2003
Zetterberg Slumping
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, Friday, January 3, 2003
Rookie forward Henrik Zetterberg is going through his first significant offensive slump, going eight games without a point and 10 games without a goal.
"It's not fun when you don't score any points," Zetterberg said. "I just have to keep going and hope a few chances will come my way."
Even though Zetterberg is slumping on offense, he hasn't let it affect the other parts of his game.
Zetterberg continues to play solidly on defense and is holding his own in the face-off circle. Lewis has kept Zetterberg on the power-play and penalty-killing units.
Lewis isn't concerned about Zetterberg's power outage, especially since the Wings are winning. The Zetterberg line, with forwards Kirk Maltby and Brett Hull, is holding its own against the opposition's top lines.
"If you're not scoring, (but) doing other things, that's the important part of it," Lewis said.
The Red Wings have Swedish sensation Henrik Zetterberg, while the Phoenix Coyotes have Slovakian rookie Branko Radivojevic.
Through games of January 1, the two were tied for third in rookie scoring with seven goals, behind
Also at seven are Columbus' Rick Nash and
Radivojevic leads all rookies in shooting percentage at 15.6 percent, while Zetterberg is third with 12.3 percent. Hall is second with 12.5 percent.
Rookie overcomes first major scoring slump
BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA, FREE PRESS, Thursday, January 9, 2003
Jason Woolley set up Brett Hull for the game-winning goal at 1:34 of overtime in a 2-1 victory against the Florida Panthers at the
Henrik Zetterberg, who set up
ESPN GAME DAY RECAP
January 11, 2003
The Philadelphia Flyers won their sixth straight victory, 3-2 over the Detroit Red Wings in a matchup of first-place teams Saturday. Henrik Zetterberg and Brett Hull scored for
The Red Wings took a 1-0 lead on Zetterberg's eighth goal of the season, 7:31 into the first. Zetterberg deked and skated wide and to the left of the crease, around Flyers defenseman Eric Desjardins , forced goalie Roman Cechmanek to make an ill-advised diving attempt at his stick and lifted a beautiful shot into the top far-side corner. The goal broke a 15 game goalless streak for the slumping rookie.
Red Wing vows to battle his way out of scoring slump
By Ted Kulfan, The
Heading into Monday's game against the Blackhawks, (Future Hall-of Famer) Luc Robitaille had four goals. Four -- in 43 games. Four -- by the NHL's all-time leader for goals scored for a left wing (624).
So, what does Robitaille intend to change for the second half of the season?
"Everything," he said. "I'd like for him to drive a different way to the rink, eat different food, we're going to put him on right wing, just anything to change his focus," said Red Wings Coach Dave Lewis, who is giving Robitaille every opportunity to snap out of the slump.
What's ironic about Robitaille's slump is that he spent some time talking with rookie forward Henrik Zetterberg last week as Zetterberg's own goal-scoring drought reached 14 games.
Robitaille talked to Zetterberg about settling down, not pressing, and letting the game come to him naturally.
Zetterberg must have listened. He played a pair of impressive games before ending the drought with a goal Saturday in
"If he listens to his own advice, it would be good," Lewis said.
Zetterberg makes a solid first impression
By Karl Samuelson, NHL.com January 15, 2003
What a difference a year makes!
Last winter, Henrik Zetterberg was scoring at such a torrid pace that he was chosen league MVP, yet he couldn't lead his Timra squad out of the basement of the Swedish Elite League. Also, he was accorded the rare honor of being a non-NHLer chosen to play for Team
This year the 22-year-old forward is a frontrunner for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie while playing a key role for the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings.
"I'm really impressed," says Columbus Blue Jackets assistant coach Gord Murphy. "He is a guy that has a lot of talent and skill. Zetterberg always seems to be in the right position and makes the right decision with the puck or without the puck. He seems to play with such composure, nothing ever seems to get him rattled."
Composure ... that's one of the first things that people notice about Zetterberg on the ice. Is the Swedish freshman really as calm as he appears?
"I think so," says
The soft-spoken Swede credits his Olympic experience as a springboard to realizing his long time dream ... to play in the NHL.
"I think it is the dream of every hockey player to play in the NHL, it certainly was for me," says Zetterberg. "The best players in the world play here. I learned a lot at the Olympics with Team
The crackdown on obstruction has helped the 5-foot-11, 176 pounder adjust to the NHL this season, but the ice confines of NHL arenas are still a far cry from the huge ice sheets in Europe.
"He is getting used to the ice and the traffic here in the NHL," says
"He's the real deal," Legace said. "Henrik can do it all. He's got unbelievable moves in tight, he can pass, and his vision is scary. I've seen him set up Brendan Shanahan this year where the television didn't pick him up until the last second. He hasn't missed a step. When you consider that he has played with Sergei Fedorov flying around out there and Shanny trying to get into the open and Henrik hasn't missed one step. It's usually Stevie out there with those guys and you can't replace Yzerman, but Zetterberg hasn't looked out of place. He is going to be a special player."
There are many qualities that make Zetterberg a special player, not the least of which is his mastery of the backhand shot.
"You see the backhand shot a lot less (nowadays) because with the technology you can shoot the puck a lot harder on your forehand," says
Nobody is more pleased with the rookie Red Wings forward than Dave Lewis, the rookie Red Wings coach.
"Henrik Zetterberg is a very smart, heady player," Lewis said. "I think that he is still learning the League. Every time he plays against an opponent it's a new opponent, so that's always an adventure for a young player. But he's been very consistent and that's the one thing you look for in a young player and he has no problem with that. He is playing in key situations, both on the power play and on the penalty kill, he's been on the ice with less than a minute to go when the game was on the line and has even scored the game winner."
Solid team defense is as much a part of the
"He's a very strong defensive player and we saw some of that ability last year in the Olympics," Lewis said. "Henrik has carried that over into his first season in the NHL and it's very important for a young player not to sacrifice defense for offense. Most players seem to think they get notoriety from offense, but you can get a lot more notoriety from strong defense, especially in the locker room. Those things are all positives. He's had a very positive start to his NHL career and what's extra special is he can play all three forward positions."
Whether the Red Wings put Zetterberg at center, right or left wing, the result is always the same.
"You've got to be careful every time he's on the ice," says Calgary Flames captain Craig Conroy. " He's very skilled offensively and when you add a player like that to a team that already has guys that scored over 600 goals, it's pretty impressive."
NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
January 16, 2003 NOTEBOOK: Last Monday, coach Dave Lewis said he was considering resting rookie Henrik Zetterberg,who never had played so many games at such an intense pace. Wednesday, Lewis said he was still considering it but hadn't picked a time. "You don't want to pick the wrong time," he said. "I don't think it's the right time now." After going 11 games without a point, Zetterberg has four points in four games, including the Wings' goal in Wednesday night's 4-1 loss to the Blackhawks at the
The Red Wings led 1-0 on Zetterberg's goal at 9:59 of the first period. He took a pass at the blue line, deked, hopped over a sliding Alexander Karpovtsev, and put in a point-blank backhand over the shoulder Black Hawks goalie, Jocelyn Thibeault. It was Zetterberg's ninth goal of the season. The lead held up through the first period, but the Blackhawks dominated the next 20 minutes. After a 4-1 loss to the Blackhawks on Wednesday night, the Wings have alternated victories and losses for the last eight games.
BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER, January 20, 2003
RedWings rookies, Defenseman Dmitri Bykov and forward Henrik Zetterberg have had strong rookie seasons, but the NHL hockey operations department didn't invite them to the Feb 1st YoungStars Game, played a day before the NHL All-Star Game.
"You know, actually, that's a good thing," Lewis said. "They can rest. Both of them have some nagging things that have been bothering them a little bit."
(Neither player has missed any recent games or shown any signs of “nagging” injuries.)
Talking with ... Henrik Zetterberg, Red Wings forward
By Ted Kulfan, The
Q.You went through a stretch there where you had some good chances but weren't scoring. Now you're starting to put the puck in the net again, with two goals in the last five games.
A.I've been having chances, so as long as that happens, you know it's going to come around. You're going to have some games where the puck isn't going to go in, so you just have to stay patient, because you know it's going to turn around.
Q.Coach Dave Lewis has put you on a line with Pavel Datsyuk and Brett Hull, and it's a line that has clicked.
A.Yeah, some nights it works out really well. Brett is such a great player, he finds the open (space) on the ice and all you have to do is get him the puck. He has such a great shot. And Pavel is a wonderful passer. We've had some good chances lately.
Q.Does it mean anything special to you to be playing with someone who is getting close to 700 goals?
A.Oh yeah, very much. Brett is one of the best players of all-time. To score that many goals, I can't even imagine. There are so many great players on this team. For a young player, you just watch them and how they practice and work (off the ice), and it's really something.
Q.Was fatigue a factor when you were going through your scoring slump?
A.No, I wasn't tired. I played a lot of games in
Wings Break Out of Slump
By Ansar Khan, mlive.com, Thursday, January 23, 2003
Rookie forward Henrik Zetterberg appears to have been rejuvenated lately. When he went 11 games without scoring a point from Dec. 17 to Jan. 8, Lewis considered sitting him out for a game or two to re-energize him. That's no longer the plan.
"I think he looks pretty good," Lewis said. "On the trip in
When Pavel Datsyuk returned from a knee injury on Jan. 8 at
"The line's been pretty good," Lewis said. "They're good passers, all three guys."
Zetterberg has already played in 45 games, only three fewer than his career-high last season. He will get a breather next weekend during the All-Star break.
"I think it'll be really good for him, just to sit back and get away from the game a little bit and relax," Lewis said.
ESPN, GAME DAY RECAP Friday, January 24
Detroit defenseman Niklas Lidstrom scored the go-ahead goal with 6:45 remaining as the Red Wings beat the Vancouver Canucks 5-2 Friday night in a game that reminded both teams of their first-round playoff series last season.
Lidstrom pinched in from the right point, reached back behind his body and swept in Henrik Zetterberg's nice cross-ice, back-hand pass underneath Canuck’s goalie, Dan Cloutier.
Zetterberg was a +1 with the game winning assist, but also went down and blocked a shot early in the game, then later hit the post on a hard shot.
With Every Game, Zetter Gets Better
By Paul Harris, Inside Hockeytown Magaizine, February, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg has created quite a contradiction for himself since signing with the Red Wings last spring.
Since the Prospects Camp and then the regular training camp in
Off the ice and out of his equipment, Zetterberg, 22, has rock-star good looks and the long hair to go with it.
So, armed with a lucrative one-way NHL contract, the new much-ballyhooed kid in Hockeytown is making his presence felt in the area's social circles as much as he is on the ice...right?
Well, not exactly.
When asked what he likes to do when he's away from the rink, Zetterberg responded: "Just hang around with my family. When you're not here, you just want to be home."
The native of
But when Zetterberg isn't in domestic bliss, he's creating another contradiction by giving the National Hockey League an eyeful of what it doesn't see too often...namely, a highly-skilled and publicized rookie who knows what he's doing in all three zones of the ice.
"He loves to play hockey; he's got a real good feel for the game," said Red Wings' general manager Ken Holland. "He works at both ends of the ice. He's become a dependable player."
A natural center, Zetterberg can also play both wings, play on the No. 2 power-play unit and kill penalties.
"He can make plays," said
He had nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points in 44 games. Those aren't bad totals for a rookie in a league dominated by defensive systems and outstanding goaltenders with Michelin Man-like equipment - a rookie who plays on a team of superstars that regularly rolls four lines.
Not only does Zetterberg - 6 feet and 185 pounds - not get too high when things are going well, he also doesn't get low when things don't work out.
Such as when he went 11 games without a point and 12 games without a goal from late December to early January.
"I wasn't pressing," he said, a few days after finally scoring a goal on a great fake and precision high shot while coming in off the left wing against the Philadelphia Flyers' Roman Cechmanek.
"Sure, you want to contribute. But it's a long season; there's going to be a couple of weeks where things don't go your way."
Things continued to go his way a couple of games later when he scored another goal. This one was a real highlight-reel effort at the
Zetterberg took a pass from Sergei Fedorov at the Blackhawks' blue line at full speed. He headed for the net, but a
No problem. "Hank", as his Red Wing teammates call him, simply jumped over the defender, took a couple more strides and deposited the puck into the net, past
But Zetterberg had been exhibiting those kind of moves since training camp in September, when he was the talk of the first few scrimmages.
"He's nifty. He's good on the puck," said Kris Draper, on the second day of scrimmages. "He's strong on the puck and strong on his stick."
But that was really no surprise, considering the way Zetterberg had exploded into prominence just a few months earlier.
The then-unknown Red Wing prospect, who had been taken in the seventh round of the 1999 NHL Draft with the 210th overall pick, was a surprise selection for the Team Sweden Olympic squad, for the February Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was one of only a handful of non-NHL Olympians playing for the big six hockey countries, which are
And when play began, Zetterberg seamlessly blended in among the very best players in the world.
His
"You could tell he didn't look out of place or unusual in that tournament," said Lidstrom. "He was really strong in the corners. Playing against
Before the Olympics, Zetterberg had been making steady progress since being drafted by the Red Wings. The two main reasons that 209 players were taken ahead of him were his size - only 5'10" and 165 pounds in June of 1999 - and that was the same draft year as Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who monopolized all of the attention for Swedish draft-eligible players.
But playing for Timra IK of the Swedish Division I league (the country's third-tier league), Zetterberg was finding his legs as a hockey player. As an 18-year-old, he had 17 goals and 14 assists for 31 points in 41 games, including the playoffs. He was the 41st best European non-goalie available for the 1999 draft, according to the Central Scouting Bureau.
The Sedins were taken second and third overall by the Vancouver Canucks and Zetterberg was there for the Red Wings at No. 210.
"He's a player that, while he was in
That improvement was quite evident during the 1999-2000 season. Zetterberg's play the previous season had helped Timra IK move up to the Allsvenskan, the second-tier league. And as a rookie, he took the league by storm.
He displayed his two-way game, but still had 30 goals and 18 assists for 48 points in 52 games and was plus-33. He was also named to the Swedish Junior National team along with fellow Red Wing-prospect, defenseman Niklas Kronvall. In fact, they were the team's assistant captains for the World Junior Championships, which is annually held in late December and early January.
The Sedins were also on the team as Zetterberg had three goals and five assists for eight points in seven games. Timra IK moved up to the Swedish Elite League, the Elitserien, the following season. But Zetterberg was named to the Swedish national team before the season even began.
That's when he started to become one of the most popular hockey players in
In his third game with the National team, Zetterberg scored his first goal. He came in all alone on a Russian goalie and made a similar reverse move to the one that Forsberg used in the 1994 Olympic gold-medal game shoot-out against
Zetterberg then showed his own flair for the dramatic in his Elitserien debut in 2000-01, when he scored the overtime winner against reigning champion Djurgarden.
Not bad for a 19-year-old rookie, and he went on to win the league's Rookie of the Year Award with 15 goals and 46 points in 47 games. In addition, he had two goals and six points in 17 games for the national team. That included a goal and three assists in the World Championships.
He was a marked man by the opposition the following season and his offensive numbers dropped to 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 46 games. But Zetterberg was still clearly the best player in just about every game he played.
He was then selected to the Swedish Olympic Team, one of only three non-NHL players to make the team.
"You could see he had good skills, could read the game," said Holmstrom.
Sundin even compared Zetterberg to a young Forsberg. Zetterberg's performance in
"We signed him based on that (the Olympics)," said
And after impressing in the Prospects Camp, Zetterberg was the buzz of the first two days of camp scrimmages.
On the opening day, he set up Jason Williams for two of his three goals with pinpoint passes that Williams put in from in close. One was a cross-ice backhand pass from along the right boards that Williams, skating in off the left wing, one-timed high into the net. The other was a nifty pass for a tip-in.
Zetterberg also added a goal.
The following day, he repeated the backhand pass from the right boards to the left side of the net to set up another goal. He also added another assist. Lewis was impressed.
"So far, I've seen him for eight days, and each day, he seems to get better," he said at the time.
Of course, Zetterberg was downplaying his success. When asked what he does best on a hockey rink, he avoided the question.
"I hate when people ask me that," he said with a sly smile. "You'll have to wait and see and judge for yourself."
Swedish eyes were on him both figuratively and literally during that camp because a reporter and camera crew from
With all of that attention, maybe it's best that Zetterberg is so laid back.
"I think it's good that he takes it easy," said Holmstrom. "...He's a relaxed guy. He just takes it as it comes."
Throughout the exhibition games and early in the regular season, Zetterberg was getting more accustomed to the smaller North American rinks, and to the added play in the corners and along the boards that comes with the game in the
And while he has had to adjust to a new league, new teammates, new language and to getting comfortable in a new country, his countrymen Lidstrom and Holmstrom have been especially helpful to Zetterberg in this regard. He and Lidstrom room together on the road. Zetterberg is much more relaxed now than last season.
"There's less pressure this year," he said. "Before, I was the focus. Now, I'm on a team full of superstars. I just have to go out and play."
And that's what he's done.
But there have been times when he has stepped forward to be the hero this season. Zetterberg's first NHL overtime goal came on December 8th, and gave the Red Wings a 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Not only did he give the team a victory, but he also allowed several teammates to get much needed rest and medicine that much quicker. That's because many Red Wings were playing with flu-like symptoms that sidelined both Holmstrom and Igor Larionov for the game.
But Zetterberg's one-timer from the right circle got under the pads of goaltender Fred Brathwaite, and his exhausted and spent teammates were grateful for the win and the early rest.
At the time, it was thought that the flu-like symptoms were caused by Philly Steak sandwiches and coleslaw that had been served on the flight from
That turned out not to be the case. But even if it was Zetterberg was covered.
"I just ate the fruit," he said after the overtime game-winner. "I wasn't hungry."
But he makes Red Wings fans' mouths water when he's on the ice, and generally leaves reporters' notebooks undernourished off it.
Zetterberg uses fast hands to score against Canucks
By Chris Turner, 18 Feb 2003
Henrik Zetterberg scored his 12th goal of the season, just 63 seconds after Sergei Fedorov scored in the second period VS the Vancouver Canucks tonight.
Niklas Lidstrom moved the puck up along the right side boards and center, Pavel Datsyuk battled along the boards to dig the puck out to Zetterberg. The rookie skated from the corner to the crease all alone, made some quick stick moves, and stuffed the puck backhanded, between the
The nifty goal gave
Despite the defensive collapse by the team as a whole, Zetterberg played a very solid defensive game, often against the Canuck's top scoring line of Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi, and Brendan Morrison. He was a plus 1, which has been a rare occurrence for the young Swede recently.
Rookie Zetterberg Continues Solid Play on Historical Night for the Redwings
By Chris Turner, February 24, 2003
Detroit Redwings Captain, Steve Yzerman returned to the lineup for the first time this season, against the Los Angeles Kings at the Joe Louis Arena. He had an unprecedented comeback in the world of sports after having a rare surgery, called an osteotomy, to realign his right leg in the off-season. The procedure involved surgeons sawing the bone above his knee in half, turning it slightly, and re-fusing it back together. The 37 year old, who has been
He made his first shift 54 seconds into the game, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, as he took a face-off, centering a line with wingers Luc Robitaille and Boyd Devereaux.
With the Redwings trying to hold on to a 5-3 lead with 5:23 left in the game, Yzerman centered a line with rookie Henrik Zetterberg and sophomore Pavel Datsyuk. Head coach Dave Lewis put the veteran leader with the two highly talented youngsters to utilize his right handed face-off skills on a crucial defensive zone draw. The line combination displayed great confidence in the two junior forwards by the coach, as Yzerman was a little rusty skating in his comeback. Yzerman won the draw and Zetterberg skated towards the blue line and cleared the puck out of the zone. The Wings held on to win 5-4.
Yzerman, Datsyuk, and Zetterberg were all a plus 1 in tonights victory. Zetterberg is a plus 2 in the last two games bringing his season +/- to minus 4. With 12 goals and 14 assists in 58 games, the Swedish sensation remains in the running as a Calder Trophy candidate (rookie of the year), just four points behind Tyler Arneson of the Chicago Blackhawks.
Assists From Future Hall of Famers Give Zetterberg His First Two Goal Game
By Chris Turner, February 27, 2003
Detroit Redwings rookie Henrik Zetterberg had the first two-goal game in his career against the
Zetterberg’s first goal came 15:17 into the first period, giving the Redwings a 1-0 lead. Brett Hull worked the puck down low to the left of
Zetterberg’s second goal of the game occurred in the second period as Redwing’s captain Steve Yzerman stole the puck from a
The rookie was a +2 in the game and is a +5 in his last five games. He is now even for +/- on the year.
Zetterberg's play lifts Hull, Wings
By Lindsay Berra, ESPN The Magazine, February 28th, 2003
Brett Hull was in a legitimate scoring funk. He potted goal No. 699 on January 22 in
Wings head coach Dave Lewis constantly juggles his lines due to injuries or offensive woes, but he refused to shake things up on Brett Hull's line. Lewis let
In the 21 games since then, Zetterberg, Datsyuk and
"I know that I'm in a great situation and I want to stay there," says
And
As one of only three non-NHLers on Team Sweden during the Olympics last February, Zetterberg so impressed Leafs' captain Mats Sundin with his shifty moves and on-ice vision that Sundin compared him to a young Peter Forsberg. In May, he led
It is Zetterberg's versatility -- along with his amazing dekes -- that turns heads. He can play all three forward positions with equally staggering offensive skill, yet he backchecks mercilessly and kills penalties, traits not usually attributed to young Europeans.
The Wings took Zetterberg with their fourth pick in the seventh round (210th overall) of the 1999 entry draft. Lucky for the Wings, the rest of the league was so awed by super-Swede twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin (they went second and third overall), that Zetterberg's talent was grossly underestimated. (He currently has more points than both Sedins).
Entering Wings camp in October, Zetterberg's only drawback was his size. Even after lifting weights and chowing down all summer -- "I ate a lot," he says. "All of the time, I think, I ate." -- he's just 6-feet, 180 pounds. But, he can take a hit. The slippery Swede still managed to head into corners and come out with the puck, leaving bigger guys in his wake, and he still managed to fight through the defense to dazzle the coaches with his breakaway moves. His three goals and four assists in seven preseason games left Wings brass impressed enough that Zetterberg made the big club without spending a single day in the minors.
Wings teammates and fellow Swedes Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom eased Zetterberg's transition to
And Zetterberg has done plenty of that -- his 21 goals and 40 points are first among rookies. Of course, it doesn't hurt to be skating with an old goat like
Line of Datsyuk,
By Chris Turner, March 2, 2003
We haven’t seen passing like this on he Redwings since the Russian 5. Not since the line of Sergei Fedorov, Igor Larionov, Slava Kovlov, Slava Fetisov, and Vladimir Konstaninov played together in 1997 have we seen a line display as much playmaking ability and puck-handling skill as the line of Pavel Datsyuk, Brett Hull, and Henrik Zetterberg.
Their skills were on display this evening as the Redwings beat the Phoenix Coyotes due mainly to goals by
Zetterberg scored his 15th goal of the season on the powerplay in the second period. Pavel Datsyuk stick-handled his way past
Redwings Captain, Steve Yzerman, was interviewed by ESPN’s Darren Pang during the games second intermission. Here is what he had to say about the skill level of Datsyuk and Zetterberg:
Pang: You’ve long admired the play of Pavel Datsyuk and now we are seeing Henrik Zetterberg. The future of the Redwings is in pretty good shape aren’t they?
Yzerman: Yeah, those two guys are phenomenal! Slightly different types of players. Pavel is more one on one, kind of a stick handler, playmaker. Hank is a great finisher, good all around player, very intelligent for being his first year in the league. He really knows the game well and his positioning well. He’s not just out there on enthusiasm and ability. He really knows how to play. So, tremendous young players…a huge lift for us and the organization for the future.
He would know!
ESPN.COM GAME DAY RECAP Sunday, March 2nd, 2003
Pavel Datsyuk had two goals and two assists for a career-high four points and he and linemates Brett Hull and Henrik Zetterberg combined for nine points as Detroit beat the Phoenix Coyotes 5-2 without captain Steve Yzerman.
"Pavel was very good, the whole line was good,''
Datsyuk put a cross-crease pass from
"We've played with each other for a while now,'' said Zetterberg, who has three goals and an assist in his last two games. "You start to learn where Pavel is and where Hully is.''
Youngsters lead Wings to victory;
By Ansar Khan, mlive.com, Monday, March 3, 2003
Youngsters Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, playing on a line with crafty veteran Brett Hull, dazzled the Phoenix Coyotes with their stick-handling, passing and shooting, leading the Wings to their fifth straight victory, 5-2 Sunday at Joe Louis Arena.
Datsyuk had two goals and two assists for his first career four-point game.
In the last nine games,
"There's a real good feeling about the three of them together," Lewis said. "If you watch in practice, it seems Zetterberg and Datsyuk are doing everything together, they're almost thinking as one. Of course, Brett finds ways to get open and make plays."
After a scoreless first period, the Wings started clicking in the latter half of the second period.
It was more of the same in the third as Datsyuk scored on a breakaway at 5:37 after a nice no-look backhand pass from
Red Wings: Notebook, Dynamic Datsyuk
By Ted Kulfan / The
Center Pavel Datsyuk had a career-high four-point night against the Coyotes with two goals and two assists.
He experienced another career first, facing a large media group around him after the game.
"Does anyone know Russian?" asked Datsyuk, who has gradually improved his English during his second season in
Datsyuk praised his linemates, wingers Brett Hull and Henrik Zetterberg, who were equally impressive Sunday.
"Good line," Datsyuk said. "I support them, and they support me."
Lewis likes the way the two young players have jelled with
"There's good chemistry there," Lewis said. "They do a lot of give-and-go, and it sounds simple, but the give-and-go is a lot more complicated than that. They know where the other person is all the time."
The three seem to have perfected the behind-the-back pass.
"We yell at them at practice," Lewis said, "but I guess they can get away with it in the game."
Datsyuk's line tames Coyotes
BY HELENE ST. JAMES, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER, March 3, 2003
As reporters flocked around Henrik Zetterberg in the Red Wings' locker room, backup goaltender Manny Legace stood nearby, stuffing his laundry bag.
"I make the line," Legace yelled, pretending to be Zetterberg. "I am the best."
Zetterberg grinned. He and his linemates, fellow youngster Pavel Datsyuk and veteran right wing Brett Hull, had contributed four goals and five assists to a 5-2 victory Sunday against
Datsyuk had a career-best game with two goals and two assists, and afterward played hide-and-seek with the media until giving in with one last plea: "We do this in Russian, OK?"
In English, Datsyuk said it was "a very fun game" and "a very good line."
While the other forwards have gone from line to line, Datsyuk,
"We like to make plays," Zetterberg said. "Sometimes it's a little bit dangerous, but most of the time we try to not be so dangerous -- to us."
Rookie Zetterberg Does it All
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 4, 2003
Pavel Datsyuk is getting most of the attention lately with 2 goals and seven assists in the last three games, but another young Redwing forward is displaying his potential in every aspect of the game.
In tonight’s 3-2 win at
He had two really good scoring chances that Blue Jacket’s goalie Marc Denis had to make great saves on. In the second period with the score tied, Zetterberg stole a pass at
In the third period, Zetterberg was stopped again as he skated around a defensemen and stickhandled the puck back through the crease. With the speed he had going, only a strong poke check by the goalie stopped him from getting to the open net on the far side.
He played over 15 minutes of ice time total, with 2:14 on the powerplay, and 2:55 on penalty kill. He blocked three shots killing penalties. Zetterberg was on the ice for Brett Hull’s 28th goal of the season and 707th of his career, giving Zetterberg a +1 for the game. He is a +8 in the last 5 games. He is now a +3 this year after being a -5 just two weeks ago.
Tonight, Henrik Zetterberg showed that he does it all. He creates great scoring chances with smooth skating and some flashy moves, he battles through defensemen as if the puck is attached to his stick. He plays solid defense with good positioning. He isn’t afraid to block shots or take hits. The kid is sensational and is only going to get better.
Here is where Henrik Zetterberg currently stands in the Calder Trophy race: He is only one goal behind
ROOKIE RACE:
By George Sipple, Free Press Sports Writer, March 4, 2003
(Columbus Rookie left wing, Rick)Nash is tied with the Wings' Henrik Zetterberg for second in NHL rookie scoring. They each have 30 points. Nash has 13 goals and 17 assists; Zetterberg 15 of each.
"I projected he'd score 12 goals," coach Doug MacLean said of Nash. "Certainly more than I ever would have imagined."
Nash and Zetterberg trail
Nash said he tries not to look at what the other rookies are doing, but "obviously you think about it in the back of your mind." For his part, Zetterberg said he thinks about getting points every night, but not the individual kind.
"I just like to get two points every night and help the team as best I can," Zetterberg said. "Can't go wrong thinking that way."
NHL.COM March 4, 2003
Zetterberg edged Buffalo Sabres right wing Ales Kotalik (2-5--7 in 12 games), Nashville Predators right wing Adam Hall (4-2--6 in 11 games), Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Tomas Surovy (3-3--6 in eight games) and St. Louis Blues defenseman Barret Jackman (0-4--4, +5 rating in 11 games) for the award.
Zetterberg played an average of 15:20 per game, second to
A seventh-round pick of the Red Wings (210th overall) in the 1999 Entry Draft, the 22-year-old
Zetterberg has appeared in 62 of the Red Wings' 65 games this season and is in second place among NHL rookie scorers with 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists), just one behind Chicago's Tyler Arnason. Zetterberg is tied for second in goals and tied for fourth in assists and power-play points (eight).
Rookie of the Month winners: 2002-03 season
February: Henrik Zetterberg,
January: Ales Kotalik,
December: Tyler Arnason,
November: Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets
October: Tyler Arnason,
Red Wings: Notebook. Zetterberg wins award, His reputation grows to the point he is top February rookie
By Ted Kulfan / The
Now, word of Zetterberg's ability is spreading throughout the league, with talk of a possible Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year) sure to grow.
On Tuesday, the league named Zetterberg rookie of the month for February. He led all rookies with five goals in 11 games.
"I feel comfortable when he's on the ice, and that's pretty good for a rookie to know he can be on the ice in most situations," Coach Dave Lewis said of Zetterberg, 22, who has been a regular in the lineup all season. "The players on the bench feel that comfort, too."
Zetterberg has thrived on a line with center Pavel Datsyuk and wing Brett Hull. In particular, Zetterberg and Datsyuk, two of the Wings' best players in recent weeks, have developed an uncanny chemistry.
"There's something between the two of them, and you can plop
From the first days of training camp in
Zetterberg also is much more responsible defensively than typical young players.
"You go through phases in a season and right now he's not on the power play," Lewis said. "He has the ability to make plays on the power play, but we have too many players. I trust him defensively. He can take faceoffs if you had to. He's strong on the boards. He knows when to make intelligent plays with the puck. He's a pretty intelligent hockey player."
Zetterberg edged Buffalo wing Ales Kotalik (two goals, seven points in 12 games), Nashville wing Adam Hall (four goals, six points in 11 games), Pittsburgh wing Tomas Surovy (three goals, six points in eight games) and St. Louis defenseman Barret Jackman (four assists in 11 games) for the award.
Forward Henrik Zetterberg said he didn't know he was named NHL rookie of the month for February on Tuesday until he walked into the dressing room Wednesday morning and his teammates told him. "I don't know what it means exactly," Zetterberg said, "but it's fun." Asked if his teammates had ribbed him about it, Zetterberg smiled and said, "Not yet." .
BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER March 6, 2003
Another Two Goal Game Makes Zetterberg Leading Calder Candidate.
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 8, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg’s two goals in the Detroit Redwings 7-2 win over division rivals St. Louis Blues, were overshadowed by the scoring of some prolific future Hall of Fame teammates. Superstar, Sergei Fedorov had 2 first period goals and a second period goal in his return after missing a game with a sore back. His Natural hat trick made the game 3-0. All-star defenseman, Niklas Lidstrom had four assists in the game. And veteran sniper, Brett Hull got his 600th career assist on one of Zetterberg’s goals.
Despite these achievements by the more experienced players, Henrik Zetterberg scored some important goals. Both of the rookie’s third period goals were significant points in a close Rookie of the Year race. His first goal of the game (16th of the season) came 4:02 into the period, assisted by Lidstrom and outstanding sophomore, Pavel Datsyuk.
Game Winning Goal Ties Zetterberg For Rookie Lead
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 10, 2003
Rookie points leader, Henrik Zetterberg scored what ended up being the game winning goal for the Detroit Redwings Monday night against the Los Angeles Kings.
Despite playing only 13 minutes, Zetterberg was able to convert on his only shot on goal in the game when took a pass in the slot between the circles, from linemate Pavel Datsyuk, and lifted a pretty backhanded shot into the top corner of the net, over the waving glove of King's goalie Jamie Storr. The goal gave the Wings a 3-0 lead at 9:37 into the second period.
He has six goals and is a +9 in the last ten games. Zetterberg also leads all rookie with 35 points. Tyler Arnason of
Zetterberg Scores 18th Goal in Impressive Rookie Season
ESPN.COM March 11, 2003
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Brett Hull said he thinks linemate Henrik Zetterberg looks like a rookie of the year award winner.
Zetterberg scored his 18th goal for the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night in a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, giving him six in his past seven games. The 22-year-old left wing leads NHL rookies with 35 points and is tied for the league lead in goals with
''He's an unbelievably good player,''
''I don't think there's been a guy this young who's come along and has the whole package -- be able to kill penalties, be very reliable in his own zone defensively, score, pass and check. You're going to be hard-pressed to find anyone who deserves the rookie of the year more than he does. I can tell you that.''
Wings Hope Zetterberg Named Rookie of the Year
By Ansar Khan, mlive.com, Tuesday, March 11, 2003
LOS ANGELES -- After being named NHL rookie of the month last week, Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg is making a strong case for rookie of the year honors.
Zettebrerg has six goals and nine points in his last seven games and leads NHL rookies in goals (tied with
Linemate Brett Hull gave him a strong endorsement.
"If you can put up a case for someone who's better you go right ahead. I don't think you can,"
In his typical low-key fashion, Zetterberg downplayed his Calder chances.
"It's fun to be mentioned," Zetterberg said. "But you try not to think about it so much, just go out and play and wait and see what happens."
Zetterberg's stiffest competition could come from
The Wings are biased but truly believe Zetterberg deserves to win.
"He's a worker, an intelligent player, a playmaker," Wings coach Dave Lewis said. "He can score some goals, he's a penalty-killer."
Said Zetterberg: "I'm not going to be a better player if I win it. Of course it would be fun, but it's not that big a difference."
Zetterberg Touted for Rookie of Year
BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER, March 14, 2003
Red Wings coach Dave Lewis was asked the other day why forward Henrik Zetterberg should win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year.
"Why should he?" Lewis said. "Why shouldn't he?"
Zetterberg led NHL rookies in scoring with 35 points -- 18 goals, 17 assists -- entering Thursday, and he has been impressive defensively.
But Zetterberg said he tried "not to think about it so much."
"Of course it's fun to be mentioned," he said. "But I'm not going to be a better player if I win."
MERRY MATES:
Zetterberg said he loved playing with
“Two Kids and a Goat” Line Work their Magic Again.
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 15, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg made the best pass of his young Detroit Redwings career in a huge 5-3 victory over the arch rival Colorado Avalanche. The brilliant play happened 5:13 into the first period. Veteran right winger, Brett Hull, came across ice and cycled the puck into the left wing corner behind
The line connected later in the game as well. Datsyuk and
After the game future Hall of Famer, Brett Hull was asked about the play of rookie Henrik Zetterberg. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a kid like Hank Zetterberg come into the league and have as much composure, as much skill, and savvy for the game, in my career. I’m given a lot of credit but all I’m doing is going out and trying to find the (open) area, and use (Datsyuk and Zeterberg) to my advantage, and they are a lot of fun to play with!”, Hull exclaimed.
ESPN Analyst, Barry Melrose added, “
Zetterberg’s assist on Datsyuk’s goal was his 18th of the season, keeping him ahead in the rookie scoring race with 36 points. His closest competition for the Calder trophy is now Petr Cajanek of
Zetterberg Moving Up in Rookie Point Totals
By Chris Turner, March 16, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg had a goal and an assist on one of Brett Hull’s three goals, as the Detroit Redwings beat the Ottawa Senators 6-2 at the Joe Louis Arena tonight, in a battle of conference leaders.
Zetterberg’s goal came on the power play at 15:39 into the second period. Pavel Datsyuk dropped the puck off to Brendan Shanahan behind
Zetterberg was also credited for an assist on Brett Hull’s second of three goals in the game. Zetterberg battled for the puck along the boards with two Senator’s players. He batted the puck loose and it appeared to hit one of the
The two points give Zetterberg 38 on the season. He is now four points ahead of the next leading rookie, Petr Cajanek of
Brett Hull’s hat trick gives him 33 goals this season, two short of an automatic contract extension with
Hull relishing being the old man on line with Datsyuk and Zetterberg
By Ansar Khan, mlive.com, Tuesday, March 18, 2003
"Earlier in my career I couldn't handle it. I would go nuts,"
Now he can't picture being on the ice without budding young stars Pavel Datsyuk and rookie Henrik Zetterberg.
While experimenting with various line combinations the first half of the season, Detroit Red Wings coach Dave Lewis discovered a potent mix when he paired
And the 38-year-old
"I know I'm in a great situation and I want to stay there,"
The numbers tell the story. In the last 17 games,
"That line has been as good as any line in the league the last month," Wings general manager Ken Holland said.
"Datsyuk knows how the league operates now and Zetterberg is having a tremendous season," Lewis said. "Brett just wants to go to those spots and get shots. The three of them have a very good chemistry."
Many of the goals the line is producing are of the highlight-reel variety. That's because they seem to have the give-and-go game down pat.
"Wayne Gretzky and my father (Hall of Famer Bobby Hull) told me (a long ago) the game is give-and-go,"
What impresses
"I've never seen a kid, a first-year guy, so composed. He looks like a 10-year vet,"
The line is as responsible defensively as it is dangerous offensively.
"They're both so smart and skilled and work on the defensive end of the game that there's no liability,"
"No question, by head and shoulders,"
Datsyuk is 24, Zetterberg is 22. Their best years are ahead of them.
"Sky's the limit, you can't even begin to fathom how good they are,"
Lewis prevails with big assists from youngsters
By Jerry Green / The
The Red Wings carry Dave Lewis' distinctive brand now. They are his team, playing with his style, winning with his schemes. He has escaped from the aura of Scotty Bowman; he has overcome the most difficult management barrier in all of sports. He has done what other men succeeding the greatest of coaches have failed to do.
Lewis has replaced a legendary coach who had won the Stanley Cup three times in six seasons and continued to win. And is doing it in his own fashion.
What Scotty left behind was a championship club of craggy, esteemed veterans. He nurtured them, he coaxed supreme efforts from them. He had a minor flaw, because he had unparalleled success with his age-proven system, but Scotty had little use for youth. He ignored young players of high potential and talent.
Lewis has employed a different theory. And on a club with Chris Chelios and Igor Larionov in their 40s and Brett Hull and others in their high 30s, Lewis has capitalized on the vigor of youth.
The irony is that the Wings' surge over the past 17 games has been the handiwork of two young players. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Datsyuk, so slick and polished, is 24. Scotty used him in part-time roles last season, as a rookie. Datsyuk displayed marvelous skills, but there were nights, including a couple in the playoffs, when Bowman scratched him. Zetterberg, just turned 22 at the season's start, has become the best rookie in the NHL with his knack for scoring. Had Bowman returned, it is possible that Zetterberg would not have made the Red Wings' squad this season. Scotty just wouldn't place much trust in kids. But Lewis' rookie season has been saved by the dynamic play of Datsyuk and Zetterberg blending on a line with the 38-year-old
The Wings' horrific slump of January, when Lewis' coaching methods were condemned, turned into the near invincibility of February and now March. Once so far behind, the Wings have rallied to the top of the Western Conference.
With the line of
In his recent critique of the Wings, published in the
Quest for Calder Memorial Trophy
By Chris Turner, March 21, 2003 (Calder info and stats provided by NHL.COM)
With less than ten games remaining in the season, Detroit Redwings rookie, left winger, Henrik Zetterberg is the leading candidate to win the NHL rookie of the year. Here are the leading rookie scorers as of today.
Name/Team GP G A Pts +/- PIM
Henrik Zetterberg/Det 70 19 19 38 6 6
Tyler Arnason/CHI 73 17 17 34 6 16
Rick Nash/CBJ 65 15 19 34 -27 68
Ales Kotalik/BUF 62 19 12 31 1 30
Niko Kapenan/DAL 74 5 26 31 22 40
The Calder Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season.
From 1936-37 until his death in 1943, Frank Calder, NHL President, bought a trophy each year to be given permanently to the outstanding rookie. After Calder's death, the NHL presented the Calder Memorial Trophy in his memory and the trophy is to be kept in perpetuity. Zetterberg would be the first Redwing to win the award since Roger Crozier in 1965.
To be eligible for the award, a player cannot have played more than 25 games in any single preceding season nor in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons in any major professional league. The player must not be older than 26 years before September 15 of the season in which he is eligible. Petr Cajanek of St. Louis has 37 points this season, but is not eligible for the Calder Trophy due to having played in the top Czech league and being 27 years old going into his rookie season.
Here are the last five Calder Trophy recipients.
|
Year |
Player |
Team |
|
2002 |
Dany Heatley |
|
|
2001 |
Evgeni Nabokov |
|
|
2000 |
Scott Gomez |
|
|
1999 |
Chris Drury |
|
|
1998 |
Sergei Samsonov |
|
TWO KIDS, SAME GOAT
By Linley Wartenberg, redwingsworld.com, March 20th, 2003
Earlier this season, coach Dave Lewis talked about resting rookie Henrik Zetterberg for a couple of games.
“Yeah, I think I had to work a while ago for 10-15 games,” Zetterberg said. “I feel much better now.”
European players, not used to the grind of the National Hockey League sometimes hit a wall and need a break. Long about Christmas, the new has worn off the NHL, the holidays are over, family’s gone, and the schedule just gets tougher.
Last season, Pavel Datsyuk sat out a few games for a break. But not the new Kid.
“I think January was his down period and he’s right back up again,” assistant coach Barry Smith said of Zetterberg. “His energy level is back up again. He’s enthused again.”
Zetterberg’s teamed up with fellow Datsyuk and Brett Hull in the sequel to last year’s “Two Kids and an Old Goat Line,” replacing Boyd Devereaux in the co-starring role.
It’s a recycled storyline, but one that played well in Hockeytown last season. The new line has put together over 70 points since Feb. 13, and shows no signs of stopping.
Zetterberg has lived up to his preseason billing.
“He came in with some good credentials. He’s just feeling his way through the league still,” Lewis said. “It’s been a good line for us with Pavel and Brett Hull. He’s been in a lot of situations and he can handle them. It seems he’s not fazed by what we throw at him.”
Smith agrees.
“I knew he was a good hockey player, but I didn’t know he’d be this effective this early,” Smith said. “What I was most impressed with was his defensive reliability. He’s very good defensively. A lot of young players, that doesn’t happen right away.”
Zetterberg and Datsyuk are inseparable on the ice at practice. They read each other well, and know each others’ position on the ice.
“They just enjoy each other’s play and they push each other to be better hockey players. They make passes to each other that other guys don’t see,” Smith said. “They’re just having fun out there. When you see two kids having fun like that it’s enthusiastic for the rest of us.”
That includes
“I know that I’m in a great situation and I want to stay there,” he said. “I look at Hank (Zetterberg) and I see a first-year guy that has the skill, the composure, the savvy of the game. Pavel – the skill he possesses is mind-boggling. He’s only scratched the surface.”
Datsyuk didn’t jump out of the gate quickly this year, but he’s been on fire playing with
“He’s maybe got the confidence back, the feel back,” Smith said. “I thought he started this year a bit slow. I thought he held on to the puck too much, too much individualistic stuff. Now there’s a lot of give and go. He’s moving the puck quicker, and he seems to be stronger, too.”
Datsyuk is improving his English, and that’s helping communication, not that that’s been a stumbling block.
“None of us is so good with English,” Zetterberg said. “We have our own language, I think.”
Zetterberg’s on the short list for the Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year, with the main competition coming from
The Red Wings think Zetterberg should win the award.
“Absolutely,” Smith said, adding that it could be a strike against him that he’s playing for such a strong team.
“If he wasn’t on this team, he’d be a lot more of a go-to type guy. Imagine if he played with the Atlanta Thrashers,” he continued. “Other teams that don’t have the same lineup we have, those guys are getting more ice time to play.”
Having two powerful offensive lines has helped the Red Wings’ recent surge.
“Who do you want to play your defense against?” Smith asks. (Sergei) Fedorov and (Brendan) Shanahan? Do you want to play against Datsyuk and Zetterberg?”
And some people thing the Red Wings are an old team. Zetterberg is 22, Datsyuk 23.
“They keep talking about how old we are and how the team’s not going to be that good in a couple of years. I say, yeah, right,”
“I know that I’m in a great situation and I want to stay there. I try to be the voice of reason with them and try to maybe explain a little bit,” he said. “Other than that I just be in the right spot and capitalize on them and once in a while make a great play to them.”
Wings' Youngsters Give Veteran
By John Niyo / The
Brett Hull certainly didn't expect to be playing alongside a rookie when he signed with
And whatever
"It's pretty easy for me with those two guys," said
There's little chance he won't stay there, of course, with the playoffs only three weeks away. Like Bowman, Lewis knows a perfect fit when he sees one. And he sees one in
"There's a real good feeling about the three of them together," Lewis said. "If you watch in practice, it seems like they're almost thinking as one. They have a good chemistry, and they know where everybody is at all times."
The arrival of Zetterberg, though, has turned it into a game of tic-tac-toe at times. Last year, it was Boyd Devereaux's forechecking game that completed the "Two Kids and a Goat" line with
"It's the way I learned to play the game," Zetterberg said, nodding. "And it's a fun way to play."
Fun to watch, too. Even for
And Zetterberg?
"I've never seen a kid, a first-year guy, who is so composed,"
Zetterberg, for his part, hasn't shown much in the way of fear in his rookie season. He leads all NHL rookies in goals and points, and he has quickly become a player Lewis can trust at all times -- on the power play, killing penalties and even for crucial late-game shifts.
"I feel comfortable when he's on the ice, and that's pretty good for a rookie to know he can be on the ice in most situations," Lewis said. "It's confidence. He's always had the physical talent, but now he knows what he can do in this league. It's more on the offensive end -- he's confident enough to try different things and they're working."
Working well enough that Zetterberg seems a fair bet to become the first Wings player to win the Calder Trophy since goaltender Roger Crozier did it in 1965. The likely finalists this season figure to be Zetterberg, the NHL's rookie of the month in February, along with
Zetterberg Reaches Twenty Goal Mark, Leads all Rookie Scorers
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 22, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg reached the 20 goal mark in a 4-2 win over division rival St. Louis Blues, and he did it against former Redwing goalie Chris Osgood. He now has four goals in three games VS the Blues this season, three against the recently released Freddy Brathwaite.
Zetterberg’s goal came on the powerplay 15:14 into the first period. On the play, Sergei Fedorov, playing on point, carried the puck to the red line and fired it down ice around the boards to the left wing side. Center Pavel Datsyuk rushed in along the boards and pulled the puck out from between two Blues and spun away sending a cross ice pass to Zetterberg, streaking in from the right circle. Zetterberg took an initial shot, which bounced off of Osgood’s left pad and back to Zetterberg who tried to shoot around the goalie. The second shot hit the far post and bounced straight back, behind Zetterberg as he skated through the crease. He reached back with his right leg and dragged the puck to his stick behind the net. With three
Zetterberg’s 20th goal of the season puts him one ahead of
Forty Points May Be Enough for Rookie Scoring Title
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 25, 2003
Detroit Redwings rookie Henrik Zetterberg played on the top line tonight and scored his 40th point in the NHL, with his 21st goal of the season tonight against the Minnesota Wild. His goal came just 27 seconds into the third period, giving
Zetterberg now has a two goal lead over the second best rookie goal scorer, Ales Kotalik of Buffalo. His 40 points is four ahead of
Zetterberg's play lifts Hull, Wings
By Lindsay Berra, ESPN The Magazine, March 27, 2003
Brett Hull was in a legitimate scoring funk. He potted goal No. 699 on January 22 in
Wings head coach Dave Lewis constantly juggles his lines due to injuries or offensive woes, but he refused to shake things up on Brett Hull's line. Lewis let
In the 21 games since then, Zetterberg, Datsyuk and
"I know that I'm in a great situation and I want to stay there," says
And
As one of only three non-NHLers on Team Sweden during the Olympics last February, Zetterberg so impressed Leafs' captain Mats Sundin with his shifty moves and on-ice vision that Sundin compared him to a young Peter Forsberg. In May, he led
It is Zetterberg's versatility -- along with his amazing dekes -- that turns heads. He can play all three forward positions with equally staggering offensive skill, yet he backchecks mercilessly and kills penalties, traits not usually attributed to young Europeans.
The Wings took Zetterberg with their fourth pick in the seventh round (210th overall) of the 1999 entry draft. Lucky for the Wings, the rest of the league was so awed by super-Swede twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin (they went second and third overall), that Zetterberg's talent was grossly underestimated. (He currently has more points than both Sedins).
Entering Wings camp in October, Zetterberg's only drawback was his size. Even after lifting weights and chowing down all summer -- "I ate a lot," he says. "All of the time, I think, I ate." -- he's just 6-feet, 180 pounds. But, he can take a hit. The slippery Swede still managed to head into corners and come out with the puck, leaving bigger guys in his wake, and he still managed to fight through the defense to dazzle the coaches with his breakaway moves. His three goals and four assists in seven preseason games left Wings brass impressed enough that Zetterberg made the big club without spending a single day in the minors.
Wings teammates and fellow Swedes Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom eased Zetterberg's transition to
And Zetterberg has done plenty of that -- his 21 goals and 40 points are first among rookies. Of course, it doesn't hurt to be skating with an old goat like
Wings believe they edge Blues for Calder, Norris
BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA, FREE PRESS, March 27, 2003
As the Blues and Red Wings face each other for the second straight Saturday in
Rookie of the year? There are a few good men, like Buffalo's Ales Kotalik, Chicago's Tyler Arnason, Columbus' Rick Nash, Dallas' Niko Kapanen and Los Angeles' Alexander Frolov. But look no further than
Entering Tuesday's games, Zetterberg led rookies in goals (21) and points (40). Along with linemates Pavel Datsyuk and Brett Hull, he has been especially good since the All-Star break. Perhaps most impressive is his two-way play. Late in games, coach Dave Lewis trusts Zetterberg defensively as much as anyone.
The Blues think Jackman is better. Now, comparing forwards and defensemen is like comparing apples and oranges. But that should work in Jackman's favor -- if the hockey writers who vote on the award pay close enough attention. Defense is the tougher position for young players because of all the decisions that must be made. You need experience. As MacInnis' partner, Jackman has played like a veteran, helping fill the void left by injured captain Chris Pronger. He was so good his first 10 games that
MacInnis said Jackman should win the Calder "hands-down."
"He's been a real factor," Quenneville said. "He's played against top players with consistency. That says a lot. He seems to have played beyond his years in terms of his thinking. It's amazing."
Red Wings: Notebook, Two Wings draw raves
By Ted Kulfan / The
Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg and Blues defenseman Barret Jackman are the likely favorites for the Calder Trophy, given to the top rookie.
Zetterberg was rated as a slight favorite heading into games the last two Saturdays with the Blues. He didn’t do anything to hurt his chances, and the Wings won both games, 4-2 and 6-2.
Zetterberg scored a key goal in the first game and had two assists in the second. Barret Jackman did not stand out.
Zetterberg, who leads all rookies with 21 goals and 42 points, sparked the Wings on offense in both games.
"People who see him regularly can appreciate all the things he does on the ice to help us win games," Wings Coach Dave Lewis said. "You can feel comfortable using him in any situation."
Zetterberg adds Empty Net goal to his points total
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 1st, 2003
Redwings left winger, Henrik Zetterberg added an empty net goal with 1:13 left in a 2-0 game vs the Nashville Predators last night at the Joe. He took a long shot from the blue line on the left side boards to ice the 3-0 victory and clinching the Central Division title for
Zetterberg’s first career empty net goal gives him 22 total goals on the season, three more than Ales Kotalik of the Buffalo Sabres. Zetterberg also leads all rookie scorers with 43 points. He is now a +9, his best mark all season.
With only three games left in the regular season, Zetterberg seems to be the strong favorite to win the Calder Trophy.
Here are the top five rookie scorers to date:
|
NHL Rookie Scoring Leaders espn.com |
PP |
PK |
|||||||||||||
|
RNK |
NAME |
POS |
GP |
PTS |
|||||||||||
|
1 |
H. Zetterberg, DET |
LW |
76 |
22 |
21 |
43 |
9 |
8 |
15:47 |
126 |
17.5 |
5 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
|
2 |
Tyler Arnason, CHI |
C |
79 |
18 |
21 |
39 |
6 |
16 |
14:20 |
170 |
10.6 |
3 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
|
3 |
Rick Nash, CLS |
LW |
70 |
16 |
20 |
36 |
-28 |
76 |
13:55 |
145 |
11.0 |
5 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
|
4 |
Niko Kapanen, DAL |
C |
80 |
5 |
28 |
33 |
24 |
44 |
14:38 |
78 |
6.4 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
|
5 |
Ales Kotalik, BUF |
RW |
65 |
19 |
13 |
32 |
-2 |
30 |
15:08 |
133 |
14.3 |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
Swedish Rookie Leading the Way
By PIERRE LeBRUN , Canadian Press, April 2nd, 2003
It was only three years ago that Henrik Zetterberg was out to prove he was good enough to play pro hockey in
He racked up 46 points in 47 games with Timra IK in 2000-01, winning the Swedish Elite League's rookie of the year.
Last season, the 22-year-old winger was chosen the Swedish League's MVP and had his number retired by his club.
But it's his play in international hockey that convinced Zetterberg he was good enough to go to the next level. He made his country's Olympic squad last February, a team stacked with NHL stars such as Markus Naslund, Daniel Alfredsson and Mats Sundin.
Then he led
The NHL was the next logical step for the shifty Zetterberg, who makes up for a lack of speed with dizzying and dazzling puckhandling skills.
"Yes, I think the worlds, all the national team games, and of course the Olympics, really helped me a lot," Zetterberg said yesterday during a league conference call. "Just to see how much better those [NHL] players were and if I was able to play with and against them."
With 22 goals and 21 assists in 76 games with the Detroit Red Wings this season, Zetterberg leads all rookie NHL scorers and will be among the three nominees for the Calder Trophy in June.
Zetterberg insists he never thought it would come so fast in the world's best league.
"First of all, I didn't expect to play as much as I've been playing this year," he said. "I've played with good players all year. They help me a lot. And for sure I didn't expect that I would have over 20 goals in my first season. So that's great.
"And it's all happened so quick. It felt like yesterday I arrived here and now in a couple of days the playoffs are going to start. It's been a real quick season."
Zetterberg's line with second-year centre Pavel Datsyuk and veteran star winger Brett Hull has been one of the league's most productive in the second half.
It's a curious mix, with 715-goal man
"He's always right. He always has something to say," Zetterberg laughs when asked about
Datsyuk is an excellent playmaker and holds the puck effectively while waiting for Zetterberg and
The most common and foolish belief with the Red Wings is that they're a great team only because of the deep pockets of their owner Mike Illitch.
It may take money to bring in free agents such as
The biggest concern with the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Zetterberg was how he would handle the rough stuff in the NHL. Despite having seen it on television, Zetterberg admits it was an eye-opening experience the first time he saw two guys drop the gloves. "The first couple of fights here, I didn't know what to do," he said with a laugh. "I just looked and said: 'Is this how it goes?' But most of the time it's just a couple of guys who do it. You have to look for the big hitter on the other team. Most of the time you know if they're coming and you just have to be aware of it."
Rookie Zetterberg surprises himself
BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER, April 2, 2003
This season hasn't turned out the way Henrik Zetterberg thought it would.
In a good way.
"I didn't expect that I would play as much as I've been playing this year," the Red Wings rookie said Tuesday in a national conference call with reporters. "I sure didn't expect that I would score over 20 goals the first season. So that's great.
"Everything has happened so quick. It feels like yesterday that I arrived here, and now a couple of days and the playoffs are going to start. It's been real quick this season."
Zetterberg, 22, is a favorite -- if not the favorite -- to win the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year. His 22 goals and 43 points are best among rookies. He has only eight penalty minutes, and he has been excellent on defense.
The line of Zetterberg, skilled sophomore Pavel Datsyuk and future Hall of Famer Brett Hull has been one of the NHL's best lately. The three have combined for 34 goals and 54 assists during the Wings' 20-3-0-1 streak.
Zetterberg said he had a lot of fun with
"Him having over 700 goals, he's always right," Zetterberg said, laughing.
AWARD PICK BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST, April 3, 2003
The regular season is just about over, and here is who I would put on stage at the NHL Awards in
Calder Trophy (rookie of the year): Barret Jackman,
The Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg is an excellent choice. Playing on one of the league's hottest lines of late with Pavel Datsyuk and Brett Hull, he has vaulted into the rookie scoring lead ahead of other worthy candidates:
Jackman is an even better choice. Defense is a tougher position than forward for young players, because it involves more responsibility and smarts. Jackman has been wise beyond his years, a consistent force on a team that especially needed it with Chris Pronger out injured. Yes, playing with Al MacInnis has helped him. But remember: Zetterberg has been playing with
Zetterberg wings way to Calder bid
By John McGourty, NHL.com, April 8, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg plays left wing for the Detroit Red Wings and Barret Jackman plays left defense for the St. Louis Blues.
Zetterberg is a speedy, offensive threat and Jackman is an attack- thwarting conservative defenseman. They're the leading candidates for the Calder Memorial Trophy that goes to the NHL's rookie of the year.
This is causing problems for award voters who must decide which aspect of the sport to honor, offense or defense, because both are excellent practitioners of their forte. In the regular season, Zetterberg led all NHL rookies in goals (22) and total points (44), while one service ranked Jackman the 18th most effective defensemen in the League, a high honor considering the depth of talent in the 30-team NHL.
Both 22, they are young, skilled exponents of different hockey philosophies. Jackman is from the smelting town of
The ebullient Zetterberg and the workmanlike Jackman share common characteristics: Both make what they do look a lot easier than it is and both have benefited from playing with future Hall of Famers. Jackman has been paired all season with Al MacInnis and Zetterberg is playing on the "Two kids and a goat" line with sophomore Pavel Datsyuk and right wing Brett Hull.
Zetterberg could become the first Red Wings' Calder winner since goalie Roger Crozier in 1965. In that, there's a lesson in how the game has changed. In his rookie season, Crozier played every game after the Red Wings, for the second time, dealt away the brilliant but unstable Terry Sawchuk who had taken them to the Stanley Cup Finals the previous two seasons. The Red Wings finished first in the regular season as Sawchuk shared the Vezina Trophy with Johnny Bower in
Two years in the NHL and Crozier had done it all because it had been demanded of him.
The modern-day Red Wings flat-out out-scouted the world on Zetterberg, taking him with their fourth pick, 210th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. They let him progress through the Timra IK system in the Swedish leagues. He was Rookie of the Year in 2001 and MVP last season when Timra retired his number.
"I didn't expect that I would play as much as I've been playing this year," Zetterberg said. "We've played with good players all year and so they have a lot to do with it. I sure didn't expect that I would score over 20 goals the first season, so, that's great. Everything has happened so quick. It feels like yesterday I arrived here and now a couple of days and the playoffs are going to start. It's been real quick this season."
Only when you're young, kid.
Zetterberg can handle the puck. So can Datsyuk who can hang on to a puck as long or longer in the offensive zone than Sergei Samsonov. In time, Zetterberg and Datsyuk may approach the keep-away dominance of Jaromir Jagr and Mario Lemieux. Together, they conjure the puck-mastery skills of Denis Savard and Norm Ullman. They may not be there yet but having seen it once, you look for it again and this could be it.
"I think we want to play our game," Zetterberg said. "We think the same on the ice, when we want to pass the puck, and as well when we want to score. I think we are happy to see one another score, and we are happy to score by ourselves, too. Sometimes it's going to be a little too much, but most of the times it's just hope it's going to turn out well."
It's exciting to see a young player come into the NHL and begin to believe that he can out-maneuver skilled veterans as Zetterberg is doing. He builds speed through the neutral zone, challenges defenders, makes great passes and moves to the net for redirects, obstruction and close-in passes.
The line has become increasingly more important in
"Well, it's fun. It's been a lot of fun, him having over 700 goals, so he's always right," Zetterberg joked on Wednesday's NHL conference call. "... He has always something to say. He's a great guy, great player, so it's just a great experience."
Having been the Swedish Elite League's Rookie of the Year, he was asked which award would be more important. Zetterberg showed a diplomat's skill in a second language.
"I think both is going to be -- if I win this year, but both will be special.
Hey, the kid has to go home when the season's over.
Zetterberg said the transition to the more rugged North American game hasn't been too difficult. Keep your head up is a maxim in every hockey language. Zetterberg's quick movements make him a hard target to nail.
"You just have to look up and have a heads-up if you see it, like a big hitter on the other team that you play against," he said. "Most of the time, I think you just know if they are coming and you just have to be aware of it."
When you think of former Red Wings greats like Ullman, Gary Bergman and Bill Gadsby who played long years in the NHL without winning a Stanley Cup, you realize what an opportunity awaits Zetterberg who could win the Calder Trophy and Stanley Cup in his first season. He's not unaware of his great fortune.
"It's a great organization and a great team, great players," he said. "It's been a hell of a year and hopefully it's good playoffs, too."
WINGS CORNER: Playoffs new for two Wings
BY HELENE ST. JAMES AND KRISTA LATHAM, FRESS PRESS, April 10, 2003
Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom doesn't even remember his first playoff game anymore. Like almost all of his teammates, tonight's start to the big race is a rite of spring, like late snowstorms and the tax deadline.
In fact, among the Wings who will take the ice tonight at Joe Louis Arena, only two are in for something completely new: rookies Henrik Zetterberg and Dmitri Bykov. Zetterberg can't even draw on experience from when he played in his native
"I told him he'd get goose bumps the first game," friend and compatriot Tomas Holmstrom said Wednesday. "It's an awesome moment, something you dream about."
Zetterberg, 22, said he was looking forward to getting the series against the Mighty Ducks under way.
"I'm excited," he said. "It's been a good season, and it's hopefully going to end with a good playoffs. I know it's going to be a little more intense."
Bykov, who will be 26 on May 5, doesn't speak English. He has played 33 games in the Russian Elite League playoffs.
Although Zetterberg is new to the intensity of the NHL playoffs, he did play for
Zetterberg could be an especially key part of the playoffs if his line with Pavel Datsyuk at center and Brett Hull on the right wing continues the success it has had since being assembled in early January. Since then, the line has combined for 36 goals and 48 assists. Zetterberg, a rookie-of-the-year candidate, finished seventh in team scoring with 22 goals and 22 assists.
"It would have been better if I had scored 80 goals," he said with a smile. "No, I didn't expect to play as much as I have, so I'm very pleased with that, and I'm playing with a very good line. Pavel and Hullie are two awesome players, and I'm honored to be a part of it."
As for his inexperience in the playoffs, his teammates aren't worried.
"I think he's going to find out pretty fast how the intensity picks up and how the pace is just so much faster," Lidstrom said. "He knows what to expect."
ZETTERBERG HITS THE POST SEASON IN STRIDE
By Linley Wartenberg Redwingsworld.com, April 10th, 2003
At least on paper, Henrik Zetterberg is a rookie in the National Hockey League.
On paper, he led all rookies in scoring with 22 goals and 44 points. He’s one of the favorites to win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year.
But on the ice, he doesn’t act like a rookie. Zetterberg’s as poised as he was last season, when he was the only non-NHL player skating on
“Well, I think it helped me a lot just to be around the players who play in this league, just to play against them,” the 22-year-old forward said. “ I think that all national team games, of course the Olympics, helped me a lot, just to see how much better those players were and if I was able to play with them and against them.”
Zetterberg didn’t miss a beat in his transition from Swedish Elite League to the NHL. He opened the season with an assist in his debut and wound down the season skating on the hottest line in the league with Brett Hull and Pavel Datsyuk.
Not accustomed to the grind of the league, he appeared to hit a wall in January, when the team went on a 5-7-1-1 skid. But he bounced back with Datsyuk and
“I think we want to play our game. We think the same on the ice, when we want to pass the puck, and as well we want to score,” Zetterberg said. “I think we are happy to see one another score, and we are happy to score by ourselves, too.”
The Two Kids and a Goat line led
“Who do you want to play your defense against,” asks associate coach Barry Smith. “Do you want to play against (Sergei) Fedorov and (Brendan) Shanahan, or do you want to play against Datsyuk and Zetterberg? You have two lines that are really offense minded.”
Zetterberg’s entering his first post-season at this level, but he’s as poised as ever.
“Well, so far, it's been fun,” Zetterberg said. “I think it's part of the game now and you just have to be a part of it and enjoy it.”
Although he’s the rookie on the team, his teammates aren’t worried about how he’ll react in the heat of the playoff race.
“Hank, he’s played in some pretty high-level competition in his past so he knows about pressure hockey,” Brendan Shanahan said. “He’s played in the Olympics. Don’t really have to tell him much. I think he’s learned a lot this year.”
Nick Lidstrom, who played on the Olympic team with Zetterberg, isn’t worried about his transition, either.
“I told him that the intensity is going to put up and a lot more’s on the line, too,” Lidstrom said. “He’s been a part of some big games so I think he knows what to expect.”
“The more you say, the more you make them nervous,”
Naturally, Zetterberg, of course, will heed the veteran’s advice.
“Him having over 700 goals, so he's always right,” he laughed. “He has always something to say. He's a great guy, great player, so it's just a great experience.”
Zetterberg, Hull, Datsyuk stifled; Wings' hottest line has gone cold in playoffs
BY HELENE ST. JAMES, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER, April 15, 2003
The Henrik Zetterberg-Pavel Datsyuk-Brett Hull line hasn't had to play against the Ducks' top two lines, nor has it drawn
The line had its chances again in Monday night's 2-1 loss to
The line was also on the ice for Stanislav Chistov's goal 1:44 into the third. Chistov's shot went off Zetterberg and gave the Ducks a 2-0 lead.
With Sergei Fedorov's line drawing the heaviest attention from the Ducks,
"We're trying to do something to give them puck possession with speed," Smith said. "That's not a line that wants to stand still, they want to move and create lanes."
The lanes have been closed by the Ducks' terrific backchecking. Smith would like to see the trio take more shots, and then "make rebound plays. I don't think they're going to have a lot of skating like they do, but they're going to have to try to change to where they're a little bit more taking of what the Ducks are giving us."
The three have taken 27 shots in the three playoff games, including 10 in Game 3. At times Monday the line was out with either Nicklas Lidstrom or Mathieu Schneider. The coaches hoped the line could benefit from either defenseman's ability to make top-notch outlet passes. But the Wings needed their top defensive pairings out against Paul Kariya's line -- which never plays against Datsyuk's.
Datsyuk admitted that the lack of playoff experience -- he has a bit from last year's run; Zetterberg has none -- might be part of the reason for the lack of scoring.
But "we try to play hard, and we would like to score," Datsyuk said.
Zetterberg shrugged off his playoff inexperience and said: "What's the name of the goalie?" He was referring to Giguere's 133 saves in three games.
"We try to do the same things," he said, "and I think we've created some chances."
The challenge, though, is for
ZETTERBERG UPDATE April 15th, 2003
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com
The playoffs are certainly not going as planned for the Detroit Redwings and their rookie sensation, Henrik Zetterberg. They lost 2-1 in Game 3 against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks last night. Despite outplaying and outshooting the Ducks 37-26 last night (137-93 in the series) the Redwings have lost three straight one goal games and now face a three games to none deficit in the best of seven first round series.
Zetterberg played another solid game last night with a great chance to score the tying goal late in the third period. He carried the puck into
During the regular season, Zetterberg lead all rookies with 22 goals and 44 total points, but so far in the playoffs he has zero points in three games and is a -3. However, his line (with Pavel Datsyuk and Brett Hull) has been victim of several mistakes by the defense and goaltender Curtis Joseph.
With the “Two Kids and a Goat” line on the ice, Mighty Duck’s rookie, Stanislav Chistov scored on a miscommunication between Joseph and his defensemen, Chris Chelios and Mathieu Schneider. As Chelios and Schneider skated back to pick up the puck, Cujo wandered out of the crease to try to handle a loose puck in the corner. He misplayed the puck allowing Chistov to collect it and skate around the back of the net, attempting a wrap around shot. As the Wing’s goalie scrambled to get back in the crease, Zetterberg skated in to help clear another
When asked what it was going to take to beat Giguere and win the series, Zetterberg replied, "We just have to keep going. He can't play like this forever. We have to come back in the next game and score some goals. It's not going to be easy, but we can still do it."
|
HENRIK ZETTERBERG 2003 PLAYOFF STATS |
||||||||||||
|
GAME |
G |
A |
+/- |
SOG |
PIM |
Tot. |
PP |
SH |
EV |
Won |
Lost |
Pct. |
|
Apr 10 vs ANA L 1-2 3OT |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
25:58 |
2:16 |
:19 |
23:23 |
1 |
1 |
50.00 |
|
Apr 12 vs ANA L 2-3 |
0 |
0 |
-2 |
3 |
0 |
15.33 |
1:09 |
:47 |
13:37 |
0 |
0 |
00.00 |
|
Apr 14 at ANA L 1-2 |
0 |
0 |
-1 |
3 |
0 |
17:05 |
2:45 |
0:34 |
13:46 |
0 |
0 |
00.00 |
|
Apr 16 at ANA L 2-3 OT |
1 |
0 |
-1 |
2 |
0 |
14:39 |
0:05 |
0:25 |
14:09 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
|
TOTALS |
1 |
0 |
-4 |
10 |
0 |
73:15 |
6:15 |
2:05 |
64:55 |
1 |
3 |
25.00 |
Grading Hockeytown's Heroes
By Ted Kulfan, The
Henrik Zetterberg: B
First playoff game wasn't spectacular, but wasn't bad, either. His line with
(Game 2, April 12th)
Henrik Zetterberg: B-
Had three shots on goal, including a good scoring chance that Jean-Sebastien Giguere stopped. Generally playing well, but he and the rest of the Wings can't seem to solve the Ducks' defense. (Zetterberg's line was a -2 in this game.)
(Game 3, April 14th)
Henrik Zetterberg: B
Had two good scoring chances in the third period, but Giguere stopped both. Was one of the Wings' better players. (Zetterberg’s line was a -1 in this game due to goalie mistake)
(Game 4, April 16th)
Henrik Zetterberg: B-
Scored his first playoff goal to put the Wings ahead 1-0. This playoff series was an eye-opener for him. He should have a good future.
Zetterberg’s First Career Playoff Goal Doesn’t Ignite Wing’s Offense
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 17, 2003
Rookie Redwing, Henrik Zetterberg scored his first ever playoff goal against the same goalie he scored his first NHL goal on. Unfortunately, the rest of the team could not get many pucks past Jean Sebastian Giguere, and the heavily favored defending champions were swept by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It was a tough ending to a great rookie season by the young Swedish phenom, who lead all NHL rookies in goals scored (22) and total points (44).
The biggest goal of Zetterberg’s career, so far, came with 6:37 left in the first period of game four. His linemate Brett Hull stole a pass in
The huge first goal scored should have given the Redwings the momentum needed to get a win against the Duck’s and begin a historical comeback from a three games to none deficit. However, with Zetterberg’s line on the ice the very next shift after his goal, Wing’s defenseman Mathieu Dandenault carelessly high-sticked a Duck trying to get by him along the boards. Realizing he was taking the penalty he quit on the play instead of touching the puck and stopping play, allowing the puck to coast right past his stick and to Duck’s set-up man Adam Oates. Oates forwarded the puck to a streaking Paul Kariya. Zetterberg made a diving attempt to knock the puck off of Kariya’s stick, but could not catch him from behind. The
The goal tied the game just 1:45 after Zetterberg made it 1-0. It was a huge defensive break down and turned the games momentum back in
The Ducks scored against the Datsyuk,
This was not supposed to happen. The Redwing’s were supposed to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions, not lose in the first round to an upstart team from
Is this the beginning of a new Redwing era? Whether this chapter is over or not, one thing is certain. The rookie Redwing lived up to the hype and made quite an impression on the hockey world this season. Whether he wins the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year or not, Henrik Zetterberg is a key component to the future of this proud franchise! Thanks for an exciting season Hank!
Ducks able to keep Wings' hot line on ice
BY HELENE ST. JAMES AND NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA, FREE PRESS, April 18, 2003
"Not so good," he said, shaking his head as he walked away. The Red Wings had just lost, 3-2, in overtime to the Mighty Ducks, ending their playoff run after four games.
Datsyuk is only 24, and already he has learned the high standards that come with playing for the Wings. He was a rookie last year when he played in 21 games over the two months it took the Wings to win the Stanley Cup. This year, the ride lasted a week.
His line, with rookie Henrik Zetterberg on the left wing and veteran Brett Hull on the right, was shut down in Games 1, 2 and 3.
"It's no consolation," Zetterberg said. "Absolutely not. The feeling you have now is just empty. . . . It's been four tough games. We've got a great team and we should be playing a lot longer in these playoffs. I don't know what else to say."
The line produced 36 goals and 48 assists in the regular season since being assembled in early January, and was expected to provide a similar boost in the playoffs. The Ducks concentrated most heavily on containing Fedorov's line with Brendan Shanahan and either Steve Yzerman or Tomas Holmstrom -- and were successful until Game 4, when Fedorov tied the game with 2:15 left in regulation. Datsyuk's line had more room, but ran into the same big problem as everyone else: goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
"What am I going to say?" he said as he walked out of the visitors' dressing room. "It's over."
Some players plan to play for homelands
BY HELENE ST. JAMES, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER, April 19th, 2003
Because the Anaheim Mighty Ducks crushed their playoff hopes after four games, several Wings plan to play in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships, which run April 26-May 11 in
(Including) Pavel Datsyuk (who) will join the Russians, and Henrik Zetterberg is 90 percent certain he will play for the Swedes.
Nicklas Lidstrom, though, turned down the chance to join Zetterberg. "I'm tired and disappointed," he said Friday. "I don't feel motivated to go and I don't think I should take another player's spot if I'm not motivated."
Wings grade out well for regular season, poorly for playoffs
By Ansar Khan, mlive.com, Friday, April 18, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg: He deserves to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie. He fit right in on a team full of stars, with 22 goals and 44 points. His line couldn't get anything going in the playoffs, but he has a bright future.
Grades: A-minus/D
Contract: Two years at $825,000 and $800,000
Red Wings 2003 final grades
by Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Free Press, April 19, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg: If Zetterberg wins the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, he will be deserving. He led NHL rookies with 44 points (22 goals, 22 assists). He was plus-6. He showed skill on offense, showed responsibility on defense and showed humility in the dressing room. He seemed like a veteran. In the playoffs, he was minus-4. But he had a goal, and the coaches were pleased.
Regular season: A
Playoffs: B-
Ted Kulfan grades the Red Wings
By Ted Kulfan / The
Henrik Zetterberg
A favorite to win the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year. He led all rookies with 44 points (22 goals, 22 assists). Zetterberg plays with impressive savvy on the ice. He, Pavel Datsyuk and Jiri Fischer form an impressive cornerstone for the future.
Grade: A
Zetterberg Grades
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 21, 2003
Zetterberg should be a sure thing as Rookie of the Year. If he doesn’t win it will be an injustice. He was clearly the best all around rookie this season. Received highest accolades from future Hall of Fame teammates Brett Hull and Steve Yzerman. He is a huge part of the future of the Redwings.
Despite having a lot of success in the second half of the regular season, Zetterberg’s line with Pavel Datsyuk and
The “Two Kids and a Goat” line was on the ice for two of Curtis Joseph’s soft goals, on the play Chris Chelios and Joseph mis-communicated leaving Cujo stranded, and when Mathieu Dandenault quit on a play when he thought a high sticking penalty was going to be called immediately, allowing the Duck’s Paul Kariya to score. So, the end result of a -4 in four games for this line is not indicative of their defensive effort. Coach Dave Lewis had nothing but good things to say about the play of Zetterberg and Datsyuk in the series.
Regular season: A
Post Season: B+
RED WINGS TALK ABOUT THE DISAPPOINTING 2003 PLAYOFFS AND WHAT'S AHEAD
This Week in Redwings World, redwingsworld.com, April 22, 2003
RWW: What’s your take?
ZETTERBERG: It’s tough game. Every team that’s coached in the playoffs are good teams and you have to be on your best. So of course we’re all disappointed.
RWW: Did you exceed your personal expectations this year?
ZETTERBERG: I didn’t have so much expectations for the season, because I didn’t know how much I was gonna’ play or if I was going to play here. Of course, I’m very happy about the regular season. I played more than I expected. I had fun here. Too bad the playoffs didn’t work out. In a couple weeks, I’ll be pretty happy for the season.
RWW: Are you happy that Brett Hull is going to be back next year?
ZETTERBERG: Well, we’re happy that he’s staying around. He’s a (heck) of a player and we need him. So it’s going to be a fun year next year.
Top Scoring Freshman Looks to Break Streak
Mike Brophy, The Hockey News, April 25th 2003 Issue
Henrik Zetterberg is in some pretty good company. The
The bad news? Neither Dionne (1971-72), nor Yzerman (1983-84) nor Fedorov (1990-91) captured the Calder Trophy as the league’s top rookie.
Zetterberg should break that streak. The 22-year-old is our pick as the league’s top freshman this year.
“If you can put up a better case for somebody better, you go right ahead,” said linemate Brett Hull. “I don’t think you can.”
Zetterberg led all rookies with 22 goals, one more than
NHL Rookie of the Year Candidate to Play with for
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 25, 2003
Detroit Redwings rookie Henrik Zetterberg has announced that he will play for his homeland,
Zetterberg scored 44 points in the NHL this year in his rookie season, and is considered likely to win the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL rookie of the year. With a season of NHL experience, he should be a key contributor to the offense of team
Late roster arrivals for
Tre Kroner will have solid NHL veteran Tommy Salo in net once again. In front of him will be a strong defensive defenseman, Matthias Norstrom of the L.A. Kings. Noticeably absent from the roster is Zetterberg’s Redwings teammate, world class defenseman, Niklas Lidstrom who sited lack of motivation, fatigue, and disappointment about Detroit’s first round loss to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks as his reasons for not playing for Sweden in the World Championships.
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 26, 2003
Tre Kroner won without superstars Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin, and goalie Tommy Salo.
Detroit Redwings standout rookie Henrik Zetterberg centered
Zetterberg Held Without Points in Game Two
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 27, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg moved from center to left wing on
Zetterberg, who scored 44 points in the NHL his first season, has yet to score a point in the tournament.
Jorgen Jonsson of Farjestad Karlstad scored the game winning goal for
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 29, 2003
Henrik Zetterberg had several scoring chances and hit the goal post at the end of the second period. He has no points in three games so far.
|
GP |
G |
A |
TP |
PIM |
FO |
FO+ |
FO- |
FO% |
SOG |
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+ |
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|
3 |
0 |
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0 |
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34 |
19 |
15 |
56 |
11 |
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0 |
GAME PREVIEW:
Key Matchup: Pavel Datsyuk vs. Henrik Zetterberg
John Sanful, IIHF.COM, May 2, 2003
Zetterberg is a big part of
Even though the Detroit Red Wings are one of the oldest teams in the NHL, they have still been able to draft young players who've become regular members of the lineup. The Red Wings seem to be able to make all the right moves. Not only did they win the Stanley Cup last year because they brought in the right mix of free agents to go along with their established long-time stars, but they also identified young players who could help in the effort. Since 1996,
Datsyuk burst onto the NHL scene in 2001
Pavel Datsyuk: Drafted 171st overall in the 1998 draft, Datsyuk was relatively unknown until the Red Wings signed him, and he's fit in perfectly within the system. Datsyuk played for Ekaterinburg and AK Bars Kazan in the Russian Superleague until 2001. At the 2001 World Championships in
Henrik Zetterberg: Henrik Zetterberg followed in Datsyuk's footsteps by joining the Red Wings. Zetterberg's arrival was heralded in the organization because he was known to be one of the best players outside the NHL. With Timra in the Swedish Elitserien, Zetterberg was named the league's most valuable player. Selected for Team
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 2, 2003
Playing particularly well was
Zetterberg scored the first goal of the game and his first of the championships 8:12 into the match. He took a pretty pass from Forsberg and put it past Russian goalie Maxim Sokolv. Grigorenko tied the game 1-1 at 18:29 of the first period. Datsyuk had an assist on the play.
Zetterberg assisted on
Jorgen Jonsson scored the game winner in the third period. The loss was
Joining Tre Kroner today was defenseman Niklas Kronvwall of Djurgardens. He is the top defensive prospect for the Detroit Redwings.
Zetterberg gets another goal and assist as
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 3, 2003
Once again, playing on Tre Kroner’s top line with Peter Forsberg and Mathias Tjarnqvist, Henrik Zetterberg had a solid performance, getting another goal and assist in tonights 7-1 win over Denmark in the second game of the qualification round of the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships in Turku, Finland.
The victory was especially impressive because in two of their previous tournament games, underdog
Zetterberg assisted on Mikeal Renberg’s goal, 3:17 into the third period, making it a 5-1
Zetterberg now has 2 goals and 2 assists and is a +2 in five games.
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17 |
56 |
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2 |
Zetterberg's talented, but is he a rookie?
Damien Cox, HOCKEY COLUMNIST, Waymoresports.com (The Tornoto Star), May 2nd, 2003
It will no doubt come as a surprise to
In fact, in the NHL's eyes, no other league other than itself is.
That's why, barring an upset, Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg seems destined to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie-of-the-year.
Yet Zetterberg, really, shouldn't even be eligible.
He's a heckuva player, to be sure, and at 22, a major part of the Red Wings' future.
In his first NHL season, Zetterberg potted 22 goals, solid numbers for a rookie. That he played on a most helpful forward unit with future hall of famer Brett Hull and slick pivot Pavel Datsyuk for much of the year certainly made his debut campaign somewhat easier.
But to suggest Zetterberg is a rookie in the same way as his fellow Calder finalists,
By the time he was 17, Zetterberg was playing in the second division of the Swedish league with the Timra Red Eagles. In 2000,Timra moved up to the Elite division with Zetterberg as a fixture, and that season he registered 46 points in 47 games to cop — you guessed it — rookie-of-the-year honours in his homeland.
Then he played another full season, 48 games in all, and also skated for the Tre Kronor in the Salt Lake City Olympics.
If you just count his elite league games, he played 95 pro matches before coming to
Now let's look at the Calder regulations. To be eligible, for starters, you have to 25 years of age or younger as of Sept. 15 of your first NHL season.
That's the Sergei Makarov rule, and Zetterberg's obviously okay there.
Also, however, to be eligible a player "cannot have played more than 25 games in a single preceding season nor in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons in any major professional league."
According the NHL, however, the Swedish Elite league isn't a "major professional league," although you can make $500,000 (
Ditto for all the European leagues, which might be news to longtime NHLer Jiri Slegr, who is making $975,000 playing in the Russian league this season.
None of the North American leagues, the AHL, ECHL or any of the others, are considered to be at that level.
So really, given that the NHL views itself as the only major professional league in the world, the Calder is really for players 25 and under, regardless of their previous experience.
"(Zetterberg) is an NHL rookie," said Detroit GM Ken Holland yesterday. "Is he a professional rookie? I don't know. But I would say to you that the Swedish league is about the same level as the AHL, and if a player played two full years in the AHL and then came to the NHL, I wouldn't say he couldn't be rookie of the year."
Still, pitting a relatively seasoned player like Zetterberg against Jackman, who played one year in the AHL before becoming a regular, and the 18-year-old Nash, who jumped in directly from junior, seems a little unfair.
It was the same for
What's interesting is that if you asked GMs which of the three would be the biggest NHL star, the vast majority would say Nash.
"When you talk about the best young players, and you talk about Dany Heatley and Ilya Kovalchuk, the next guy is Nash," said Columbus GM Doug MacLean.
This much seems true. Every year there is great debate over whether the Hart Trophy should go to the MVP or the best NHL player.
Maybe it's also time to have another look at exactly what should constitute an NHL rookie.
ZETTERBERGFAN.COM RESPONDS:
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 3, 2003
One thing Damian Cox said in his article is true, “barring an upset, Detroit Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg seems destined to win the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie-of-the-year.” Why? Because, he deserves it.
Detroit Redwings rookie Henrik Zetterberg meets all NHL criteria to be eligible for the Calder Trophy.
In his article, Cox tries to argue that the Swedish Elite league, which Zetterberg played two seasons in prior to this season, is the equivalent to the National Hockey League. While it is the top league in
The Swedish Elite League and most European super leagues have only slightly better talent levels than
The Detroit Redwings could just have easily brought Zetterberg to the AHL after he was drafted, but choose to leave him in
Here is the main difference between the paths that Henrik Zetterberg, Barrett Jackman, and Rick Nash took to the NHL. Zetterberg was drafted by the Detroit Redwings, a World Champion Hockey Club. The Redwings had the luxury of keeping Zetterberg at a lower level of play until he was 22.
Does Zetterberg deserve the Calder? Yes, he does. He put up superior numbers to all other NHL rookies. Many members of the media who are biased against
Let’s make this comparison: If Henrik Zetterberg was drafted by
If Barrett Jackman had been drafted by
The truth is, Henrik Zetterberg outplayed all other rookies in his very first year in the NHL, including young Canadian’s named Jackman and Nash. Cox is a biased,
Henrik Zetterberg is obviously a rookie and obviously deserves to win the Calder. He has proven he is a future All-star and not a flash in the pan.
Zetterberg fans, you can contact Mr. Cox via e-mail at: dcox@thestar.ca
Wings' Zetterberg exceeds expectations in first year
By Angelique S. Chengelis, The
Just less than a year ago, when Henrik Zetterberg arrived in
But Zetterberg, 22, was the leading scorer among NHL rookies during the regular season with 22 goals and 44 points. He is one of three finalists for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year and is the first Red Wings finalist for the award since Nicklas Lidstrom was runnerup in 1992. The other finalists are Barret Jackman of
"I didn't have so much expectations, because I didn't know how much I was going to play," Zetterberg said. "Of course I'm very happy with the regular season. I played more than I expected. I had a fun year. Too bad the playoffs didn't work out. In a couple weeks I think I'm going to be pretty happy with the season."
The 6-foot, 180-pound Zetterberg, who managed to add a bit of weight before the season, is known for his speed, balance and quickness. Zetterberg has been compared to a young Peter Forsberg, another Swede, because of his shiftiness and game-breaking ability.
Zetterberg drew tremendous praise from former Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman before the playoffs, who thought the rookie clearly benefited from the number of minutes he played. Bowman also praised Zetterberg for his defense and penalty killing.
"I don't know who's better (than Zetterberg)," Bowman said.
Zetterberg found his niche playing on a line with Pavel Datsyuk, who completed his second NHL season, and Brett Hull. The line, which became one of the league's best during the Wings' strong second half of the regular season, gave the team an added dimension.
The rookie described the experience of playing on that line as "fun", while Wings Coach Dave Lewis said it was enjoyable to watch Zetterberg and Datsyuk play well together on the same line.
For his part, the veteran
"I look at Hank and I see a first-year guy that has the skill, the composure, the savvy of the game,"
Of course, it didn't hurt that
"We're happy he's staying around," Zetterberg said of
While Zetterberg was pleased with his rookie season, there was the disappointment of being swept by
"I didn't expect to play," said Zetterberg, who led
With Robitaille Gone, Zetterberg Likely to Wear #20
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 7, 2003
The Detroit Redwings bought out the final season of future Hall of Fame right wing Luc Robitaille’s three-year contract. Releasing Robitaille clears up some extra salary and makes roster room for prospects, but also makes jersey #20 available to Henrik Zetterberg next year for his sophomore season.
Zetterberg, known as Zata in
When Zetterberg arrived in
Zetterberg wore jersey #15 in last summer’s prospect training camp, but selected #40 for his rookie debut when he made the NHL roster out of training camp. The only other time he has not worn #20 was when he wore #40 for
After the Redwings were eliminated in the first round of the 2003 Stanley Cup Playoffs, by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Zetterberg decided to play for
Prior to Luc Robitaille #20 was sported by a Redwings fan favorite, Martin Lapointe, who wore the number for eight full seasons, from 1992-2001, when he became a free agent and signed with the Boston Bruins, where he still wears #20.
Finns Fail in Spectacular Fashion as
By Peter Westermark, IHWC.NET, May 7, 2003
Put this one in the book as one of the Sweden-Finland classics.
Teemu Selänne got a hat trick and
Tomi Kallio and Kimmo Rintanen also scored for
"It's hard to explain how the Finnish team leads 5-1 and we end up with the win," said
"I've never seen anything like this," said Swedish defenseman Mattias Norström. "When we were down four goals, things seemed pretty hopeless for us."
"I feel sorry for
"This is a nightmare finish to the tournament for us," said Finnish Head Coach Hannu Aravirta.
It was perhaps the worst collapse in a key situation in the history of Finnish hockey, and the biggest comeback in Swedish or maybe even Worlds history.
Looking back over the last 20-odd years, this is a recurring theme. In 1986, Anders Carlsson scored twice in the final minute to propel
The closest parallel in a major international game between these two countries came on September 9, 1976, in the Canada Cup.
It was a game that was a far cry from the 1998 World Championship finals, when the two teams scored a total of one goal in two games. If they backed up four defensemen on each blue line that time, this was the other way around. Both teams played with high intensity in a game that swung back and forth.
All through the game, the atmosphere in the stands was highly charged as the 13,441 at the Hartwall Arena cheered the Finns on with chants and screamed in unison every time the Finns entered the attacking zone.
The Finns carried most of the play in the opening minutes, as the Swedes adopted a more cautious approach. But it was the Swedes who would score the first goal of the game when Mats Sundin pulled out a puck from behind the net and backhanded a soft low shot through Jani Hurme's five-hole.
At 5:53, Peter Forsberg hooked down Saku Koivu and was sent to the penalty box by referee Rick Looker. The Finns wasted little time making use of their power play, as Selänne deflected a shot from Janne Niinimaa, and the game was tied.
With one and a half minutes to go in the first period, Tomi Kallio fired a high shot from an impossible angle down low by the boards, and the disc ended up in the net to make the score 3-1 for Finland as Salo somehow failed to make the easy glove save.
After a scramble in front of Salo when the Swedes failed to clear the puck, Kimmo Rintanen banged home a loose puck to make it a 4-1 game early in the second period. The Swedes protested the goal, as Olli Jokinen fell over Salo at the same time as the puck went into the net, but to no avail.
The referee penalized Salo for roughing in the same second, giving the Finns another power play. The Swedes had at this point lost their cool, and allowed yet another goal with 42 seconds left on the power play when Selänne attempted a cross-ice pass that bounced off Daniel Tjärnqvist and into the net.
Mikael Tellqvist replaced Salo in the net after the fifth Finnish goal.
"Maybe I pulled him too late, but Salo wasn't bad," said Nilsson. "He was unlucky, it doesn't matter how good you are if you are unlucky."
The Swedes finally got a break when Peter Nordström fired a shot from the blueline that deflected off Jörgen Jönsson in front past Hurme at 8:04 to cut the deficit to three.
"When we were down 5-1 I think everybody was ready to bring out the golf clubs," said Tellqvist.
Mikko Eloranta was called for checking from behind at 9:13, and the Swedes wasted little time crawling closer as Forsberg and Sundin went to work in the Finnish zone. Forsberg got the power play marker in a scramble in front of Hurme.
With less than three minutes remaining, the Swedes got yet another goal, this time the result of sloppy defensive play in the Finnish zone. Jonas Höglund snapped up a Jönsson pass in the slot and put home a low shot past Hurme, who was out of position.
"I think the fourth goal was the most important one," said Mattias Norström. "Their goalie had to go off and think for 15 minutes before the third period."
At the start of the third period, the Finnish team followed
The Finnish defense looked passive in the third period as the Swedes poured on the pressure, and it seemed like a matter of time before Tre Kronor would complete their comeback.
And it was. At 8:22, Peter Forsberg scored a goal for the ages when he carried the puck from his own zone, into the Finnish zone and around the net before attempting a wrap-around that just found the inside of the far post.
The Finns, however, appeared nervous and could not apply any sustained pressure on the Swedish net.
At 13:13, the Finns got unlucky as Saku Koivu accidentally high-sticked Henrik Zetterberg in the neutral zone, sending
With only seven seconds left in the penalty, P-J Axelsson deflected a Ronnie Sundin shot that just trickled over the goal line, and the Swedes had scored five straight goals to take lead for the first time since early in the first period.
With three and a half minutes remaining, the Finns got their big chance to tie the game when Jönsson was called for holding in the neutral zone. But they failed to capitalize. Down the stretch, they pulled Nurminen and attempted numerous breakaway passes that turned into icing calls instead.
Teemu Selänne was named
"A bitter loss for
"I'm proud of my players," offered Aravirta. "We tried as hard as we could."
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 9, 2003
Mats Sundin of the Toronto Maple Leafs had two goals and an assist when Henrik Zetterberg added an empty net goal to make the game 4-1. Zetterberg had a good game getting several great scoring chances, and drew a couple penalties getting hauled down while breaking through the Slovak defense. He now has three goals and three assists in eight games. He is a +4 in the tournament.
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6 |
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69 |
38 |
31 |
55 |
25 |
12 |
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0 |
0 |
0 |
7 |
3 |
4 |
Zetterberg Zooming For Tre Kroner
By Lucas Aykroyd, IHWC.NET, May 10, 2003
At a time when the development of young players has become an Achilles heel for
IHWC.NET: What did you think of the effort your team gave yesterday against
Henrik Zetterberg: I think we played a really good game. It was probably our best game of the tournament. We didn't give them anything and we took care of our chances.
IHWC.NET: You look over at the other team and see names like Palffy and Satan and Bondra, and you were able to hold them to one goal. Was that surprising?
Zetterberg: I don't know if it was surprising, but I think it was important. That was our mission, to eliminate their forwards. If we were able to not give any chances, then we had a good chance of winning.
IHWC.NET: Looking back to the 5-2 win over
Zetterberg: Well, we've lost to them already 3-1 at this tournament. We know we have a good team and hopefully we can play better than we did that game.
IHWC.NET: Who's impressed you the most on Team
Zetterberg: I think…hmm? I don't know. They have a lot of good guys. I don't know of any one special, but most of the guys have been very good.
IHWC.NET:
Zetterberg: I think we have pretty good physical play this year. So I hope we'll kind of match up with that. But I think our skill is going to outwork their strongness.
IHWC.NET: Is this the biggest game of your career?
Zetterberg: No…well, I don't know. Maybe with the national team. Of course this is a big game. But then again, the Olympics were big games too. It's one of them.
IHWC.NET: Does all the focus on Sundin and Forsberg open up a little more room for a guy like yourself?
Zetterberg: I think so. Especially when I play with Peter, if we go out on the ice, everyone knows where he is and they keep their eyes on him. Sometimes they forget about me. So I don't complain about that.
IHWC.NET: Would you give the Calder Trophy to Barret Jackman or Rick Nash in exchange for a gold medal here?
Zetterberg: Uh, that's a tough one. It would be good to win both! (laughs)
IHWC.NET: What do you think the NHL could learn from the IIHF in terms of the style of hockey we see over here?
Zetterberg: I don't know. There's been a little bit of discussion about taking away the red line, but I don't know if that's going to work. Maybe we'll have to try it in some leagues.
IHWC.NET: Do you enjoy the chance to come back and play on the big ice, as a skilled player with good skating?
Zetterberg: Yeah, I like it here, and without the red line. But when I went over to
IHWC.NET: The 2004 Worlds will be the qualifier for the 2006 Olympics. What kind of impact do you think that will have in terms of NHL players volunteering to play for their countries?
Zetterberg: I don't know. Actually, I don't think it's going to make so much of a difference. Of course, you want to play for the national team, in the Olympics and so on. But when we play in the NHL, it's our job. So I think we're concentrating on that.
Sweden Takes Home Silver in 3-2 OT Loss to
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 11, 2003
Detroit Redwings rookie sensation Henrik Zetterberg assisted on the first of Tre Kroner’s two first period goals and almost won the game six minutes into overtime when he made a good backhanded shot that was gloved by Canadian goalie Roberto Luongo. Had the two teams made it through the twenty minute 4 on 4 overtime in a tie, the match would have gone to a shootout. Zetterberg would have been selected as one of Sweden’s shooters along with superstars Mats Sundin of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Peter Forsberg of the Colorado Avalanche, as well as P.J. Axelsson of the Boston Bruins, who was named player of the game for Sweden, and Swedish Elite League star Jorgen Jonsson of Farjestad Karlstad. Sundin was named tournament MVP having scored six goals with four assists and a +8 in seven games.
Zetterberg was on
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