Career Blog

When Steve Yzerman became the captain of the Detroit Red Wings in 1986, everyone had thought Jacques Demers had lost his noodle.  He was the youngest captain in the franchise’s history and in the NHL at the time.  Now we all have the pleasure of hindsight, but 22 years ago Demer’s saw something special.  Steve Yzerman is easily considered one of the best captains in NHL history.  Being the longest serving captain of one team his entire career is quite an achievement.  After such a long tenure, how is it that it was such an easy transition to the current captain, Nick Lidstrom?

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When Yzerman became captain, he was quiet and shy.  He basically led by example on the ice.  His smooth play.  He had six consecutive 100+ point seasons.  He was rarely penalized.  When Scotty Bowman took over the team in 93-94 season, he took over a team that had been struggling for decades.  He immediately looked to the captain to help turn that around.  Scotty Bowman stressed the importantance of defense.  Steve Yzerman changed his game and became an excellent defensive forward.  Under the guidence of Scotty Bowman, the Red Wings captured their first Stanley cup in over four decades in 1997.  The stress on defence and Yzerman changing his game were key factors.  Steve Yzerman never put up the numbers like he had during the first part of his career, but he was just as important, if not more, being a great defensive forward.

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Steve Yzerman never had to say much.  His team looked up to him and trusted him.  They watched his perserverance and leadership on the ice.  That transfered to the locker room.  He didn’t have to stand on a chair and yell out inspirational things, he was inspirational himself.  Overshadowed in his career by other great hockey players like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier and Mario Lemieux, his teammates knew how great he was.  Eventually it was realized by the entire hockey league.

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Nick Lidstrom came to Detroit and has also spent his entire career there.  He was quiet and put up great numbers as a defensman.  Here was another case where for years, his team and fans knew he was amazing and the rest of the league had yet to notice.  Nick Lidstrom is an important part of the team and even while Yzerman was still there, the rest of the team looked to him for guidence as well.

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When Steve Yzerman retired, Detroit hockey fans were sad.  What an amazing career, but we all knew it would come to an end.  When Nick Lidstrom was handed the C, Detroit hockey fans cheered.  Nick Lidstrom also was the quiet sort, never seeking out attention for his amazing exploits.  He is always described as being in the right place at the right time, always.  He is not overally physical, but always effective.  Nick Lidstrom doesn’t need to say much in the locker room either.  A veteran who spent his entire career in one city, is looked up to by the youngsters, and respected by his peers.  He leads the Red Wings by his demeanor and his play.

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Steve Yzerman and Nick Lidstrom may have played different positions, be from different countries, but they share a common attitude.  An absolute love of the game.  They both have the poise, respect and unassumed leadership that other people just gravitate towards.  They perfected their game for the betterment of their team.  They are future hall of famers who now both have the honor of leading their team to the ultimate prize, the Stanley cup.  The trust that their teammates have in them is unyielding and a true testament to sports players everywhere.  There was no better man to take over for Steve Yzerman.  All Red Wings fans hope that Nick Lidstrom will be here for many more years.

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~~On another note, I predict Henrik Zetterberg to be the next captain of the Red Wings, carrying on a tradition of on the ice leadership and amazing play offensively and defensively.  He is like a Swedish version of Steve Yzerman and I predict that if he does take over for Lidstrom someday, it will be another smooth transition.  This article is based mostly on opinion, if you have anything to add or your own opinion, it will be readily accepted and noted.