2002
Zetterberg Making Adjustments
Swedish rookie makes transition, pushes aside Forsberg Comparisons
By Matthew Wuest, September 16th, 2002
Drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 Entry Draft, Henrik Zetterberg skated below the radar of NHL scouts and media for years. Since being named to the Swedish Olympic squad at midseason, however, the young center has become one of the most frequently talked about prospects in all of hockey.
"I had a lot of pressure when I was in
So far, so good. Zetterberg has two goals, six assists, and has maintained a plus-nine rating through four training camp contests. He has impressed with his skating balance, playmaking ability and solid defensive play, and is showing all the elements of becoming an elite two-way forward. The 21-year-old appears to making a smooth adjustment to the North American game, but a number of challenges lie ahead as the exhibition and regular seasons rapidly approach.
"The red line and the smaller rink," Zetterberg noted, commenting on the biggest adjustments so far. "I have to take a lot more shots than I used to."
The 6-foot, 185-pounder fired 13 shots in four prospect tournament games, and has 10 in four training camp contests so far. In the Swedish Elitserien last season, Zetterberg fired 141 shots in 48 games, en route to 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points. He had 164 shots in 47 games the season before.
Playing for the Swedish Olympic team this year was a crucial part of the young forward's development, although being named to the team came as a shock to the unsuspecting Zetterberg. Meanwhile, players such as Florida Panthers rookie sensation Kristian Huselius were left off the roster.
"I was very surprised that they picked me, but it was a great honor to be there on the team," Zetterberg said. "I learned a lot -- some great players to play against and play with some new players, too. It was a fun time."
It convinced Zetterberg that he could play in the National Hockey League, but more importantly, gave Red Wings management the confidence to sign the youngster to a lucrative three-year, $2.5 million contract.
Expectations are high for Zetterberg, who was unfairly compared to superstar Peter Forsberg by Mats Sundin -- a lofty comparison that would be difficult for any prospect to fulfill. The soft-spoken Zetterberg pushes away Sundin's comments with little consideration.
"I don't think it's fair for me to be compared to the greatest player in the league," he stated.
With all the hype and comparisons aside, Zetterberg is playing excellent two-way hockey and appears to be settling in nicely after a quiet start last week. He will easily make the Red Wings roster, and is fighting for ice time on one of the club's top-three lines -- an impressive accomplishment for any rookie.
Wings optimistic rookie can fill Yzerman void
By Ansar Khan Wednesday, September 25, 2002
It isn't taking Detroit Red Wings rookie Henrik Zetterberg long to get accustomed to the NHL. Early indications are it might take the rest of the league a while to get used to defending this immensely talented newcomer.
Zetterberg, playing left wing on a line with Sergei Fedorov and Darren McCarty, displayed his all-around game. He opened the scoring at 5:55 of the first period by taking a pass from McCarty during a two-on-one and burying the puck into an open net. He played on the power play and killed penalties. He set up scoring opportunities with nice passes and played a strong defensive game.
"He looked good in his second game," Lewis said. "He's still getting used to the smaller ice rink. I've thrown him around with different linemates but every line that he plays with he has a good chemistry because he looks like a smart player."
Zetterberg, who turns 22 on Oct. 9, was one of the premier players in
"I've played a couple of games, so I'm kind of used to it now," he said. "It's not a big deal."
Zetterberg has arrived at the perfect time for the Wings, who'll be without captain Steve Yzerman for at least half the season while he recuperates from knee surgery. The club maintains that Yzerman is expected to return in January, amidst speculation that he might not be back until just before the playoffs. In any event, Zetterberg will certainly help fill the void.
"He's strong on his skates, he's got a great shot," McCarty said. "He's a complete player. Watching him kill penalties, he did a good job position-wise. He's always moving, made a couple of good plays deep in our end, tying somebody up, driving to the net, getting back in the play. The kid knows how to play the game. He's going to be good."
Henrik Zetterberg celebrates his 22nd birthday Wednesday, October 9, 2002. The next night, he'll make his much-anticipated debut in a Red Wings uniform.
After that, it's a short trip to superstardom and the Hall of Fame, if you believe all the hype surrounding his arrival in
Already, this crafty center has shown flashes of the talent that not only earned him MVP honors in the Swedish Elite League last year and a trip to the Olympics but also heightened expectations in the NHL.
"First game I saw him play, I wrote my report and said 'Rookie of the Year,'" said Craig Muni, a pro scout with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"Yeah, I worry about that," said Ken Holland, the Wings' general manager. "Sometimes expectations are so out-of-control that people can never live up to them. Henrik, we think, is going to be a good player in time. Is it this year? Is it down the road sometime? I mean, he's only 21 years old."
But with Steve Yzerman still months away from a return to the lineup, Zetterberg's timing is impeccable. He'll get a chance to play -- and play often -- early this season, particularly given his solid defensive play, an uncommon trait among rookies. That likely will afford him a chance to play in critical situations as well as special teams, and he even skated on the right wing with Sergei Fedorov and Brendan Shanahan in the preseason. "It's been fun so far," Zetterberg said, smiling. "And hopefully it will stay that way."
If forward Henrik Zetterberg looks fazed, or awed, by any of the expectations or predictions, he's not showing it. A couple of hockey annuals have predicted Zetterberg will be this year's Calder Cup winner for rookie of the year. He also seems to have landed a spot on the top scoring line with Sergei Fedorov and Brendan Shanahan, and it appears he'll be a part of the power play.
All heady stuff for a young player who turns 22 today.
A few months ago, he was playing on one of the weakest teams in the Swedish Elite League, albeit well enough to be named player of the year.
"I'm looking forward to the games starting," Zetterberg said. "It helps to have played some of these exhibition games. You get a little comfortable. I don't think I'll be all that nervous."
Not after he played in the Olympics last winter with the world watching.
"That definitely helped," Zetterberg said. "It gives you confidence, playing against the best players."
The beginning of the new season is another adjustment for Zetterberg.
Game intensity obviously increases, and the minor leaguers and junior players have been sent away. Zetterberg has to be ready for the challenge, Coach Dave Lewis said.
"Opponents have read about him," he said. "They'll evaluate him themselves on the ice."
Zetterberg is eager to see what is ahead of him. "You're playing against the best players in the world," Zetterberg said. "That's a lot of fun."
Zetterberg’s first NHL game occurred October 10th, 2002 in the Detroit Redwings season opener at San Jose.
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 11th, 2002
He played Right Wing on the first line with Brendan Shanahan on Left, centered by Sergei Fedorov, with Niklas Lidstrom and Mathieu Dandenault paired on defense. Zetterberg had an assist, his first point in the NHL, on one of Federov’s two goals.
He scored his first NHL goal two games later on Oct 13th, 2002 at
During 4 on 4 play earlier in the game, Zetterberg had picked off a puck in the neutral zone. He broke away on goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere and made one-too-many moves. He faked a shot, then tried to draw Giguere to the right and sneak the puck past him on the left. "It didn't work," he said, smiling. Giguere made an easy pad save.
After playing right wing with Sergei Fedorov and Brendan Shanahan the first two games, Zetterberg centered Luc Robitaille and Kirk Maltby. Zetterberg said it didn't matter what position he played, but Head Coach Dave Lewis said he looked more comfortable at center.
Zetterberg's got it all -- except a nickname October 17, 2002
BY MITCH ALBOM FREE PRESS COLUMNIST
Oh, Henrik! Oh . . . Henry! Oh . . . Zetterberg? Oh, dear. What to call the newest sensation on the world's most sensational hockey team? Already, fans in Detroit can't wait to get to Joe Louis Arena tonight, not only to see the home opener, not only to see the 2002 championship banner hoisted, but also to catch a glimpse of The Kid, Henrik Zetterberg, a rookie who has captured the imagination of Hockeytown by making the Red Wings' roster and playing with their top line -- a move akin to a high school bass player joining the Rolling Stones.
Hen? Rik? Rikky? Zetty? What do you call him? After all, a time-honored tradition in hockey says you are only truly embraced by your team once your name has been bent into something out of the "Little Rascals." "Stevie." "Cheli." "Shanny." "Drapes." Happens to the best of them. And here is this 21-year-old kid, fresh out of
Wait. A little more about the new guy, who has already scored his first NHL goal and has shared line duties with Brendan Shanahan and Sergei Fedorov. He looks a bit like a Swedish Jon Bon Jovi. He's not imposingly big but appears solid enough. He skates with a sense of purpose, and he sees the whole ice. He is not intimidated by the big boys, since he played with mostly NHL stars on the 2002 Swedish Olympic team.
And -- oh, yeah -- when he first got to
Of course, Wings fans have a few questions themselves. Like, how does a 21-year-old crack this roster? How did the Wings, already embarrassingly rich with future Hall of Famers, manage to steal a kid this good, this young, this soon? Does no other team have airplanes?
"When I was first drafted, I was just happy that any team wanted to take me," Z-Man says. "But it was the Red Wings, and that made it better." That was 1999; Zetterberg was a seventh-round selection. This is like buying Microsoft at 20 cents a share. Since then, Zetterberg has blossomed into a full-blown Swedish sensation -- dreaming of even bigger NHL horizons. Last June, he and a few friends back in
Now, let's be honest. The Wings may be the champs, but Zetterberg's youth is a welcome addition.
"I watched him on our opening road trip go to three different buildings against three teams he'd never seen before, and he wasn't fazed at all," says coach Dave Lewis. "He had a goal and a breakaway, he was strong defensively, killed penalties, played the power play. He's got really good composure." And his skills are only going to sharpen. It's amazing, isn't it? You expect the Wings to be good. You are surprised that they can be better.
So tonight, the banner goes up, the cheers rain down, and then last year is officially last year and the new season is what counts. So far, the most intriguing new personality is a longish-haired rookie who is searching for some Swedish sauce. "He must have a nickname," I say to Lewis. "What do the guys on the team call him?" "Ooh, let me see" he says, rubbing his chin, "I think they call him Hank." Hank? HANK?
Detroit Redwings Rookie Henrik Zetterberg goes head to head against perennial All-Star and future Hall-of-Famer, Dallas Stars’ center, Mike Modano.
NEW LOOK WINGS
By Bob Duff, October, 2002
Here’s the man who, in some hockey circles, is being touted as a bona fide Calder Trophy candidate. Swedish sensation Henrik Zetterberg, who played for his country at the 2002 Winter Olympics, was just that during training camp: a sensation. He turned heads in the same fashion that Pavel Datsyuk dazzled last season.
“I’ve been impressed with him,”
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin, Zetterberg’s Olympic teammate, compared the 21-year-old favorably to Colorado Avalanche superstar Peter Forsberg. “He’s not at the same level strength-wise, but I think his game is very similar,” Sundin said.
Zetterberg didn’t appreciate the sentiments. “I don’t think it’s fair to be compared to the greatest player in the league,” he said, adding that the pressure didn’t bother him. “I was under a lot of pressure in
He’s not kidding. When Timra, his Swedish club, said goodbye to their former star, the club did so by raising his No. 20 jersey into the rafters. No Timra player will ever don that number again.
“That was quite an honor,” Zetterberg said, whose arrival in
People also get pretty excited over here when those two teams meet, Henrik.
About as excited as the Wings are about Zetterberg’s arrival. At training camp, he collected three points in the first three intra-squad games.
“He’s pretty good,” McCarty said. “Really good. I think Swedish guys, more than any, can make that adjustment. You see it more and more that they play that North American style.”
Zetterberg, Datsyuk (24), Avery (22), and Williams (22), give
by NHL.com Oct. 23, 2002
Zetterberg, at 5'11'' and 176 lbs, is best known for his solid speed on the ice as well as his phenomenal balance and quickness. At Left Wing, he is a very intelligent player making great plays and setting up noteworthy situations for his teammates while on the ice.
Zetterberg started his pro hockey career in 1997, playing in his hometown of Timra, in
Over time, Zetterberg helped team Timra elevate into the Swedish Elite League, one of his goals after being drafted in 1999. It was at that time and in that league, that Zetterberg won MVP honors and Rookie of the Year honors.
Making his name in the Swedish Elite League, Zetterberg was chosen to the 2002 Swedish Olympic team to compete in
Zetterberg is making a smooth transition into the NHL scoring four points in his first five games, acquiring his first NHL goal vs.
At the young age of 22, Zetterberg is already playing on a front line with veterans Sergei Fedorov and Brenden Shanahan.
We think that’s pretty sweet!
Q. Do people in
A. Yes
Q. You recently had a birthday. What was the best gift you received?
A. Scoring my first NHL goal
Q. What did you do on your summer vacation?
A. A lot of weight lifting
Q. At what age did you start playing hockey?
A. 2 ½
Q. Is it challenging to suddenly be playing with teammates who are significantly older than you?
A. Yes!
Q. Who do you share a room with on the road?
A. Nicklas Lidstrom
Q. What is the one thing you always bring when you travel?
A. My toothbrush
Q. Which NHL goalie has the coolest mask?
A. Manny Legace,
Q. If you went to a NHL game as a spectator, which player would you most want to see on the ice?
A. Tomas Holmstrom,
Q. As a player, which opposing player would you NOT want to see on the ice?
A. That's tough to say, there are so many great players in the NHL.
Q. If you were a school teacher, which subject would you choose to teach?
A. Physical education
Q. What do you like best about living in the
A. All the television channels
Q. What advice would you give to kids stepping onto the ice with a hockeystick for the first time?
A. Heads up!
Talking with ... Henrik Zetterberg
By Ted Kulfan, The
(Zetterberg had missed three games with his first NHL injury, a pulled groin.)
Q.It appeared you were skating pretty well Saturday in
A.It feels real good. I felt pretty strong when I skated. It felt better than did it a few days ago. I'm a lot better.
Q.How has the adjustment to the NHL been for you? Has it been different than you expected?
A.For sure, it's an adjustment. You're playing against the best players in the world. The smaller rink has been an adjustment. The hockey is different that way. But I'm getting used to it. It's just something that takes time.
Q.You've been playing on a line with Sergei Fedorov and Brendan Shanahan, two of the best players in the NHL for a number of years. That has to be a thrill, especially for a young player coming into the NHL.
A.Of course, playing with two players like that, it's incredible. Both of them are such smart players, all you have to do is find an open space on the ice. They make it very easy for a young player.
Q.A lot has been made of the fact that you can play all three positions up front? Are you more comfortable at center, or one of the wings?
A.It really doesn't matter. I played all three of them in
Q.It has to help to have Swedish teammates such as Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom around on this team. Have they been a help to you adjusting to the league?
A.For sure, very much so. They've helped me in many ways on and off the ice. It's just good to have someone to talk to and help you understand something if you have questions.
Q.Have you been surprised by the level of attention you've received? Is there pressure because of all that attention?
A.It is surprising. I'm still very young in this league. There really isn't pressure. I'm just another guy. Especially with the (type of) players on this team. This is a special team.
THIS WEEK @RWW - ZETTERBERG SPEAKS UP
Redwingsworld.com, November 15th, 2002
RWW: Have you adjusted to the NHL yet? ZETTERBERG: Yes, yes.
RDThibault: What are some differences you’ve seen between the NHL style and the European style?
ZETTERBERG: The NHL is quicker, you have less time with the puck because there's more ice in
Jeep: Have you had any mentors on the Wings so far?
ZETTERBERG: No, no not really.
RWW: So you’re just playing your own game then?
ZETTERBERG: Yes, you know, if I have any questions I just ask some of the guys.
Zetterbergfan:(Chris Turner) Is there anyone you feel most comfortable playing with?
ZETTERBERG: No, everyone is such a good player here it doesn’t matter who you play with.
Zetterbergfan:(Chris Turner) If you could pick an aspect of your game you would improve, what would it be?
ZETTERBERG: I think my shot speed.
RWW: What do you think is better, your wrist shot or your slap shot?
ZETTERBERG: I think my wrist shot is better. But none of them is good.
RWW: So would you say your skating is your best quality?
ZETTERBERG: Yes, right.
TheMick: How do you feel about Joe Kocur being your coach? Has he been a good influence on you?
ZETTERBERG: Yes, he’s helped me. Before the games he comes and tells me about a few players we’re going to meet, and who to look out for. Stuff like that. It’s been great for me.
Zetterbergfan: Did you have a favorite player growing up?
ZETTERBERG: Yes. It was Gretzky. He was not as big in
RWW: We heard that you don’t like some of the food here. What kind of food do you like?
ZETTERBERG: You know, I like the ribs. But we cook most of our food at home.
RWW: Are you able to get most of the food here that you used to have in
ZETTERBERG: Well it’s the same thing, you just cook it different here.
RWW: Have you gotten settled into a place to live?
ZETTERBERG: Yes, I have a house now.
Rookie Zetterberg longs for a taste of homeland But adjusting to NHL has been piece of cake.
By Ted Kulfan, The
Zetterberg has played hockey for most of his 22 years. So the fact that the NHL game is a little more physical, quicker, and with not as much room to roam as in the European rinks, didn't cause too much trouble.
"You get used to the type of game that's played here," Zetterberg said, quietly and efficiently, the way he usually speaks. But it's the stuff off the ice that can daze any young European hockey player living thousands of miles away from home for the first time. Stuff, like food.
Of all the things Zetterberg had to adjust to after he arrived at training camp in early September, the food might have been the most difficult.
"It's just cooked differently than it is in
Zetterberg doesn't cook. So after landing in the
"My girlfriend (Desiree, who now lives with Zetterberg), she's a great cook," said Zetterberg. So good, in fact, that they rarely go out to eat. "It's a lot easier now that she's here and you have a place to call your own," he added. "The first couple of weeks, I was living in a hotel."
Most people see young NHL players from
But try negotiating the highways from Joe Louis Arena to the suburbs, if you've never been here before and don't have a clue what is printed on the signs. Television programs aren't in your native language, and opening a checking account is a foreign affair. Friends and family can be called on the phone, but are still thousands of miles away.
Pavel Datsyuk went through it last season. Tomas Holmstrom, Sergei Fedorov, Nicklas Lidstrom, and many other European Red Wings of the past have gone through it.
"A new country, a new culture, a new team, a new league," Coach Dave Lewis said. "It's an adjustment."
Zetterberg, along with Russian defenseman Dmitri Bykov, are going through it this season. But like others in recent years, they have older countrymen on the team to ease the transition.
Bykov is never far away from Maxim Kuznetsov, or Datsyuk, to help out with a question. Holmstrom's locker stall is next to Zetterberg's. Lidstrom is always around, too.
"They've been a big help," Zetterberg said. "If I have a question in Swedish about something, maybe there's something I don't understand, they've helped me out."
Zetterberg also uses the Internet to follow events in his homeland and track his old club team, Timra.
Zetterberg said the Wings' one-week prospects camp, for young players before the veterans roll into
"It got me ready for the games, for when the big guys came up," said Zetterberg, whose previous trips to the
Unlike many previous European Red Wings, Zetterberg joined the team with an astonishing amount of hype, fueled by his rock-star looks and his smooth playmaking skills.
He was Swedish Elite League MVP last season, and his eye-opening play at the February Winter Olympics in
A steady stream of Swedish television and print reporters have rolled in
When they do get to Lidstrom, one of the first questions he's asked is usually about Zetterberg.
Of all the attention, Zetterberg said, "I'm used to it," although he has not convinced anyone he likes it.
Two weeks ago, a reporter and photographer from Cafa Sports, the Swedish equivalent of Sports Illustrated, were at JLA to do a cover story on Zetterberg.
The photographer had Zetterberg seated near his locker for a series of shots. Each and every Wings player who passed that scene needled Zetterberg, forcing him to laugh out loud on a couple of occasions.
"They got me pretty good that day," Zetterberg said, grateful for new friends in his new home.
He's Z Man:
By Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Free Press, December 5th, 2002
Future Hall-of-Famer Brett
"He's very headsy,"
Zetterberg said he felt more comfortable now that he has adjusted more to the NHL, has found a place to live in the
Zetterberg nets winner
By Ted Kulfan, The
"I just had fruit,'' said Zetterberg. "I was lucky, I wasn't hungry.'' Many of the other Red Wings weren't so lucky, including Igor Larionov and Tomas Holmstrom, who missed the game.
Zetterberg one-timed a pass from Jason Woolley past
"We've had a lot of games lately," Zetterberg said. "It's nice to get two big points in this game, and now get a few days off."
It was Zetterberg's seventh goal of the season, just as a Wings power play attempt had ended. Zetterberg beat Blues goalie Fred Brathwaite from a tough angle to the side.
"I missed on that play a few games ago," Zetterberg said. "I had to get this one, or the guys wouldn't be passing to me anymore."
THE LUXURY OF CHANGING POSITIONS
By Eva Gronowska Detroitredwings.com
Teams that adapt to any situation are successful in the NHL. The Red Wings’ line up has been shuffled and their versatility has been tested by life’s surprises, including injuries, food poisoning and the flu. A recent example of the Red Wings’ adaptive skills was Coach Lewis’ decision to dress defenseman Mathieu Dandenault as a forward for a game versus
Rookie Henrik Zetterberg has shifted spots this season as well. Lately he’s centered Brett Hull and either Kirk Maltby or Boyd Devereaux. He also had a chance to play with Fedorov and Shanahan. Lewis said the rookie seems comfortable at all the forward positions.
“I like to play different places,” the rookie said. “I don’t mind playing winger, but most of my career I’ve played center, so maybe I’m a little more comfortable at center.” Changing to another position requires a player to change their perspective on the ice. Zetterberg admitted that going from offense to defense would not be in his best interests.
“I just played a couple games in
In any other hockey club, such rampant position switching might collect gripes from the locker room. But the Red Wings are a different kind of team and use the position switching to their advantage.
“It just gives the coaching staff other options. If they need to switch up lines or interchange players, they can do that because they know guys can play those different positions,” Veteran center Kris Draper said.
“It’s a special quality in a player that they can change positions like that, whether it’s going left wing to right wing, or particularly more so when it’s going from forward to defense or defense to forward,” Head Coach Dave Lewis said.
Sportswriters mid-season grades
By NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
Henrik Zetterberg: B
His production has gone kaput lately, but his numbers still are quite respectable. Maybe he is hitting the same wall Pavel Datsyuk hit around this time last season, as a European rookie playing many more games at a much higher intensity than ever before. He has lived up to the considerable preseason hype relatively well, playing with top players against top players and showing flashes of good things to come.
TED KULFAN, THE
Henrik Zetterberg: Really opened eyes in training camp, and early in the season. Has hit his first offensive slump in recent weeks, but Lewis has shown his faith in Zetterberg by keeping him on the power play and on one of the top scoring lines. A strong candidate for the Calder Trophy for rookie of the year. Grade: C+
