Nicklas Lidstrom (James Teterenko, Wikimedia Commons)
According to multiple sources, Niklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings is set to retire. Through his 20 year NHL career, Lidstrom, a native of Vasteras, Sweden, scored 264 goals and 878 assists in 1564 games, all with Detroit. He was also a +450, which ranked him first among active players.
He won a World Championship and Olympic Gold medal for his native Sweden, in addition to four Stanley Cup Championships in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008. He also won seven Norris Trophies and played in 12 NHL All-Star Games.
A couple of years ago, I heard Sportsnet’s Roger Millions say that he thought Scott Niedermayer was arguably the greatest defenceman over the last twenty years. I immediately disagreed. It quite simply has to be Lidstrom. As a matter of fact, I would rank him as the third best defencemen of all-time behind Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey.
Now it is your turn. Where would you rank Lidstrom? Please comment on www.anysportanytime.ca.
Tags: bobby orr, detroit red wings, niklas lidstrom, Paul Coffey, scott niedermayer
Loading ...
