's Norris total too...

I didnt get to watch Orr play and not to take anything away from his 8 Norris trophies but Lids has won all of his in a 25-30 team league..I don't see how they even compare.

[NHLrules?]

Going to post this again just because it means so much and I know you all have a moment like this because of Nick>


Unforgettable moment:

At the United Center in 1996 with my HS sweetheart during my sophmore year in college, Wings are down by one with 5 seconds left, Nick rips a slapper from the top of the circles; DING goal!

Wings win in OT.

Thanks for the memories Nick, you are forever engrained in my memory.

Thank you!

[Nev]

Thankyou indeed. For your calmness, your proffesionalism, for bringing the same game night after night after night after night. For never getting injured, and then playing when you were injured. For your outlet pass, for your heads-up slapshot, for your ability to keep the puck in at the blue line better than anyone. For burying the Cherryism that no European captain would ever lift the Stanley Cup. For your arrival which directly coincided with our rise to success, for your departure which now bookmarks what all future generations of Redwings fans will call "The Lidstrom Era".

Thankyou for it all.

[frankgrimes]

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.

[Azelov]

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....

[NeverForgetMac25]

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.

[rick zombo]

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 by rick zombo, 31 May 2012 - 07:56 AM.

[MulesWillFly93]

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.

[InKennyWeTrust]

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.

[stevieisthebest]

Thank you Nick.

[Ray1905]

A 1000 thank you Nick.

[Kira]

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 by Kira, 31 May 2012 - 04:35 PM.

[commadore183]

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 by commadore183, 31 May 2012 - 12:54 PM.

[55fan]

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.

[softshoes]

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.

[wingslogo19]

Today shall be declared Nick Lidstrom day

[rbkhockey43]

[8 Legged RedWing]

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.