It’s been almost 16 years since the Detroit Red Wings went 3-0 on a West Coast swing through the state of California. All they need to do so this season is a win on Sunday at the Honda Center over the Anaheim Ducks.

Already, good omens are moving into Detroit’s corner thanks to the outcome of this road trip. At 2-0, the Red Wings are guaranteed of their first winning California trip since also going 2-1 during the 2015-16 campaign.

Not a bad way to start 2024. pic.twitter.com/BegIFm63xn

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) January 5, 2024

You know what else happened for the Wings that season that hasn’t happened since? That’s right, the club made the Stanley Cup playoffs.

You’ll need to go all the way back to the 2007-08 season to find the Red Wings going 3-0 through California. And that was also an epic campaign for Detroit. It’s the most recent season in which the club won the Stanley Cup.

Interestingly, that trip followed the same script that’s unfolded so far on this journey. It was undertaken during the month of January. First, there was a win in San Jose. Next, came a victory at LA, followed by a win in Anaheim.

Here’s how that 3-0 run unfolded for Detroit:

Jan. 19: Red Wings 6 at San Jose Sharks 3

Detroit blew a 2-0 lead in the second period, but then scored three unanswered goals over the final 10 minutes of the frame to claim a 5-2 lead.

Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom scored power-play goals for the Red Wings, with Kris Draper adding a shorthanded tally. Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Dan Cleary each counted a goal and two assists. Brian Rafalski dished out three helpers.

Jan. 22: Detroit 3 at Los Angeles Kings 0

Chris Osgood stopped all 27 shots he faced for the shutout in LA. Detroit would score once in each period – Holmstrom (first), Mikael Samuelsson (second) and Johan Franzen (third).

Samuelsson led all Red Wings scorers in the game with a goal and an assist.

Jan. 23: Red Wings 2 at Anaheim Ducks 1

The toughest win to get was the last one. Rafalski put Detroit in front with a first-period power-play marker during a 5-on-3 advantage. In the second period, Valtteri Filppula potted the eventual game winner, his 15th goal of the season.

The reigning Stanley Cup champion Ducks would counter with a third-period power-play of their own from Chris Pronger midway through the stanza.

Dominik Hasek stopped 24 of 25 shots for the win.

The post West Coast Winning Good Omen For Red Wings appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Officially, former captain Henrik Zetterberg is not part of the Detroit Red Wings hockey operations staff. Unofficially, he is helping the team out whenever asked in any way that he can.

One of those ways is serving as a sort of mentor to the lone Swedish player on Detroit’s current roster, forward Lucas Raymond.

“Being able to talk to Zäta in everyday life is very cool,” Raymond told Swedish website Aftonbladet.se, referring to Zetterberg by his Swedish nickname. “He helps me a lot.”

Second on the team in goals with seven after scoring twice during Detroit’s two games played in his homeland, Raymond is one pace for a 34-goal season. His best NHL campaign to date is the 23 goals he scored as a rookie in 2021-22.

Back home in Sweden, Lucas Raymond collected 2 goals in 2 games, making him our @xfinity Player of the Week! pic.twitter.com/lxpqRi8jIC

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) November 21, 2023

While several of his teammates find themselves struggling to put the puck in the back of the net of late, Raymond is rolling on a goal-scoring groove. Along with tallying in each of the past three games, his ledger is showing six goals through the past 10 games.

His Red Wings teammates were happy to see Raymond shining in the spotlight while playing NHL regular-season games in his homeland for the first time.

“One of the coolest things was getting to see Lucas there, having that experience and he played really well, so I was happy for him,” Detroit goalie Alex Lyon said.

Zetterberg Idolized By Raymond

The journey to Sweden was also offering Raymond the chance for some face-to-face time with Zetterberg, who makes his home in the Swedish city of Angelholm.

Initially, he admits, it was somewhat intimidating to approach a Red Wings legend like Zetterberg. But the former Detroit star quickly put his young countryman at ease.

Come for Daniel Sprong's penalty shot, stay for Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall's reaction to it.

: @NHLNetwork pic.twitter.com/wecPEKFDqS

— NHL (@NHL) November 17, 2023

“You get a little nervous at first when you’ve seen him so much on TV and read about him,” Raymond said. “It’s very cool, I grew up with him as an idol.

Now, they communicate regularly and Zetterberg is always willing to lend an ear to help Raymond out.

“We’ve had quite a lot of contact actually,” Raymond said. “He’s been in Detroit quite a bit. I try to talk to him as much as possible. I try to take in as much as possible.”

The post Red Wings Raymond Has Mentor in Zetterberg appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Detroit Red Wings Hall of Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom is convinced that all NHL players should be wearing neck guards.

“After everything that has happened, I think so,” Lidstrom told Swedish website Expressen.se.

The recent death of former Pittsburgh Penguins player Adam Johnson, who had his throat cut by a skate during a pro game in England, has brought the lack of neck protection in the NHL game to the forefront of discussion.

Kaiden Guhle leaves the ice after an incident with a skate blade.

It could have been much, much worse.

Let's get neckguards on everyone, asap. pic.twitter.com/BYB9dTEZiJ

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) November 15, 2023

“I think neck protection is part of all the protection you have, so for me it goes without saying that you should have it if you play hockey,” former Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said.

Neck guards have been mandatory in Sweden’s top league, the SHL, since 1996. Since Johnson’s death, both the EIHL in the UK and the CHL in North America mae the move to make them a required piece of equipment.

“I have never played in a neck protector, there was hardly any when I was playing,” Lidstrom said. “It was for goalkeepers, but not many had it. But after everything that has happened, I think it should be mandatory, that it should be introduced as it has been done here in Sweden.”

Ongoing Discussion With Red Wings Dressing Room

Making such a move to institute mandatory wearing of beck guards won’t be such an easy achievement in the NHL. It will require approval of the NHLPA. Players in the world’s top hockey league have proven to be resistent to such dictums in the past. For instance, helmets weren’t made mandatory until 1979. That was 13 years after Minnesota North Stars forward Bill Masterton died after hitting his head on the ice during a game.

Jake Walman wore a neck guard today in response to the recent tragedy on the ice. Derek Lalonde loved it and said his kids will start wearing one. Also added this looks like the direction the league is headed in, already making strides with wrist and leg protection. #LGRW

— Daniella Bruce (@daniellabruce_) November 3, 2023

Certainly, since the Johnson tragedy there’s been plenty of discussion about neck guards within the Detroit locker room. So far, though, defenseman Jake Walman is the only Red Wings player opting to don neck protection.

“Hockey players are very particular with their gear,” Walman said. “Like me, I don’t really like trying new things but obviously for this reason it’s different. Yeah, comfort but protection is first.”

Teammate Lucas Raymond admits that he’s also considering taking this step.

“There has been a lot of talk, in the team and around the league,” Raymond said. “You played a lot with neck protection when you were younger, then you’ve probably gotten used to not having it now. But I see that there are many in the league who have it now, so we’ll see.”

The post Red Wings Legends Advocate for NHL to Make Neckguards Mandatory appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

It appears that the Detroit Red Wings will be taking the ice for Saturday’s home opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning minus the injured Robby Fabbri. Might they again be leaving the ice minus a victory over the Bolts?

It’s been eight years plus a day since Detroit won an October game against Tampa Bay. On Oct. 13, 2015, current Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin set up then Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg for what would prove to be the game winner in a 3-1 victory over the Lightning. In five October games since between the two teams, Tampa Bay has won all five.

Eyes on the Home Opener. pic.twitter.com/OPWOtywsdt

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 13, 2023

Even though this will be his home debut with Detroit, forward J.T. Compher understands well the allure of facing the Lightning. He was part of the Colorado Avalanche team that beat Tampa Bay in the 2022 Stanley Cup final.

“They’ve been a top team in the league for a very long time, as long as I’ve been in the league, so you know you’re going to get a good opponent that’s gonna play hard, play detailed,” Compher said.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• The Grand Rapids Griffins opened the AHL season with a 3-2 verdict over the Colorado Eagles
• Dan Watson was a winner in his first game coaching in the AHL
• Detroit is showing a much deeper roster, but the Red Wings don’t have anyone with the talent of Jack Hughes
• How important is it for Detroit to get off to a fast start to the NHL regular season?

Red Wings Next Game

The Lightning and Red Wings drop the puck at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday. Posting three victories in a row over the Lightning at one stage last season, it appeared as though the Red Wings have finally exocised their demons against Tampa Bay. At one stage, Detroit lost all but two of 25 games vs the Lightning. However, Tampa Bay won the final two meeetings of last season both by shutout and by a combined margin of 7-0.

Atlantic Division

Boston: Cam Neely, president of the Boston Bruins, sees a lot of Raymond Bourque qualities in Bruins D Charlie McAvoy.

Montreal: The future of the Montreal Canadiens is loaded up to the brim with talented players at the AHL level on the roster of the Laval Rocket.

Florida: Florida Panthers goalie Spencer Knight was impressive in his AHL return with the Charlotte Checkers.

Tampa Bay: Former Red Wings player Luke Glendening is working as the fourth-line center for the Lightning.

Ottawa: Former Red Wings forward Daniel Alfredsson is back with the Ottawa Senators. He’ll be working in coaching an player development.

Toronto: Rookie forward Fraser Minten forced his way on to the roster of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Hockey Now Network

Pittsburgh: Where have you heard this one before? Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin combined to lead the Pittsburgh Penguins past the Washington Capitals.

Philadelphia: Among the changes for the new-look Philadelphia Flyers is an improved penalty kill.

Washington: Following a 4-0 loss to Pittsburgh, Washington Capitals coach Spencer Carbery suggested that his team has nowhere to go but up.

Islanders: The New York Islanders are giving Simon Holmstrom a shot on the top line with Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal.

New Jersey: The Arizona Coyotes did what the Red Wings couldn’t do. They beat the New Jersey Devils.

Carolina: Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jalen Chatfield skated just 4:39 in the club’s season opener.

Nashville: Players from the Nashville Predators discuss their 3-0 win over the Seattle Kraken.

Chicago: The latest Chicago Blackhawks stock index.

SEVEN MORE YEARS OF TOEWSER! 

Devon Toews has agreed to a seven-year contract extension #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/8AD6FCVqQm

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) October 13, 2023

Colorado: Defenseman Devon Toews and the Colorado Avalanche reached an agreement on a seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension.

Vegas: In a 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks, Braden Pachal scored his first NHL goal for the Vegas Golden Knights.

San Jose: Center Mikael Granlund has been placed on IR by the San Jose Sharks.

The post The Daily: Eight Years Have Elapsed Since Red Wings Beat Lightning in October; Glendening in Town With Tampa Bay appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

On second thought, perhaps former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg could see himself having a future in the front office of the club.

Last spring, upon his induction into the IIHF Hall of Fame, Zetterberg was casting serious doubt upon any thought that he could one day be a full-time NHL executive.

“There is no other desire to work with hockey in the future,” Zetterberg was saying at the time.

Thursday, as he was receiving enshrinement into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, Z was humming a different tune.

“I could see myself doing it in the future,” Zetterberg said. “I’m not quite sure if I’m ready right now but I could see myself in the future getting involved.”

Rip Hamilton and Henrik Zetterberg are among the legends being inducted into Michigan Sports Hall of Fame at tonight’s ceremony in Detroit. Proud to be a member of the ⁦@MSHOF⁩ task force. pic.twitter.com/Wr1IgaL3pk

— Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) September 15, 2023

Currently, Zetterberg does fill an unofficial role as a consultant with the Red Wings. From his Swedish home in Angelholm, he’s been able to get an up-close view of Detroit prospects like William Wallinder and Marco Kasper as they were playing in the SHL with the local club Rogle. He’s been serving as a source and a sounding board. Zetterberg is often sharing his observations with former teammate and close friend Red Wings European development director Niklas Kronwall.

“The good thing with that, I’m still involved,” Zetterberg said. “I know what’s going on. “We’ve have a lot of Detroit prospects in Sweden in my hometown, or where I live now in Angelholm – Kasper was there, Wallinder was there.

“Everytime Nik comes into town, I have a chance to be involved. It’s something that interests me.”

Is There A Spot For Zetterberg With Red Wings?

Zetterberg knows that if he does come back to pro hockey, it will be in a front-office role. He possesses no desire to work behind an NHL bench as a coach.

He’s currently helping out on the ice with the youth hockey team of his eight-year-old son Love.

“I’m not really coaching my son, I’m moving pucks around and that’s probably the level of coaching I will get to,” Zetterberg said.

Oddly enough, the MSHOF induction ceremonies came exactly five years to the day of Zetterberg’s retirement from the NHL due to a degnerative back condition.

On this day in 2018, @DetroitRedWings’ Henrik Zetterberg announced his NHL retirement due to back injury #Hockey365 #LGRW pic.twitter.com/ELH0mi5c5c

— Mike Commito (@mikecommito) September 14, 2023

He does pose one curious question about the potential of working in the Detroit front office. Does the Red Wings management team have any room for him at the inn?

Besides Kronwall, the Red Wings front-office group includes such prominent alumni as GM Steve Yzerman, assistant GM and director of amateur scouting Kris Draper, vice president of hockey operations Nicklas Lidstrom, pro scout Kirk Maltby and assistant development director Dan Cleary. And that list doesn’t include another ex-NHLer, assistant GM Shawn Horcoff.

“Right now, I don’t think they have room for me,” Zetterberg joked. “There’s so many good guys up there – Kronner, Nick, Drapes, Cleary, Horc, Malts – everybody basically I played with. And Stevie in charge now.”

The post Zetterberg Jokes Red Wings Haven’t Room For Him appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Marian Hossa’s time with the Detroit Red Wings was certainly brief, but no one can deny that it was also quite memorable. Signed as an unrestricted free agent, he would be leading the team in goal scoring as the reigning Stanley Cup champion Red Wings were making a return visit to the Stanley Cup final.

This time, though, the Pittsburgh Penguins – losing finalists and Hossa’s team the spring prior – win the Cup final series in seven games over Detroit. When Hossa was making the decision that summer to leave the Red Wings, signing as a UFA with the Chicago Blackhawks, it was not well received in Hockeytown.

Good bye game for Marian Hossa will be played in Trencin,Slovakia tonight. What a impressive lineup..! I have heard that 41 Stanley cup rings could be on the ice..great! pic.twitter.com/RTMBQM4DuQ

— Miroslav Šatan (@miro81s) August 18, 2023

For years, Red Wings fans would relentlessly boo Hossa during his return visits to Detroit wearing the jersey of the rival Blackhawks. However, the three Stanley Cups Hossa won while in Chicago likely was softening the blow of that verbal abuse.

Almost 15 years later, appearances are that all is forgiven. Nine former Red Wings players were among those feting Hossa with a farewell match on Friday in Trencin, Slovakia.

Nothing to see here, just Nicklas Lidstrom in full gear.

(: IG/marianhossa81) pic.twitter.com/ejHVjpVf3H

— NHL (@NHL) August 18, 2023

Joining Hossa for testimonial match as part of a who’s-who of hockey were Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Daniel Alfredsson, Tomas Holmstrom, Petr Mrazek, Tomas Kopecky, Jiri Hudler, Tomas Tatar and Andreas Lilja.

Red Wings Got Money’s Worth From Hossa

During his one campaign in Detroit, Hossa would score a team-leading 40 goals. He remains the most recent 40-goal scorer in franchise history.

Among others who were skating in the game to honor Hossa’s Hall of Fame career were Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Zdeno Chara, Martin Havlat, Ziggy Palffy, Teuvo Teravainen, Michal Handzus, Jaroslav Halak, Miroslav Satan and Marian’s brother Marcel Hossa. In total there were 41 Stanley Cup wins on the ice.

DraftKings Bet $5 Win $150

All States Where Legal

GET THE APP

SIGNUP BONUSBET $5, WIN $150
New Player BonusBET NOW

Marian Hossa’s NHL career would end suddenly following the 2016-17 season due to a rare skin condition. His finishing totals as an NHLer were 525 goals and 1,134 points from 1,309 career games.

In 2020, Hossa was earning enshrinement to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Last season, the Blackhakws were opting to retire his No. 81 jersey.

The post Red Wings Join In Hossa’s Night of Celebration appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

He’s arguably the most important player to join the Detroit Red Wings over the past 20 years. Yet Henrik Zetterberg still finds it to be remarkable that the Wings picked him up at all. At least that’s what he told Finnish website iltalehti.fi when asked about his NHL career.

“I think I was not a better player,” was Zetterberg’s assessment of his ability in 1999, when he would be made the 210th selection of the NHL entry draft by Detroit. “I’m happy someone took me. The rest is history, so to speak.”

He wound up playing 1082 games for Detroit over 15 NHL seasons, scoring 337 goals and coming up 40 points shy of 1000 for his NHL career. Zetterberg scored over 40 goals once, topped 30 goals three other times and would clear 20 goals in four more seasons. His single-season high for points was 92 in 2007-08. Zetterberg would go beyond 60 points in seven further campaigns.

7th Round Pick
Stanley Cup
Conn Smythe Trophy
Triple Gold Club
Captain of the @DetroitRedWings
Hockey Hall of Fame

Is Henrik Zetterberg a Hall of Famer? @Jackie_Redmond | @EJHradek_NHL | #LGRW | #NHLNow pic.twitter.com/mSFwQI1HRg

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 8, 2023

His hardware collection includes a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy, both won in 2007-08, and the 2014-15 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. Zetterberg was part of three President’s Trophy winners with Detroit. In 2002-03, he was an NHL All-Rookie Team selection. He was selected to the NHL Second All-Star Team and NHL All-Star Game, both in 2007-08. Zetterberg would serve as team captain of the Red Wings from 2012-18.

Zetterberg An Internation Sensation

The Swedish hockey legend was also the Swedish Elite League rookie of the year in 2000-01 with Timra. Wearing the three crowns of Sweden’s national team, Zetterberg won a gold medal in both the Olympic Games and IIHF World Championship in 2005-06. Those successes, coupled with his Stanley Cup win, make Zetterberg a part of hockey’s elite Triple Gold Club. He was recently inducted into the IIHF Hall Of Fame.

IIHF HALL OF FAME INDUCTION 2023 – Henrik Zetterberg

The 21st member of the IIHF’s Triple Gold Club, Henrik Zetterberg was a player of exceptional skill and class during a career that spanned two decades in both Sweden and North America. #IIHFHockey @trekronorse pic.twitter.com/N89fMJZNx6

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 28, 2023

Sweden beat Finland in the 2006 gold medal game at the Winter Olympics, but it’s a 2003 world tourney quarterfinal match that Zetterberg remembers most fondly among games against Sweden’s biggest hockey rival.  The Swedes would rally from a 5-1 deficit to beat the Finns 6-5 on that day.

“I have heard that it is a national trauma in Finland,” Zetterberg said. “When I saw Mats Sundin’s eyes after PJ’s (Axelsson’s game-winning) goal, it’s a scene drawn on my retinas that I can never forget. A local game in Finland, which we won after incredible stages. I am very happy that I was able to be part of the team.”

Even though many of his Detroit contemporaries are now helping GM Steve Yzerman rebuild the once-proud Red Wings franchise, Zetterberg was recently expressing that he has no desire to work in the Detroit front office, or the front office of any hockey team for that matter.

FanDuel Sportsbook Promo #1

ALL STATES WHERE LEGAL

GET THE APP

SIGNUP BONUS$1000 No Sweat Bet
$1000 No Sweat BetBET NOW

“My health is good now, and there is no pain in my back,’ said Zetterberg, 42, whose playing days ended in 2018 followng back surgery. “I can do everything else except professional hockey.

“I am involved in a couple of businesses, but mainly I just enjoy life.”

The post Zetterberg Still Can’t Believe Red Wings Drafted Him appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

The hockey operations staff for the Detroit Red Wings could also pass for a wing of the club’s alumni. It starts with longtime captain Steve Yzerman as GM. The man who replaced him as Detroit captain, Nicklas Lidstrom, is vice-president of hockey operations. Kris Draper, like Lidstrom a four-time Stanley Cup winner with the Wings, is director of amateur scouting.

Niklas Kronwall is in charge of the club’s European player development. Jiri Fischer is associate director of player personnel, Dan Cleary is assistant director of player development and Kirk Maltby is a pro scout.

IIHF HALL OF FAME INDUCTION 2023 – Henrik Zetterberg

The 21st member of the IIHF’s Triple Gold Club, Henrik Zetterberg was a player of exceptional skill and class during a career that spanned two decades in both Sweden and North America. #IIHFHockey @trekronorse pic.twitter.com/N89fMJZNx6

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 28, 2023

One legendary Detroit player who won’t be joining this merry band is former captain Henrik Zetterberg. During his speech on the weekend as he was gaining induction into the IIHF Hall of Fame, Zetterberg was emphatically confirming his utter lack of desire to become a hockey lifer.

While he has performed consulting work with the Red Wings, his old Swedish club Timra and the Swedish national team, Zetterberg only does so in an unofficial capacity.

“I’m only involved unofficially when I talk to Timrå and Detroit Red Wings, those are the two clubs that are close to my heart,” Zetterberg told Aftonbladet.se. “Kimmo Kapanen, who I have played with for a long time, has taken over as sports director in Timrå. It is only natural that you have contact and help as much as you can.”

Family First For Former Red Wings Captain

The only hockey work actively pursued by Zetterberg, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner following Detroit’s most recent Stanley Cup win in 2008, is helping out with his son Love’s practices back in Angelholm.

“I’m just there to move pucks,” Zetterberg explained. “There is no other desire to work with hockey in the future.”

He credits his son and wife Emma for opening his eyes up to all the opportunity there is to pursue in life beyond hockey. Showing Love is definitely his father’s son, he passed on attending the Hall of Fame ceremonies so that he wouldn’t miss his youth soccer match.

“I love your priorities,” Zetterberg said of Love. “A soccer tournament before joining here. I am enjoying every second with you, I am so looking forward to following your journey in life. I promise that I will always, always be there for you.”

When a career-ending back injury scuttled his hockey career, it was Emma who helped Zetterberg pick up the pieces and move on with his life.

FanDuel Sportsbook Promo #1

ALL STATES WHERE LEGAL

GET THE APP

SIGNUP BONUS$1000 No Sweat Bet
$1000 No Sweat BetBET NOW

“My wife Emma came into my life in 2006,” Zetterberg said. “I am convinced that when you are happy in life, you play better. You made me a happy person and a better person. I want to thank you for everything you have done and thank you for allowing me to do what I have done.

“Especially after my career, the transition to being a retired ice hockey player is not always easy. You made it so much easier.”

The post Zetterberg: No Interest in Joining Red Wings Front Office appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Former Detroit Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg is a hall of famer. The International Ice Hockey Federation will be enshrining him into the IIHF Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2023.

A Stanley Cup winner with the Red Wings in 2007-08, Zetterberg was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy that spring as MVP of the NHL playoffs. The Stanley Cup victory was also enabling Zetterberg to become the 21st member of the IIHF’s Triple Gold Club.

Well deserved, Z!

Henrik will be inducted into the @IIHFHockey Hall Of Fame in May. pic.twitter.com/GoetjEGdSX

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) December 14, 2022

In IIHF play, he appeared in four Olympic games, six World Championships, the 2004 World Cup, and the 2000 World Juniors. Zetterberg actually played in the Olympics (2002) prior to his Red Wings debut in 2002-03.

He was part of that historic double in 2006, when Tre Kronor won gold at both the Turin Olympics and the World Championships in Riga. Over 81 games for Sweden in U18, World Junior, Olympic, World Cup and World Championship competition, Zetterberg was good for 22 goals and 41 assists. His 12 assists led all scorers during the 2012 world tournament.

Zetterberg Scored Detroit’s Most Recent Cup-Winning Goal

In his rookie season with the Red Wings, Zetterberg would pot 22 goals. He was runner-up for the Calder Trophy. He was instrumental in Detroit’s successful run to the Stanley Cup in 2008 when the Wings beat Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in a six-game series. Zetterberg scored the Cup-winning goal early in the third period of Game 6. He was player the seventh European player to net a Cup-winning goal.

BetMGM Sportsbook

States: All States Where Legal

GET THE APP

SIGNUP BONUSUP TO $1,000!
Up To $1000 Paid Back in Bonus BetsBET NOW

After fellow Swede Nicklas Lidstrom’s retirement, Detroit was naming Zetterberg captain starting in 2012-13. He wore the “C” for the final six years of his career, retiring in 2018 because of a back injury.

The IIHF Hall of Fame’s 2023 induction ceremonies will be taking be place prior to the medal games of the 2023 IIHF World Championship on Sunday, May 28 in Tampere, Finland.

The post Former Red Wings Captain Zetterberg an IIHF Hall of Famer appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.

Detroit Red Wings icon Nicklas Ldstrom was recently recognized as the greatest Swedish hockey player of all-time. He’s of the belief that the time has come to honor another of Sweden’s hockey legends.

Lidstrom, along with fellow former Red Wings stars Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Kronwall, are part of the group of iconic Swedish hockey players who are lobbying Sweden’s Ice Hockey Federation. Their objecitve is getting No. 21 taken out of service for use with the national team. This would be done to recognize the contributions of Hockey Hall of Famer Borje Salming.

THIS DATE IN 2006: @DetroitRedWings’ Nicklas Lidstrom had 1-3—4 to reach 789 career regular-season points and pass Borje Salming (787) for the most in NHL history among Swedish defensemen.

The two would later square off in the #CentennialClassic Alumni Game. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/OKuHCJQ8rT

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2021

“It would be a wise choice, I think so,” Lidstrom told Swedish media site Expressen.se. “There are many who made a big impression with that number on their back and that number means a lot to many people.”

Salming is currently battling ALS. He and Lidstrom, who played as a defense pairiing for Sweden at the 1991 Canada Cup, were recently named the defensive tandem on Sweden’s all-time team as part of a celebration of the country’s 100th year of hockey.

Salming Paved Way For Red Wings Swedish Invasion

In actuality, Salming originally wore No. 5 when he first was playing with the Swedish national team. He didn’t make No. 21 famous until 1973. That’s when Salming arrived in Toronto to play for the Maple Leafs. The all-star defenseman would go on to become the NHL’s first European-born and trained superstar.

“What Borje did for Swedish ice hockey, how he paved the way for all the rest of us, that was when the Swedish and European invasion began,” Kronwall said. “It would definitely be a good idea to honor that number.”

DraftKings Bet $5 Win $150

All States Where Legal

GET THE APP

SIGNUP BONUSBET $5, WIN $150
New Player BonusBET NOW

Zetterberg was also echoing the sentiments of his former Red Wings teammates.

“I think so, it’s quite clear actually,” Zetterberg said. “It should be retired.”

Henrik Lundqvist and Peter Forsberg, another great who wore 21 for Sweden, are also lending their support to this cause.

Salming’s NHL legacy came to a conclusion following a one-season stint with the Red Wings in 1989-90.

The post Red Wings Swedish Icons Lobbying for Retirement of Salming’s No. 21 appeared first on Detroit Hockey Now.