Today, one of my all time favorite players in the game of hockey retired, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom. He played 20 years in the NHL and had what almost everyone would say was the perfect career. Seven Norris Trophies, one Conn Smythe, four Stanley Cups, and one gold medal playing for Team Sweden in the 2006 Winter Olympics. He was always a classy act and was respected by every player and fan in the game. I had the privilege to watch him play for the Red Wings this past February at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, Arizona as he took on the Phoenix Coyotes. He was incredible, and watching him play was awe-inspiring. I took this photo of him looking up at the screen and thought this was a perfect way to remember him as he retires as one of the greatest defensemen of all time and certainly the most valuable in the last 20 years.
[source: NHL.com]
