Lidstrom back on cruise control with Wings

Originally published on EuroReport.com in 2001

By Lucas Aykroyd

Before Nicklas Lidstrom joined the Detroit Red Wings in 1991, he spent time studying to become an engineer. That must have influenced his style of play. The 30-year-old defenseman from Vasteras, Sweden approaches hockey with mathematical precision, whether completing an outlet pass in his own zone or manning the point on the power play. Lidstrom’s calculations were a little off earlier in the season. The 6-1, 190-pound veteran had no goals in his first 18 games. But now, this perennial finalist for the Norris and Lady Byng Trophies is on pace to challenge his career-high point total of 73 (20-53-73) from last year. He leads his team in assists. Lidstrom spoke with EuroReport after contributing two more helpers and 31:26 of ice time in a 4-2 win over Vancouver at GM Place on 16 January 2001.

EuroReport: Apparently you’re not as high-profile of a star in Sweden as Peter Forsberg or Mats Sundin, even though you’ve won two Cups. Why is that?

Nicklas Lidstrom: I think it’s because I keep a pretty low profile. That’s probably the main reason. For Peter, winning the Olympics in 1994 was really huge, and for Mats, coming back and playing in all those World Championships in the early 1990’s, he had some great success.

EuroReport: Your team got off to a slower start than usual this year, but things seem to have turned around for you. What’s been the key?

Lidstrom: Going back to playing our system. I don’t think we were really consistent in doing that the first 20 or 30 games of the year. We were out of position all the time. In the last few weeks, we’re playing a lot better, with three guys back, and sticking to the system.

EuroReport: You’ve also picked up your own scoring.

Lidstrom: It’s tough to explain. All of a sudden, the puck has just started going in for me. But even in those earlier games, I was shooting the puck and getting some chances to score, so I knew it would work out sooner or later.

EuroReport: What are your thoughts about being named a starter for the World All-Star Team again?

Lidstrom: It’s a great honor to be voted in by the fans. It truly is.

EuroReport: Your team is on pace for about the same number of points as last year. What’s the feeling in the dressing room like?

Lidstrom: I think we’re starting to come along and play better, especially in the third period with the lead. We’re really bearing down, and I think that’s been the difference so far. Hopefully we can keep it up.

EuroReport: Let’s talk about some of your teammates. How much does it mean to have Igor Larionov back from Florida?

Lidstrom: Oh, I think he helps his line with his passing ability and hanging on to the puck and waiting for guys to get open. He creates so much out there for the other players, so it’s great to have him back again.

EuroReport: With Larry Murphy as your defense partner, are you ever shocked when you look over at this guy and realize he’s played more hockey games than anyone but Gordie Howe?

Lidstrom: [laughs] Well, when you really think about it, it’s pretty amazing. But he’s playing as well as he did when he first came to us in 1997, so I don’t see him slowing down at all.

EuroReport: How about you? Do you think you’ll stick around long enough to challenge Borje Salming’s record for points by a Swedish defenseman?

Lidstrom: I don’t know how many he’s got, but I know he played a long time, 16 or 17 years, so it’ll be a tough task to get up there.

EuroReport: You have one of the most accurate point shots in the NHL. What advice would you give young defensemen looking to develop that skill?

Lidstrom: To really work a lot on it. Work after practice, or even before if you have a chance. Take a lot of shots and try not to look at the puck when you’re shooting it. Look at the goal and where you want to shoot it, and that should help you to get more accurate.

EuroReport: Looking ahead to the 2002 Olympics, how do you think using the new “Torpedo Hockey” system will affect Sweden’s chances?

Lidstrom: [laughs] I don’t know yet! I haven’t seen it myself, though I’ve read a lot about it.

EuroReport: What do you see yourself doing back home when your hockey career is over?

Lidstrom: I opened up a sports bar with Tommy Salo just a few months ago, so that’s one of the things I’m into right now. We’ll have to see what happens.