2004
Youngsters Develop into Biggest Stars with Red Wings
By Jerry Green, The
One arrived as a young Steve Yzerman, shy, with a smile and uncanny instincts around the net. The other arrived as the young Sergei Fedorov, quiet, unfamiliar with a new land and magical moves with a hockey puck.
Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. They are the new order of the Red Wings, the youngsters who have sparked this team of ancients.
“They are going to be superstars known all over the world,” Mickey Redmond raved to his Fox Sports Net TV audience the other night.
There was a powerful reason for
Datsyuk, with ice skills that emulate Fedorov’s, has been the best player in the NHL this season, in my opinion. And he has been the highlight player of what is in these early days of 2004 the best team in the league.
The Red Wings have overcome their goaltending carousel that might have destroyed this team. They have overcome the plague of injuries. They have overcome us naysayers who considered the Red Wings’ advanced age to be a detriment. And they have overcome the critics who faulted Dave Lewis’ coaching in the backwash of Scotty Bowman’s successes.
Zetterberg displayed a sheepish smile when
“OK,” he said.
Just OK?
“Yeah, it’s too early to say something about that,” Zetterberg said. “But it’s an honor that he says that about me. But I have a long way to go.”
That is the vital fact. Zetterberg and Datsyuk should be able to infuse with their talents the Red Wings for years. Zetterberg is 23. He played four seasons back home in
It has been a long time since the Red Wings discovered all their players on the frozen ponds and frigid rinks of
Credit belongs to General Manager Ken Holland and assistant GM Jim Nill. They have logged their own lode of frequent-flyer mileage to scout youthful players in
Talent procurement has always been the primary foundation in the winning of championships.
“They’re exciting,” Lewis said of his two young stars. “Datsyuk and Zetterberg, they have the ability to, I guess, entertain our own players.
“Zetterberg, he’s learning every night. He’s got a bright future. He’s a different player than Pavel. But he’s very good offensively and he’s very good defensively. It’s exciting to watch that.”
OK!
Zetterberg Assists in Victory Over
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, January 14, 2004
Detroit Redwings forward Henrik Zetterberg tallied his 11th and 12th assists of the season in a 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at the Joe Louis Arena in
The first assist was on a goal by defenseman Jason Woolley 13:33 into the first period. Woolley skated down the right wing boards with Zetterberg skating up center ice. Just before crossing the blue line, Zetterberg dished the puck to
Almost exactly five minutes later, Zetterberg helped make it a 2-0 game when, on a Redwing’s power play, team scoring leader Pavel Datsyuk dumped the puck to him down at the side of the Blackhawk’s net and he fed it to Ray Whitney sneaking to the crease to Passmore’s right. Whitney slipped the puck in the backdoor off the nice pass.
Zetterberg now has 18 points (6 goals) with a plus-6 in 25 games this season.
Over the boards with the Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg
By Joanne C. Gerstner, The
Best uniform in sports, not counting the Wings: I love Manchester United’s uniforms.
Do you collect jerseys? No, not really.
What music are you listening to right now? Swedish rock music. It sounds like Bruce Springsteen, except the guy singing it is Swedish. More pop than Bruce.
What’s the best part about being Swedish? Getting to go home to
Do you like antique or modern furniture? Definitely modern.
That stands to reason. You’re Swedish. Like Ikea? Yes, that kind of stuff.
Bravest thing you’ve ever done: I have to think. ... Wow. ... I’ve never done anything brave. I’ve never needed to. I play hockey.
Worst fashion thing you ever bought: I have a problem with buying too many shoes. I love shoes. But some of them are pretty ugly and I won’t wear them. Some of the shoes I’ve bought I never wear. I just liked them when I saw them so I bought them. When I get them home, I realize I don’t like them that much anymore, so I don’t wear them.
Are you neat or messy? I’m kind of messy. But my girlfriend is neat. So as long as one of us is neat, I think things are OK. My girlfriend is my good part.
Favorite TV show: “24.”
Isn’t that hard to follow if you miss an episode? I always tape them. I can’t miss it.
Most exotic place you’ve been to on vacation:
I’m jealous. I’d love to be warm right now. Have you ever been ice fishing? Yes, we do that a lot in
Did you enjoy it? Yes, I liked it, it was fun going with my friends.
Red Wings' mentor shows youngster how to play
Yzerman shares wisdom with Zetterberg
By John Niyo, The
Henrik Zetterberg was (a three year old) when Steve Yzerman took the ice for the first time in a Red Wings uniform.
Two decades later, (he is) now budding NHL star being tutored by a veteran player whose pro career is nearly as old as his wide-eyed pupil.
“It’s a mentoring program, is what it is,” Wings Coach Dave Lewis said. “That, to me, is the best way for young players to learn how to play.”
With Zetterberg and Yzerman, it might be less about goals and assists, and more about style points. That’s one reason Lewis moved Zetterberg’s locker room stall next to the 39-year-old captain’s before this season.
“It’s an intangible, for sure,” Lewis said. “You learn how to compete like these guys do. You learn what it takes to be successful in big games, tight situations. Both Pavel and Henrik have so much talent, but that doesn’t cut it all the time. You have to understand what it takes to be successful, too.
“It’s amazing just to have him around,” said Zetterberg, 23. “I had heard so much about him, but I hadn’t really had a chance to see it like this, you know? He’s a great leader. It’s an honor to play with him, and it’s honor to sit here next to him.”
“It doesn’t take long when you come into this (dressing) room to see how things are supposed to be done,” Zetterberg said, nodding. “You learn by watching the guys around you.”
Zetterberg Ties Game as Time Winds Down
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, January 16, 2004
With the Phoenix Coyotes leading 3-2, Henrik Zetterberg scored with less than two minutes remaining in regulation, to give the Detroit Redwings a valuable point in a 3-3 tie at the Joe Louis Arena.
18:12 into the third period Zetterberg backhanded a shot from the circle past red-hot Coyotes goalie Brian Boucher. The goal was assisted by team scoring leaders Pavel Datsyuk and Brett Hull. "Pavel was falling, he got it to me," Zetterberg said. "I don't think the goalie was ready for it, so I had pretty much an open net."
It was his 7th goal of the season.
Redwing’s captain Steve Yzerman became the 7th player in NHL history to reach 1700 career points when he assisted on a Kris Draper goal tonight.
Zetterberg had this to say about the legendary leader, "It's a great opportunity for me to be on the same team with a player like that. He's been in the league 21 years, I was 2 when he started. It's a great experience. I don't think I'll have 21 seasons. Hopefully I'll have half of that."
Zetterberg and Teammates Guests at set of “24”
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, January 22, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg visited the set of the hit T.V. show “24” with teammates Niklas Lidstrom, Kris Draper, Mathieu Dandenault, and Boyd Devereaux on Tuesday. Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland, who plays agent Jack Bauer (like the Hockey equipment company) is an avid hockey fan who has narrated ABC and ESPN NHL promotions including last year’s “The Season” featuring the Detroit Redwings. He met with the players during their visit. Being fans is mutual between Sutherland and the Redwings. Zetterberg has said that he follows the show closely. He attended a screening of the show in October with Draper. They met the actor for the first time, then. Sutherland will be interviewed on tonights Redwing’s pre-game show.
Hank Scores Two in Exciting Come From Behind
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, January 31, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg had two goals and an assist and was on the ice for all four Redwings goals in an exciting come-from-behind over-time tie with the Carolina Hurricanes tonight in
Thomas Holmstrom opened the third period scoring making it a 4-2 game. The Redwings, who had played poorly the first half of the game, were right back in it but time was running out. With just 5:34 left in the game and the Redwings on the powerplay once again, Zetterberg positioned himself low, hanging out to the right of the net. Brett Hull, who has been struggling to score goals lately, got a point blank shot off from between the faceoff circles. The puck bounced off of Weekes’ pads and Zetterberg moved out front and knocked it out of mid air. His 9th goal of the season made it a one goal game and energized the Joe Louis Arena crowd. A few minutes later, with only 3:21 left on the clock, Zetterberg assisted on Thomas Holmstrom’s second goal of the night, tying the game at 4-4. Niether team was able to score the game winner in overtime. But, the Wing’s will settle for one point after such a poor start at home.
“We didn’t start out very good, we didn’t play good enough for two periods,” Zetterberg said. “The last 10 minutes we got some lucky bounces.”
Team scoring leader Pavel Datsyuk assisted on both of Zata’s goals. Zetterberg was a +2 in the game and had seven shots on goal. His two goals give him three career goals on Kevin Weekes.
Slump is over for Zetterberg, Two goals Saturday are the First for Him in Seven Outings
By Ted Kulfan, The
Maybe the Red Wings’ 4-4 tie with
When he returned Dec. 17 after missing 21 games because of a broken bone in his right leg, Zetterberg barely looked out of place. He had a goal and two assists against
“The first couple of games (back) were fun,” Zetterberg said.
But the fun gradually turned into frustration. Zetterberg couldn’t find the net and wasn’t getting teammates in position to score.
Before getting two goals and an assist Saturday, Zetterberg hadn’t scored in six games (with one assist thrown in). He also had scored once in the last 13 games before Saturday.
“It feels good to get back on the (score) sheet again,” Zetterberg said. “The first one, (Ray) Whitney just put on net (and Zetterberg deflected). The second one I just whacked at it, and the puck went in. It was nice to get some goals.”
Zetterberg said his right leg wasn’t pain-free after his first few games back, and his lack of success showed it.
“The puck didn’t want to be friends with me,” Zetterberg said. “I just hoped it would turn around, and hopefully it did tonight.”
Young players tend to overdo and try to do too much when things aren’t going their way. Coach Dave Lewis sensed that with Zetterberg.
“You have to be in the right spot, and he was (against the Hurricanes),” Lewis said.
Five Points in Last Three Games
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 5, 2004
Detroit Redwings forward Henrik Zetterberg is now on a hot streak. He had been having trouble getting points lately, but his first period assist on Ray Whitney's goal in tonights 3-2 overtime win in Colorado and his beautiful backhanded pass to Brendan Shanahan after drawing Predator's goalie Thomas Vokoun to the post in Tuesday's game in Nashville have given Zetterberg 2 goals and three assists in the last three games.
Zata now has 9 goals and 16 assists in 35 games this season. He is currently scoring at a .71 points-per-game pace for the season. With 26 games left in the regular season Zetterberg would score about 18 more points this year. That would be 43 total points in 61 games, only one point shy of what he scored in 79 games last season. Last season, in his rookie campaign he scored at a .56 points-per-game pace.
Henrik Zetterberg Praises Datsyuk
This Week @RWW, Redwingsworld.com, February 6, 2004
Why do you think Datsyuk deserves All-Star honors?
Well, first of all, he works hard. He loves the game. Every time he goes on the ice he tries to be better and I think that’s one of the reasons he’s playing so well.
Does he make people around him better?
I think he makes the other players better. I think if he plays guys that can score it makes him a little better. But for sure, every guy here that plays with him takes another level. (He's) just one of those players that can make everything look so easy when you go out there. He’s one of the best players in the league right now. He’s going to stay at that level for the rest of his career.
Playing with him, did he ever really surprise you?
No, I think it goes that we kind of play the same way and same style. Sometimes a few of the stuff he works on surprises us that he pulled it off. Most of the time, we kind of know, I kind of knew that it was coming. It’s kind of easy to play with him.
What are some of the things you’ve notice Pavel work on and improve?
I think it’s the shot. He shoots more this year and he’s gotten a lot of results from that. I think that’s one of the big steps he’s taken this year. It could be one on two and he’d still score. I think that’s the big thing this year. And of course he’s taken more responsibility this year. He plays a lot more. I think those two things been helping a lot.
Hank Due for Scoring Streak
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 16, 2004
I can feel it coming. Hank is gonna start scoring soon. You can almost see how close he is to busting out, the way he has been playing lately! He hasn’t been hot, but he shows flashes of heat on every shift. He does have seven points in the last six games, and that includes zero against the Avalanche on Saturday. However, Zetterberg was one of the few Redwings who played a full 60 minutes in that game against
There are many qualities about Zata’s game that you have to respect and give you reason to believe. He always skates hard and never gives up on offensive oppurtunities. He drives to the net and seems willing to pay a price to score. In some ways you can still compare him to Peter Forsberg. He often tries to skate through defensemen but still has the skill and creativity to put a move on them and skate by.
Hank also has the ability to make beautiful passes. Often unselfish, he knows how to set up great scoring chances. He is a playmaker. Some of his best highlights are great passes that created offense.
Zetterberg is also very responsible defensively. He plays in short handed situations and also against opponents toughest lines. So while he takes chances offensively he makes up for it by hustling back into the play and getting in the right position to defend.
I think he is gonna go on a scoring tear soon, which will include a hat trick. He has not yet had three goals in one game in the NHL and I believe it will come this season. The way he has been working in games recently shows what he is on the verge of. Could it start tonight against
I also like his chances in the games later this week as well. Wednesday night
For as well as Zetterberg has played this year despite missing 21 games with a broken leg, I think we haven’t seen the best yet. I just have a feeling we are about to see a lot more offense from the sophomore sensation here in Hockeytown!
Creating Offensive Chances
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 19, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg is creating scoring chances galore, it just isn’t adding up to multi-point games. He was oh-so-close to having a 2 goal, three assist night with another high flying energy filled game in a 5-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes last night at the Joe.
The first just-miss came with 6:30 left in the first period. Defenseman Mathieu Dandenault took a shot from the left point that appeared to have, and would have, been re-directed off of the outstretched stick of Zetterberg just to the right of
Zetterberg had several great scoring chances in the second period. On one play he took the puck sped up the center of the ice, splitting the D. Instead of taking a clear shot on goal, Hank unselfishly tried to feed the puck back across the slot to Brendan Shanahan on his right. Shanahan appeared to have more net to shoot at, but failed to put the puck in it.
Later, Zetterberg picked up the puck and got open between the faceoff circles, but his wide-open low shot was slighty deflected by a defender’s stick and glanced up hitting Coyote defenseman Todd Reirden in the face.
Halfway through the period, on a delayed penalty call on
Finally, with 3:55 left in the second period, on a Wing’s powerplay Zetterberg recorded a point. It was a huge one! Zata took a pass behind goal line to Boucher’s left, from Pavel Datsyuk along the right wing boards. Zetterberg made a marvelous quick dish to Brett Hull streaking into the right circle, who one-timed it back to the far left post and behind Boucher. The goal was
Hank has seven points in the last eight games, which isn’t bad. However, with the chances he has been generating he could have added a lot of points lately. It’s no fault of his own. Sometimes, the puck just isn’t going in. But playing the way he does, there will plenty of scoring to come.
Dominating the Blues
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 20, 2004
It was another multipoint game against the St. Louis Blues for Henrik Zetterberg. Tonight, at the Joe Louis Arena in
Zetterberg was due to bust out and the Blues were a prime candidate to be victimized by the young star forward.
He has now scored six goals and three assists in seven career games against
His first goal tonight came on a power play for
His second goal of the game also came in the second period and was very much like the first. Zetterberg was hanging out on the right Wing side of Divis’ net as Wing’s defenseman Mathieu Schneider fired a pass down low to Ray Whitney near the left side of the crease. Whitney quickly put a shot on goal that deflected off of Divis’ pads and out to Zetterberg who had slid out in front of the goalie. Zata took a cross check to the back as he tucked the puck low glove side into the net once again for another power play goal.
``It was two easy tap-ins. Two great plays by Whitney. On the second one, I just had my weight on my sick and it hit it and went in. On the first one Hullie hit it and it dropped right down to me. Once in a while you've got to have the luck." said Zetterberg.
The goals were Zetterberg’s 10th and 11th this season, five of which are on the powerplay. His last four goals have been power-play goals. His last nine of his eleven total goals this year are at home. He now has 31 points in just 40 games this season, with 12 points in his last nine games. He credits being on a line with Brendan Shanahan and Tomas Holmstrom for his recent success.
Zetterberg later assisted on Darren McCarty’s goal 6:26 into the third period giving the Wings a commanding 4-1 lead. He was a +1 in the game and won seven of ten faceoffs, easily making him the first star of the contest.
Zetterberg Finds His Comfort Zone
By Nicholas J. Cotsonika, Free Press Sports Writer, February 21, 2004
When the Red Wings returned from their five-game trip out west last month, Henrik Zetterberg started feeling better -- and started playing better, too.
Zetterberg is the Wings' leading scorer since the trip, with 12 points -- four goals, eight assists -- in nine games. He had two power-play goals and an assist Friday night in the Wings' 5-1 victory over
"Hopefully, I can stay at this level the rest of the season," Zetterberg said.
Zetterberg suffered a broken leg Nov. 3 at
Now the leg feels better than it has since the injury, and Zetterberg has become comfortable centering left wing Brendan Shanahan and right wing Tomas Holmstrom.
"We've been playing together for a lot of games," Zetterberg said. "You don't have to look all the time when you make your play. You always know where they are. That makes it a lot easier."
Zata Scores, but Fellow Swede Outshines in
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 25, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg scored his 12th goal of the season in a 4-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks last night. The goal came on a powerplay at 17:26 of the second period when a shot by Ray Whitney deflected off the leg of Brett Hull and right to Zetterberg who was all alone for an open shot. The goal made tied the game 1-1 and was Zata's second career goal against Dan Cloutier and the Canucks.
The story of the game, however, was the play of fellow Swede Daniel Sedin of the Canucks. He scored all four
The game was the Redwing's first against
Darren McCarty was seeking a little revenge and dropped the gloves and fought Allen. Mac landed quite a few good punches.
Zetterberg is set at center
By Ted Kulfan, The
Temporarily, at least, Henrik Zetterberg knows he’ll only be playing center. No more shifting between center, and maybe on a wing on Pavel Datsyuk’s line, then back to center.
With the acquisition of Robert Lang, the Red Wings like the idea of having Lang, Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Kris Draper up the middle, possibly the best depth at that position of any team in the league.
Center is Zetterberg’s natural position. “I’m comfortable either way,” said Zetterberg, who endured similar questioning during the exhibition season when the Wings were considering using him on a wing or center. “I’ve played both.”
Fully recovered from a November broken right leg, Zetterberg has centered a line with Brendan Shanahan and Tomas Holmstrom in recent weeks that’s been consistently effective.
Zetterberg has 33 points (12 goals, 21 assists) in 44 games in his second NHL season.
“He can play either position. Like Steve Yzerman and Kris Draper, he has that type of flexibility,” Coach Dave Lewis said. “It’s nice to have those kind of options.”
Zetterberg enjoys the current setup, playing with Shanahan and Holmstrom.
Playing with Shanahan is similar to playing with Brett Hull last season, when Zetterberg,
“The thing with Shanny and Hullie, you just try to find them open,” Zetterberg said. “Homer does the dirty job for me, he helps me that way.”
Zetterberg might see some playing time drop from the 17 minutes, 39 seconds he averages because of Lang’s acquisition, but he doesn’t mind.
“I’m not worried (about that). He’s (Lang) a great player who has been in the league a long time,” Zetterberg said. “Of course he’ll take some ice time from other centers, but I’m not angry about it because it’s going to help our team.
“It’s up to the coaches who gets the ice time, and there’s nothing you can do about it. You try to play better and hope they keep putting you out there.”
Zetterberg Has Comforts of Home
By Helene ST. James, Free Press, March 3, 2004
It's good to be a second-year player. For one thing, it means you can get other people to import your socks.
Henrik Zetterberg started making himself useful to the Red Wings the first day he suited up for them last season, at right wing. Within two months, he had been moved to left wing, and when this season began, he was at center. Anywhere he has been, he has looked at home.
But while playing in his native
"He likes playing center, and he is good at the position," Lewis said Tuesday. "But I know that he can play left wing, and he also can play right wing, so he adds to the flexibility of our team."
Zetterberg will stay between Brendan Shanahan and Tomas Holmstrom tonight when the Wings play
For Zetterberg, it helps to have consistency. "I enjoy playing center," he said. "I feel comfortable about it. I think we have a good line going with me, Homer and Shanny. I think if you ask anyone, getting to know each other and know their style of play, it gets a lot easier."
Zetterberg has had to make adjustments from last season, when he was used to having Datsyuk carry the puck. Now Zetterberg spends most of the time with the puck, looking for Shanahan to get open. As for Holmstrom, Zetterberg said: "He helps me a lot in the corners. He gets me the puck and does the dirty job."
Speaking of having other people do the work, Zetterberg has discovered a benefit to not being a rookie. During post-practice workouts he wears these trademark red, knee-length socks, and he used to have to get them sent over from
With Lang's Presence, Zetterberg Hopes he doesn't get Moved to Another Line
By Tom Kowalski, Mlive.com , March 3, 2004
There are a lot of positives surrounding the recent acquisition of high-scoring center Robert Lang, but some of the Detroit Red Wings might feel a backlash from the trade.
Coach Dave Lewis has talked about experimenting with some line changes to find the right spot for Lang before the playoffs begin next month. However, some players are just getting comfortable at their current station.
Henrik Zetterberg, who was moved from wing to center after returning from a broken leg earlier this season, is one of those players. Playing between Tomas Holmstrom and Brendan Shanahan, Zetterberg has been on a tear of late, scoring 14 points (five goals and nine assists) in his last 13 games.
Zetterberg will move if it's for the good of the team, but he likes his new home.
"We've got a good run going with me, Homer and Shanny. We've played together for a while now, that helps," Zetterberg said. "You don't have to look all the time to know where everyone is, you just kind of know that Homer is around the boards or in front of the net and Shanny is high in the slot. It's kind of easier to play."
Zetterberg led NHL rookies in goals and points last season, finishing second to St. Louis defenseman Barret Jackman for the Calder Trophy (best rookie), but his defensive game is often overlooked.
"He probably doesn't get enough recognition for that," Lewis said. "He could be one of our best defensive players. He is really maturing."
Last year, Zetterberg played wing on a line with Brett Hull and Pavel Datsyuk and they had instant, and productive, chemistry.
"They're different players. Pavel is so skilled with the puck that you just want to get open," Zetterberg said. "Now, most of the time I'm the one with the puck trying to find the other guys. Homer helps me a lot because he gets in the corner and gets me the puck. He does all the dirty work."
"Pavel's a little flashier; Hank (Zetterberg) won't make guys look foolish like Pavel does, but he can definitely put the puck in the net," Wings forward Kirk Maltby said. "They kind of push each other to be better players and it's great for them and the organization."
Zetterberg Sees Ice Time Go Away and then Come Back
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 4, 2004
The Detroit Redwings made a huge trade prior to the trade deadline this season acquiring the league leading scorer, veteran center Robert Lang from the Washington Capitols. The move added size and skill at the middle position on the Wings top line, and was certain to shake up their stable lineup. It was sure to affect several regular forwards playing time, including guys like Selke Trophy candidate Kris Draper, and Swedish Sophomore sensation Henrik Zetterberg.
Lang made his debut in
Zetterberg’s line with wingers Brendan Shanahan and Tomas Holmstrom was the last line to get on the ice in the game.
Of the change in roles Zetterberg said, “I’m not worried. He’s a great player who has been in the league a long time. Of course he’ll take some ice time from other centers, but I’m not angry about it because it’s going to help our team. It’s up to the coaches who gets the ice time, and there’s nothing you can do about it. You try to play better and hope they keep putting you out there.”
But what the hockey god’s taketh away they giveth back. On Wednesday, during warm-ups, veteran grind-line center Kris Draper tore his rotator cuff in a strange collision with goalie Curtis Joseph. Draper will be out for a month. Zetterberg played 19:46 in that nights 2-1 win over
So, despite the big pick-up of a top line center, and then the loss of one of the hardest working centers in the game, Zetterberg only saw his role affected for one game, and it likely isn’t going to change this season.
A New Member of the Grind Line
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 6, 2004
Another injury to a Redwings forward leads to another unusual change-up of the lines by Coach Dave Lewis. Star center Pavel Datsyuk is out for the next two weeks with a sprained ankle that he suffered in the Wings 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames, the same day they lost another key center man, Kris Draper.
All of this means that, in the course of three games, Lewis has had to change the role of sophomore forward Henrik Zetterberg. It started with the acquisition of the leagues leading scorer, Robert Lang, in a trade with the Washington Capitols, and continued when Draper tore a rotator cuff in warm-ups. Zetterberg has seen himself go from top line center to a role player on a talent laden team and back to top line center. He had recently spent most of his time centering Brendan Shanahan and fellow Swede Tomas Holmstrom, and seemed very comfortable and confident doing so. In last nights 3-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks at the Joe Louis Arena, Zetterberg played with the famed “Grind Line” , taking Draper’s spot between wingers Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty.
Zetterberg’s strong skating, tenacious pursuit, and solid defensive play fit well with the Grind Line’s style of play. The line isn’t known for its offensive production but more for its ability to shut down the oppositions top lines. That may change a little with the addition of Hank if Coach Lewis doesn’t do another shake up soon.
Zetterberg played over twenty minutes last night, way over his average of 17:39 a game. But with his new job on the Grind Line he recorded no points during all that time on the ice. He did get some powerplay minutes on a unit centered by Lang with Shanahan on left wing. Zetterberg’s familiar spot with the man advantage was as Datsyuk’s and future Hall of Famer Brett
Its hard to determine what Lewis will do next, but wherever he is put, Zata seems to fit in and play well. As Datysuk and Draper return from injuries in the coming weeks, the team will have to change once again and refind its chemistry. Zetterberg could find himself back with Shanahan and Homstrom or on last years highly successful and exciting “Two Kids and a Goat” Line with
Faceoff Issues
By Dana Wakiji,
The loss of Draper and Datsyuk is significant in many ways, but it definitely hurt the Red Wings on faceoffs Friday night.
Both of those centers are above 50 percent on faceoffs and the Red Wings are generally a good faceoff team.
"We're going to have to work on some of those things," Lewis said. "Now we only have actually (Henrik) Zetterberg as the only left-handed centerman that we have. We might put a little more responsibility on Henrik on the one side."
Among those who struggled the most were Robert Lang, who won nine and lost 13, Mark Mowers, who won two and lost three and Zetterberg, who won eight and lost 11.
Zetterberg Endorses Zetterbergfan.com
Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March
“Hey, This is my website!” That is what Henrik Zetterberg exclaimed when handed a color copy of zetterbergfan.com’s homepage to autograph.
The Deroit Redwings sophomore center was doing an autograph signing at The Sports Stop in
Dara Pirtle (a.k.a. “Lady In Red”), a member at Redwings, World volunteered to help. Dara explained to Henrik that I was a big fan and unable to come myself because I am in the Navy. Zetterberg already knew of the website and was reportedly excited when he saw the printed page. He thought it was really cool according to another fans account of the signing.
Zetterberg’s first hand knowledge and appreciation of the fan site became known when Edmund Chu, the President of Ramp Management ( a Toronto based marketing company that created henrikzetterberg.com, Henrik’s official website) contacted me in early February to compliment my site. “I just like your content from a fan’s perspective and so does Henrik”, stated Mr. Chu. I have contacted the writer for the official site and inquired about possibly doing an interview with Zetterberg in the future.
Hank’s appreciation of Zetterbergfan.com was confirmed a few days after the autograph signing when a local media member asked him about it at practice. Zetterberg said he liked the site, that I had a lot of stuff on it, and that I was doing a good job. That’s pretty high praise from someone who is not very talkative.
Obviously, this is very exciting for me. I wanted to share the story with Henrik’s fans and to let you know that he is very humble, friendly, and grateful for his fans. Thank you very much, Henrik, for the autograph and the appreciation for this website. I appreciate what you do for the Redwings on the ice and respect your professionalism and dedication to the fans. I hope to someday meet you myself but until then I want to wish you the best of luck this post season and for your career in
Making Most of Scoring Oppurtunities with the Grinders
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com March 13, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg has been successful in every situation that head Detroit Redwings Head Coach Dave Lewis has put him in since he came into the NHL last year. Usually, “Hank” has had the luxury of playing with Superstar’s like Sergei Fedorov, Brendan Shanahan, Steve Yzerman, and Brett Hull. However, with the recent rash of injuries the Redwings have suffered to centers Robert Lang, Pavel Datsyuk, and Kris Draper; Zetterberg has had to fill the role of #1 center on an unusual line combination. Coach Lewis’s new top line is the famous “Grind Line” with wingers Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty, the spot usually filled by Draper.
Playing the last three games on a checking line, designated for playing strong defensively and eliminating the other teams scoring line, you wouldn’t expect Zetterberg to be scoring points at his usual pace. But being on the Grind Line means increased minutes and by taking advantage of opportunity Zetterberg has found ways to create offense.
In Thursday nights 4-2 victory in Columbus, Zetterberg played over twenty minutes and sealed the victory by quickly stepping into the offensive zone past an opponent standing at the blue line and picking off a pass from a Blue Jackets’ defenseman, firing it into an empty net with five seconds remaining. The goal was his 14th of the season and his first ever against
Tonight in
At 3:27 into the second period, with McCarty charging towards goal drawing the attention of both Star’s defensemen, Zetterberg picked up the puck at the blue line and carried it up the left side boards. He dished it cross-ice to Maltby who was trailing McCarty all alone. Maltby fired it through the screening players and past goalie Marty Turco for his 100th career goal. Zetterberg got his 22nd assist this season tying him with his rookie season total in thirty less games!
It didn’t take long for Zetterberg to break his assist mark. With Just 17 seconds remaining in the game and the Wings on the powerplay,
Zetterberg also took minor penalty for holding in the second period. He has ten penalty minutes this season. He only had four minor penalties totaling eight minutes in 79 games his rookie season. Maybe playing with the grinders is rubbing off on him.
Lewis juggled his lines at the start of the third period, reuniting Shanahan with Henrik Zetterberg and inserting Brett Hull as their right wing. Shanahan then tied the game at 2-2 at 9:16 of the period by flipping the puck over Vokoun during a scramble in front of the net.
"When I got out there with Zetterberg and
Back On a Scoring Line With Shanahan
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 18th 2004
Henrik Zetterberg is no longer a grinder. In the last couple of games he has been back on a line with Brendan Shanahan and its already paying off. Zetterberg assisted on
Zetterberg only took two shots, opting to feed the puck to his sharp shooting linemate. The assist was his 24th in just 52 games this season, two more than his total in 79 matches in his rookie year. With 14 goals and 24 assists, Henrik is on pace for 16 goals and 28 assists for 44 points this season. That would tie his career high in 18 less games played.
Zetterberg was moved off of a line with Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty that he had played on for almost four games last weekend, when coach Dave Lewis juggled the lines in the third period in a game versus
Key Faceoff Win Leads to Empty Net Goal for Redwings
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 20th, 2004
With less than fifteen seconds remaining in tonight's game at the
"Zata" had a great scoring opportunity with ninteen seconds left in the first period with
The third period assist was Zetterberg's career best 25th in his sophomore season. He now has 39 points in 53 games this year with eight games remaining. He had 44 points his rookie season in 79 games played. He is on pace to have 16 goals and 28 assists in 61 games. That would tie his 44 points total in 18 less games.
Zetterberg Battles in Huge Redwings Victory
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 25, 2004
After two poorly played losses in a row, the Detroit Redwings needed to play a great game tonight at the
It was a close game with
Exactly one minute later, with time winding down, Redwing’s grinder Kirk Maltby stole the puck at center ice on a bad Colorado line change with the goalie going to the bench for an extra attacker. Maltby dished the puck across to Zetterberg streaking down the right wing alone, who lifted it into the empty net. It was his 15th goal of the season and his 42nd point, just two points shy of last seasons total. The goal was his first career goal against
There are five games left this year, including a rematch with the Avalanche in
Eurostars: Lidstrom Praises Organization For Drafting Datsyuk and Zetterberg.
By John McGourty, NHL.com, March 29th, 2004
Under the draft systems prevalent in most professional sports, weak teams get to replenish with the best of the bright, young new talent while successful teams get older and top-heavy with salaries of declining players. The Red Wings, though, have been an exception. Sharp moves by GM Ken Holland to acquire players and draft choices and exceptional scouting that led to selecting players like Henrik Zetterberg with the 210th pick in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft have kept the Red Wings an NHL powerhouse for more than a decade.
"There's a lot of tradition and we've had a good team for a lot of years," Lidstrom said with pride. "Then, we bring in new guys like Pavel Datsyuk and Zetterberg and get them playing really well and becoming leaders of our teams. They've done really well."
Zetterberg Looking for Late Season Points
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 31, 2004
Despite playing aggressively Detroit Redwings Swedish sophomore forward Henrik Zetterberg hasn’t scored a goal against a goaltender in fifteen games. He has two goals and six assists during that period, but the two goals have been empty netters to seal victories.
The primary reason for the slump has been the constant line changing by Redwing’s coach Dave Lewis. Zetterberg plays solid defensively and tenacious offensively so he is versatile enough to fill different roles in a star-studded lineup. He has been used to patch up different holes in the line-up recently.
Zetterberg began the month on his normal line this season, centering Brendan Shanahan and fellow Swede Tomas Holmstrom. But the line was getting less minutes with the huge acquisition of center Robert Lang from the Washington Capitals, and was not playing as effectively as it had before. Injuries to the teams top three centers; Lang, Pavel Datsyuk, and Kris Draper, all at the same time, forced Lewis to move Zetterberg to a defensive role on the “Grind Line” centering Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty. Zetterberg played a ton of minutes filling in for Draper but got fewer scoring chances with the grinders. He is however a +21 this season, showing his commitment to playing a well-rounded game.
Tonight’s game in
They picked up right where they left off, cycling the puck, making creative passes, and generating several great scoring chances by
Zetterberg has 15 goals and 27 assists in just 59 games played this season, having missed 21 games due to a fractured leg from a slash from the stick of defenseman Bryan Allen of the Canucks, in a game on November 3rd.
With just two games remaining, Zetterberg needs two points to equal his rookie season total of 44, in 18 less games played. He has a good chance of tying or breaking his personal best considering
It remains to be seen if Zetterberg will stay on a line with Datsyuk and
Another Point Against the Blues, One More Ties Rookie Total
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 2, 2004
Once again, Henrik Zetterberg came up big in a game against the division rival St. Louis Blues, assisting on Ray Whitney’s game winning goal in last nights 3-2 victory on the road at the
The assist came at 17:58 of the second period with the game tied 2-2. Zetterberg controlled the puck deep in the Blue’s zone along the left wing boards and took a big check to the back from
Last night’s assist gives Henrik a total of six goals and four assists and a +8 in nine career games versus the Blues.
One Point Shy of Rookie Mark
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 4, 2004
Despite several great scoring chances and a few nearly missed goals on beautiful moves, Henrik Zetterberg could not register a point in the Detroit Redwings regular season finale, a 4-1 loss at home to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Redwings played like a team that had clinched the top-seed in the NHL and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
Zetterberg, however, played with jump and played like he wanted to get just one more point, to give himself 44 for the season, which would have tied his rookie total in 18 less games played this year. As it ends, he comes up just one shy, 43, with 15 goals and 28 assists in 61 games during this sophomore campaign. That’s a pretty impressive season considering Zetterberg missed 21 games this year due to a fractured leg, on a slash by defenseman Bryan Allen of the Canucks, in a game on November 3rd.
Zetterberg averaged .70 points per game this season in comparison to the .56 he averaged last year. Had he played 79 games this season he may have had about 56 points, which would have ranked third on the team behind Brett Hull and Pavel Datsyuk, who each had 68. Brendan Shanahan finished with 53.
Overall, it was a great regular season for Zetterberg. With the loss of Sergei Fedorov via free agency and the expectation that veteran Captain Steve Yzerman would play right wing and only half the games to prevent wear and tear on his surgically repaired knee, Zetterberg started the season as the Redwings top center between wingers Brendan Shanahan and newcomer Ray Whitney. Yzerman played great and after just one game, Zetterberg was moved back to left wing with center Pavel Datsyuk and future Hall-of- Famer Brett Hull. The line dubbed “Two Kids and a Goat” was one of last seasons most exciting and productive in the NHL. Zetterberg played several games with that line this season as Coach Dave Lewis shuffled lines often. Henrik ended up playing most of his games this year centering Shanahan and fellow Swede Tomas Holmstrom. However, due to trading for top scoring center Robert Lang from the Washington Capitals and late season injuries to both Lang and tenacious center Kris Draper, he ended up taking Draper’s position as the “Grind Line” center between checkers Kirk Maltby and Darren McCarty, a move that may have affected his points total.
With everyone becoming healthy again at the end of the regular season, it remains to be seen who will be lined up with whom in the first round of the playoffs. With his constant shuffling of lines, partly due to injuries and partly to Lewis’s tendencies, no-one other than
“I just try to forget about last year! I don’t even want to think about it, really.” “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the regular season, you have to do it in the playoffs. This is when it counts.” –Henrik Zetterberg when asked about last years playoffs and this years successful regular season.
Wings have options when they need new captain
By Angelique S. Chengelis, The
Yzerman, 38, isn’t going anywhere next season unless a lockout accelerates his departure plans. Still, while he always will be “The Captain,” he will retire in the not-so-distant future, and the Wings will have to find a new captain.
“I know who I have in my mind,” Wings Coach Dave Lewis said about the team’s next captain. “But I’m not going to say. I don’t have to pick him now.”
“(Having a guy with longevity) is the ideal situation, but I don’t know that’s always going to happen, just the way the industry is. You’d like to be able to pick a guy who’s going to be around a long time and he feels comfortable with his position on the team and in the locker room.”
Since Lewis has no desire to reveal his choice, here are some plausible options: Nicklas Lidstrom, who just signed a $20 million, two-year extension; Darren McCarty and Kris Draper, both of whom qualify in terms of longevity with the team; Shanahan; and young guns Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.
Lidstrom has called fellow Swede Zetterberg the next Yzerman, at least as a force on the ice.
“He’s got the potential to do that,” Lidstrom said. “He has got all the talent. He has got the heart and determination as well.”
Zetterberg is 23 and Datsyuk is 25, but that really doesn’t mean much when you consider that Yzerman was the youngest captain in franchise history.
“Look how young he was when he was named captain,” Draper said of Yzerman. “It’s probably something that he got better at. He’s just a guy who goes out and leads by example, and he has a great feel for this hockey club and a great sense for when something needs to be said.
More experienced Zetterberg is eager for long playoff run
BY HELENE ST. JAMES, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER, APRIL 6th, 2004
For a brief part of Monday's practice, Henrik Zetterberg was back playing left wing with Pavel Datsyuk and Brett Hull, his old linemates from last season.
Zetterberg spent the majority of the time, though, centering his usual wingers from this season, Ray Whitney and Steve Yzerman. That's likely where he'll be when the Red Wings open the playoffs Wednesday against
Though in only his second NHL season, Zetterberg is highly skilled and highly versatile.
The fact that he has another season of experience should benefit Zetterberg, who barely registered in last spring's four-game disaster. (He had one goal.)
"I've played more games, so I'm a little bit more comfortable," he said. "It felt bad last year. The playoffs build up for so long a time, and then it was over in under two weeks.
"I think you learn something from that, though. It's quick, and you have to be ready from the beginning."
A broken leg this season limited Zetterberg to 43 points in 61 games. But he plays the second-most minutes among the forwards with an average of 18:14 (Pavel Datsyuk averages 18:16), and he plays both special teams. He quarterbacks a power-play unit -- along with defenseman Mathieu Schneider -- that has Yzerman, Robert Lang and Brendan Shanahan roaming down low.
HOOP FEVER: Who knew NCAA basketball was huge in
"Hank had some unbelievable picks," Mathieu Dandenault said. "Although he picked Duke to win, he finishes second no matter what." Asked if Zetterberg might have had some help, Dandenault smirked. "I think so. I mean, like, he had Xavier going a ways. . . . He had all the right upsets. He did real well. I'll finish third or something."
“Two Kids and a Goat” Line is Electric
By Chris Turner, zetterbergfan.com, April 11, 2004
Detoit Redwings Coach Dave Lewis likes to change lines around. He learned it from the master, Scotty Bowman, who loved to mix things up. Any time offence needs a boost, mix up the line combinations.
There is one combination that always has chemistry, always generates scoring chances, if he would just leave them together for an entire three periods.
The “Two Kids and a Goat” line consists of dazzling Russian center Pavel Datsyuk, future Hall of Fame sniper Brett Hull, and Swedish playmaker and energy player, Henrik Zetterberg. The line was Detroits most exciting and productive line last year.
That was the case tonight in
5:21 into the period Zetterberg fought for the puck along the end boards behind the
Hopefully, Coach Lewis reckognizes the magic this line has together and the trouble they make for the other team. If he keeps them together it would be impossible for opponents to cover this line and the “top line” of power forwards Robert Lang, Brendan Shanahan, and Tomas Holmstrom. Add the “Grind Line” of Kris Draper, Kirk Maltby, and Darren McCarty, as well as the Captain Steve Yzerman’s line with skilled veterans Steve Thomas and Ray Whitney and you have four lines that most teams can’t match.
Red Wings Rap Mailbag
By John Niyo, The
When Steve Yzerman retires, what current Wings player would be deserving of wearing the captain’s “C”.
In the future, don’t be surprised to see Henrik Zetterberg filling the role. He already is the Wings’ do-everything forward — he’s their Peter Forsberg-in-training — and he seems to have the right mental make-up to handle the leadership responsibilities.
Zetterberg lifts Wings over Predators in Game Five!
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 15, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg played his best playoff game ever and helped the Detroit Redwings to a critical 4-1 victory over the visiting Nashville Predators in so far the biggest game of the Western Conference Quarterfinals. With a goal and an assist it was Zetterberg’s most impressive post season performance in his two year career. His superior play can be attributed to finally being teamed up with superstar linemates Brett Hull and Pavel Datsyuk for a complete game. Maybe Redwings coach Dave Lewis reads Zetterbergfan.com?
The line came out ready to play, controlling the puck, and creating much needed offense. The opening goal came just 3:19 into the first period. Center Pavel Datsyuk controlled the puck along the end boards behind
The Zetterberg-Datsyuk-Hull combination, dubbed as “Two Kids and a Goat”, was back at it again on their very next shift. Just three minutes later at 6:22 of the first period, Zetterberg and Datsyuk assisted on what would end up being Brett Hull’s game-winning goal. The play was set up by the two youngsters cycling the puck with a set of nifty passes along the leftwing boards in the Predator’s zone. “Zata” bounced the puck off the boards to himelf and then knocked it down low to Datsyuk, who, in turn, handed it back off to Zeterberg skating into the corner. Zetterberg turned back and slipped a nice backhander between two defenders and onto Datsyuk’s stick in the left face-off circle. Datsyuk circled around in the corner and used great vision to find Brett Hull sneaking in alone and sending another backhanded pass into the slot.
Tracking Trends
By Michael Katz,
For the the second time in these playoffs, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg got points in the same game, but the Wings lost the last time, 3-1 in Game 3. That bucked a trend in the regular season, with the Red Wings going 9-2-2 when Datsyuk and Zetterberg got at least a point.
Fired-up Red Wings blast Predators, light up The Joe
By Bob Wojnowski, The
Henrik Zetterberg scored on the game’s first shot, taking a beautiful between-the-legs pass from Pavel Datsyuk in front of goalie Tomas Vokoun. Zetterberg waited, glided, waited, shot, and beat Vokoun cleanly.
The crowd exhaled. And you know what? The Wings did, too.
That wasn’t even the dirty goal they figured it would take to break their slump. It was a classic Wings goal, but more than that, it was a classic Datsyuk-Zetterberg play, something we’d been waiting to see.
These two are the underrated, unknown elements for the Wings, young legs playing their first major roles in the postseason.
Budding Stars Break Through
By John Niyo, The
They came to play, so they played a lot. Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, the Red Wings’ two budding stars, finally played starring roles in a playoff game Thursday, leading the way in a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators in Game 5 of a Western Conference quarterfinal series.
Datsyuk, held to an assist in his last eight playoff games, set up the Wings’ first two goals early in the first period Thursday. In that same three-minute scoring burst, Zetterberg merely doubled his career playoff point total with a goal — off a nifty between-the-legs pass from Datsyuk — and an assist.
“There’s tremendous chemistry there,” Wings Coach Dave Lewis said. “They like being on the ice together, and they’re very creative. There’s just something there with them, an intangible.”
Lewis hopes it’s contagious, as it appeared to be in Game 5. Lewis shuffled his forward lines throughout Thursday’s game, but he never broke up the Datsyuk-Zetterberg duo.
“It was fun out there tonight, and it worked well — we played our game,” said Zetterberg, whose patience was rewarded on the first goal as he waited — and waited — before lifting a backhand shot over Predators goaltender Tomas Vokoun.
“That was huge. Hank made a great move, he showed a lot of patience,” said Brendan Shanahan, who played right wing with the youngsters for a time in Game 5. “And with Pavel ... they’re just so slick together.
“They’ve been our best players all year long, and they definitely were our best players in the first period tonight. They took charge, they took over.”
BACK IN COMMAND: WINGS WIN GAME FIVE 4-1
By Eva Gronowska, Redwingsworld.com, April 16, 2004
It didn’t take them long, either. Only 3:19 into the first period, Datsyuk made an incredible pass through his legs and behind him to Zetterberg. Hank then shook Vokoun, laid him out on the ice and put it over
“Pavel had the puck and my D went to him and left me open in front of the net. Got a great pass and held on to it a little bit and put it in,” Zetterberg described.
“I didn’t see a lot of net, so I tried to have a little patience and it worked out well.”
PLAYOFF PRIMER
By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, April 16, 2004
Highlights of the Detroit Red Wings' 4-1 victory against the Nashville Predators Thursday in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series:
Key play: The Wings desperately needed to score a goal in the first period, something they hadn't done in the first four games of the series. When Henrik Zetterberg flipped in a backhand shot over
Hero: This was the kind of performance the Wings needed from Zetterberg in the playoffs. They need him to step up and be a leader on the ice, and that's just what he did, scoring a goal and setting up another. He fought off the physical play that seemed to stymie him earlier in the series.
Analysis:
CONGRATULATIONS HENRIK ZETTERBERG AND
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 17th, 2004
The Detroit Redwings have defeated the Nashville Predators, four games to two, in the best of seven Western Conference Quarterfinals. The Redwings won game six 2-0, with a shutout by Curtis Joseph tonight in
It was an important victory after the highly favored Wings were swept in the first round of the playoffs last season by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
Thats when Henrik Zetterberg played his best playoff game ever and helped the Redwings to a critical 4-1 win
in
EUROFLASH: Youthful Players Help Spark Veteran Squad
BY HELENE ST. JAMES, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER, April 21, 2004
Pavel Datsyuk leaned against a wall in the Red Wings locker room when suddenly a spray of water hit his ankles.
Datsyuk whirled around just as Henrik Zetterberg disappeared into the players' lounge.
Datsyuk turned and smiled. "You see?" he said. "I'm good guy. He play joke on me. He try lots of jokes.
"Sometimes, they're not good jokes."
The quality of a joke, of course, can be argued. Zetterberg, when he reappeared a moment later, was grinning, so clearly he thought this joke was good.
What both can agree on, though, all of the time, is just how much the two enjoy being on the ice together. The only ones who don't have fun are opponents, because it's almost impossible to get the puck away from the pair.
Even with two defenders on him, Datsyuk can spin around and pass the puck between his feet; Zetterberg can wheel it around the offensive zone and protect it fiercely. They are a top reason why the Wings are favored to emerge from their second-round series with
"They're the Eurotwins," center Kris Draper said. "That's what we call them. They feed off each other well, and obviously they want to play together, too. You can kind of tell by the way they carry themselves on the ice; they have tremendous chemistry. It seems they can read each other very well. It doesn't matter who is playing with them on the right side. They're going to benefit from their playmaking abilities -- they cycle the puck, they take the puck to the net, they can score off the rush. We're going to rely on those guys big time."
Datsyuk, a Russian, is coming off his best season, with 30 goals among 68 points in 75 games, second in scoring on the team only to latecomer Robert Lang. Zetterberg, a Swede, had 28 assists among 43 points in 61 games. A broken leg cost him 21 games in November and December.
Datsyuk and Zetterberg began playing together in January 2002, when coach Dave Lewis delivered a stroke of genius and put them with right wing Brett Hull. The line was split up to start this season, because with the departures of Sergei Fedorov and Igor Larionov the Wings needed centers, the position Zetterberg played in
After two straight losses to
Although the line didn't score in Game 6, it wasn't for lack of threat. During the second period, for instance, Datsyuk drove to the net and dropped a pass into the slot for Zetterberg, who was too tightly covered by the Predators to get off a good shot.
Of all the All-Stars the Wings have, it was Datsyuk, 25, and Zetterberg, 23 -- together mostly with Hull -- who worried the Predators the most, drawing their top defensive pairing of Kimmo Timonen and Mark Eaton.
"They're pretty unique players," captain Steve Yzerman said of Datsyuk and Zetterberg. "They've become, very quickly, top players in the league. They're tremendous offensive guys, but play well in their own end as well. They're tough to match up against because they play hard and they're very smart and very strong. We're thrilled to have them. They work extremely well together."
Three-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom occasionally goes against the two in practice. Even when it's all among teammates, they're not much fun for a defenseman.
"You have to spend a lot of time in your own end chasing them, and it's tough to defend that," Lidstrom said. "Pavel is a bit more tricky with the puck, but Hank gains a lot of ice just kind of holding you off on the side, whereas Pavel can stickhandle right through you, turn back and go against the flow almost. So they're a little bit different that way, but they're both real tough to play against."
The chemistry the two have on the ice has, by several accounts, blossomed because of their camaraderie off the ice. The coaching staff placed them together as road roommates at the start of the season, and that, as the great line goes, was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
"Very good, yeah," Datsyuk said. "We have a lot of fun, outside, inside."
The two used to spend hours indulging in PlayStation's FIFA soccer, but then, "I killed him so he doesn't want to play any more," Zetterberg said.
The two kick around a real soccer ball as part of their pregame ritual, but there's some dispute about the standings.
"PlayStation, he win a couple times, so I no more play," Datsyuk said. "It's not my game. Real soccer, I beat him."
Except, according to Zetterberg, he's winning.
"That stuff he said about real soccer?" Zetterberg said. "Not true. I'm up by four."
The two are constant dinner companions on the road, and often find their way to a cinema afterward. Asked what type of movies they like, Datsyuk smiled.
"Romances and drama," he said. "After movie, we cry."
They have plans for the future. With a labor dispute expected to wipe out at least part of next season, Zetterberg is encouraging Datsyuk to come play in
"He teaches me Swedish," Datsyuk said, pronouncing it "Sch-wedish." Asked for an example, Datsyuk had only one. "Shooklaad," he replied, pronouncing the Swedish word "choklad."
Which makes sense. Because if there's one word that's going to help Datsyuk when a coach starts talking about the power play in Swedish, it's to reply "chocolate." It's certainly much more insightful than the old standard for foreign-language beginners, "Hello, friend, my name is . . . . How are you? I am fine."
They talk about hockey, too, and the playoffs. Datsyuk had the rare fortune to win the Stanley Cup as a rookie, in 2002, while Zetterberg's rookie season, last year, ended after a four-game, first-round loss to Anaheim. Now the two have become integral parts of the team. Zetterberg was the Wings' best forward until his injury, Datsyuk the best overall. Together they are a pure migraine to opponents, and a perfect match for each other.
"When me and Pavel go out there together, it works for both of us," Zetterberg said. "We do a lot of good stuff out there. We like to play with each other and we haven't been playing the whole year, so when they put us together for the playoffs, it was great. It's fun, because every time, something happens."
And that's no joke.
Zetterberg Finally Gets Involved in Offence
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 29, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg’s empty net goal that sealed the Detroit Redwings 4-2 victory over the Calgary Flames in game four of the Western Conference Semi-Finals was not his best shift of the game. The best shift was half-way through the third period with the score tied 2-2 in the most crucial game for the Redwings in the Stanley Cup playoffs thus far.
Trailing the series two games to one and having blown a two goal lead in this pivotal game,
With 11:00 minutes remaining, Zetterberg and Datsyuk did what they do best, playing keep away from the opposition’s defense, fighting off checks, and protecting the puck along the boards. They created several great scoring chances and kept the Flames chasing them in circles. They held the puck in the
While still controlling the puck and holding it in Calgary’s end, Detroit made superb line change with forwards Robert Lang, Steve Yzerman, and Thomas Holmstrom coming into the zone. The Flames were unable to get their exhausted skaters off the ice. Mere seconds after Zetterberg and Datsyuk were relieved of their duties attacking the Flames, Lang fed a pass to Holmstrom in the crease that he put on goal. Defenseman Mathieu Dandenault raced to the crease to tip in the loose puck converting it into the game winning goal. The previous shift was the driving force that made the score possible.
With 24 seconds left in regulation and the Wings up 3-2,
The goal was Zetterberg’s first point in this round and his first in five games. He had not scored a point since game five of the Redwing’s first round matchup against the Nashville Predators.
Red Wings News
Henrik Zetterberg's empty-net goal on Thursday was his second goal of the playoffs. He and linemate Pavel Datsyuk are discovering one of the main differences between the NHL's regular season and playoffs. They don't have as much room to roam and opponents are considerably more physical against them.
As a result, the dynamic duo's production has dropped sharply. Datsyuk has gone 18 postseason games without a goal dating back to the 2002 playoffs. Zetterberg has just four points in 10 playoff games this season.
"It's a big difference," Zetterberg said. "I think we knew it was going to happen, that (opponents) were going to play a little tougher against us. We just have to battle through it and hopefully we can get something going. We try to play the best we can, but it hasn't gone our way so far."
The Wings believe one of the reasons for the pair's scoring troubles is a lack of support from their other linemate, Brett Hull. That's why
"It's not just those two, it's working as a group of three," Wings associate coach Barry Smith said. "You can't have two players working against three or five. You have to have more guys helping out with that line, whether it's the defense working with them or more give-and-go plays, because otherwise Calgary's done a very good job of containing them and making sure they have outside routes."
Redwings Eliminated By
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 3, 2004
The heavily favored Detroit Redwings were outworked and eliminated by the Calgary Flames four games to two in best of seven second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Lead by Vezina trophy nominee goaltender Mika Kiprusoff, the Flames won game six in
No one on
The Flames were especially effective controlling young stars Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk. Datsyuk who lead the Redwings with 30 regular season goals was held to zero in the post season. Zetterberg had an empty net goal in game four to help even the series with the Flames at two games a piece, but he has held to just the one point. It wasn’t for lack of effort on Zetterberg’s part. He seemed to be one of the few Redwings skating hard and working in the trenches on every shift. He displayed the same energy and determination controlling the puck along the boards as he did during the regular season. The difference was the clutching, grabbing, holding, and hooking that
It seemed that the lackluster play of future Hall of Famer Brett Hull detracted from the skill of the two young playmakers. The Flames were able to focus on Zetterberg and Datysuk, who appeared fatigued often late in the series, pinning them along the boards and out muscling the smaller crafty forwards. The veteran
Most of the Detroit Redwings are seasoned veterans with Stanley Cup rings and playoff experience. Complacency and the expectation of winning may have been a factor. However, that would not be the case for Henrik Zetterberg. He came into the NHL the year after the Redwings won the Cup in 2002. His only previous experience was in last year’s four game sweep at the hands of the underdog Anaheim Mighty Ducks. This may have been the best opportunity the sophomore Swede may ever have to win the Stanley Cup. It is unknown what the future holds for this storied franchise after another disappointing elimination.
With questions to be answered about the current Collective Bargaining Agreement expiring and possible salary cap implications next season, aged and underachieving players such as Chris Chelios, Brendan Shanahan, Steve Thomas, and Hull are all going to be free agents in July and may not be retained. Legendary Captain Steve Yzerman may not have another comeback in him after taking a puck in the eye in game five, breaking his orbital bone and scratching his cornea. He may choose to retire if the core of this team is disassembled by General Manager Ken Holland in the coming months. It would mark the end of an amazing era in Detroit Redwings hockey, an era that Henrik Zetterberg was almost a part of.
Flames dim young stars Datsyuk, Zetterberg
BY HELENE ST. JAMES, FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER, May 4, 2004
The rescue kept eluding them, though. For the six games it took the Calgary Flames to dispatch the Red Wings in the second round of the NHL playoffs, stars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg were rebuffed and rejected. The Flames held Zetterberg to one goal, Datsyuk to three assists. Datsyuk's last point came in Game 3; Zetterberg had a goal and an assist in Game 4.
Their season ended late Monday night when the Flames beat
After the game, Wings coach Dave Lewis pointed out that
Though
But their numbers dropped in the playoffs. Datsyuk had six points in 12 games, Zetterberg four.
"For sure I hoped I could contribute a little bit more, produce a little bit more than I did," Zetterberg said. "We couldn't battle through their defense. But even if they were hard, we have to battle through it. You can't say that that was the reason. We didn't produce enough."
Like the Predators before them, the Flames zeroed in on Datsyuk's line with Zetterberg and
"The Flames did a real good job of keeping them in the corners," defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom said of Datsyuk's linemates. "Even when they were cycling the puck,
But
"It was hard," Datsyuk said. "We try to help our team, but they grab us and hold us, with their hands, their sticks. It was very hard."
There were signs that an explosion was coming. In Game 5, Datsyuk looked every bit the dazzling playmaker he is when he got the puck in
"Those kids, those two, there is not one guy in here that would question any effort they had," forward Kirk Maltby said. "They had some tough times, they weren't able to score goals, but credit to
"We were trying to tell Pavel to shoot more -- he's got such a great shot, he can shoot in stride," center Kris Draper said. "Sometimes Pavs needs to take it upon himself to shoot the puck.
"They were so close, right there on top of it, but it's obviously frustrating because those guys are so talented, and they were creating opportunities. They just couldn't close the deal."
Regardless of the disappointment that now clouds this season, the future is clear in two respects for the Wings. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are the building blocks for the next decade of championship drives. But for that future to retain its brightness, the two must learn from the playoffs.
"We know the two of us did not produce enough," Zetterberg said. "We talked about it, and then you try to make little, small changes every game.
"It wasn't good enough."
Zetterberg Will Not Play For
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com
Team Sweden announced that it will be filling its final two roster spots for the 2004 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships in the Czech Republic with superstars Peter Forsberg of the Colorado Avalanche and Niklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Redwings. Both players were made available when their heavily favored teams were eliminated in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
With the roster being complete, young Swedish star Henrik Zetterberg will not be invited to play with Tre Kroner this again year. Zetterberg played for
Zetterberg could be asked to play for his native country in the 2004 World Championships in September.
Lidstrom and Forsberg will add a ton of talent to
Lewis Hopes His Fate with Wings Determined Soon
By Ansar Khan, mlive.com, May 7, 2004
…"We couldn't get to the net, couldn't get the puck out of the corners on the cycle," Lewis said. "Most players tried to get there, but enough players couldn't get to the net. Size, strength, speed affected us."
"The game is changing, you have to be able to wear teams down in the playoffs," Lewis said. "You have to do things differently. I just don't think the personnel got it done."
He's satisfied that most of his players tried, including embattled young stars Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, who combined for two goals and eight assists in the playoffs.
"I thought they worked extremely hard, competed extremely hard," Lewis said. "They were relentless in their effort but got worn down."
Zetterberg Named to Sweden’s 2004 World Cup Team
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 17, 2004
Also joining Zetterberg and Lidstrom from the Redwings is hard working Tomas Holmstrom who specializes in aggrevating goaltenders and creating chaos in the crease. He will be a valuable addition to the lineup, particularly on the power play, just as he is for
Zetterberg did not play for Tre Kroner in this months International Ice Hockey Federation World Championchips in the
All three Swedish Redwings represented their homeland in the 2002 Winter Olympics in
“Zata” as the called him when he played in the Swedish Elite League for Timra has been on a seven Swedish National Teams, twice in under-20 events. He has a total of 52 games of international experience with an impressive ten goals and nineteen assists against other countries finest players.
Familiar look to Team
By Phil Coffey, NHL.com, May 17, 2004
It's quite a tribute to the globalization of hockey that a 26-man World Cup roster for Sweden will be very familiar to NHL fans in North America, thanks to the fact 24 of the players are currently playing in the NHL, one is a former NHLer and the last a prospect.
And it's a further tribute to the quality of the roster constructed by
Henrik Zetterberg of the Red Wings adds speed and skill to the Swedish lineup. One of the NHL's emerging stars, Zetterberg is a key for future Red Wings teams. In 2003-04, Zetterberg scored 15 goals and 28 assists for 43 points in 61 games, and had two goals and two assists in 12 playoff games. He is joined by Red Wings teammate Tomas Holmstrom up front for
If there is an NHL lockout, Zetterberg and Draper will play for Timra in the SEL.
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 31, 2004
With the threat of there being an extended lockout by the owners when the NHL collective bargaining agreement expires this September, it has long been speculated that many European players will return to their native countries to play for there former teams. One such player is Detroit Redwings standout Swedish forward Henrik Zetterberg, who played for the Timra Red Eagles of the Swedish Elite League. Zetterberg has 89 goals and 99 assists in 235 career games for the Timra organization. The Red Eagles retired his jersey #20 upon his departure to the NHL.
A major Swedish newspaper, Aftonbladet, has reported not only that Zetterberg has agreed to come back home to Timra but that he is attempting to recruit other Redwings teammates to come over as well. Zetterberg apparently tried to get grinders Kirk Maltby and Kris Draper to go to
Swedish headlines claim that Timra has a new weapon that will Eliminate Foppa!
Aftonbladet quotes Zetterberg as saying Draper will fit well in Timra. “Zata”, as he is known in
Draper is an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, but is working on a new contact with
Canadian born Draper will be the only non-Swedish Redwing to play in
Other Swedish Redwings including role player Tomas Holmstrom and future Hall-of-Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom will also probably play in the SEL with their old teams,
Zetterberg’s “Two Kids and a Goat” Linemate Brett Hull Will Not Be Offered a Contract By Redwings
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, June 11, 2004
The old goat in the “Two Kids and a Goat” Line will not be joining the two kids next season, whenever that may be. Detroit Redwings General Manager Ken Holland announced yesterday that right-winger Brett Hull will not be offered a contract for the 2004-2005 season.
With the National Hockey League’s collective bargaining agreement expiring just prior to the scheduled start of this season and the future of the salary structure uncertain, the Redwings were not prepared to take on Hull’s five million a season contract.
"We're not going to do anything right now. I can't tell you what the summer's going to bring. But certainly probably heading into the CBA we're not going to do anything.", Said Holland.
The future Hall-of-Famer signed as a free agent prior to the 2001-2002 season along with Dominik Hasek and Luc Robitaille, helping
His most successful line combination over the last two seasons has been on what
Always outspoken and opinionated,
“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,”
Lewis agreed. "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."
"Some of the things we're looking at, it certainly leaves us in a situation where we don't know what direction we're going to head. But for now, we don't have anything for him, and I don't know if we'll have anything for him in the future. I said to Brett, 'I don't know what the future's going to bring.' "
Zetterberg Assists In
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, Aug 22, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg registered an assist on Team
Also scoring a powerplay goal for “Tre Kroner” was NHL All-Star Markus Naslund, Captain of the Vancouver Canucks. He was assisted by Swedish legends Mats Sundin of the Maple Leafs and defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, Zetterberg’s Detroit Redwings teammate.
It was
Here were the lines used against
Fredrik Modin- Mats Sundin- Daniel Alfredsson
Andreas Johansson- Samuel Phalsson- Markus Naslund
Henrik Zetterberg- Henrik Sedin- Daniel Sedin
P.J. Axelsson- Jorgen Jonsson- Marcus Nilson
As Forsberg returns to the lineup the top two lines may look something like this:
Markus Naslund- Peter Forsberg- Daniel Alfredsson
Henrik Zetterberg- Mats Sundin- Fredrik Modin
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, August 31, 2004
“Their line didn't quite live up to the expectations. They didn't get the space we had hoped for." Said Swedish coach Hardy Nilsson.
It was a different look to th Swedish lines, as it was the first time Forsberg had played. Zetterberg had looked good in three exhibition games partnered with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Nilsson obviously hoped Zetterberg could create the room for Forsberg and Naslund that he had for the Sedins.
The lack of explosiveness from the top line may be little to worry about. Sundin’s line carried the team this evening and Zetterberg’s line may have been getting a feel for each other and saving something for games that matter. All eight teams make it to the elimination round. So, the lines may not be changed much in tomorrow’s game versus the
Zetterberg Scores as
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September 1, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg shaved off his “mountain man” beard today and it seemed to have payed off in tonights match against the
Sweden took a 3-0 lead on another power play goal a few minutes later when Zetterberg battled in the corner and stripped the puck away from Martin Skoula. Fredrik Modin came in to pick up the loose puck and fed it out to Daniel Alfredsson who sent a nice pass across ice to defenseman Matthias Ohlund, who fired it in from the left faceoff circle.
Then, with
The Czech’s played a furious comeback in the thrd period. Playing their first inspired hockey of the tournament the fought back with three unanswered goals. However, Swedish netminder Mikeal Tellqvist came up strong with key saves late in the game, preserving the victory. Zetterberg had a -2 Plus/Minus in the last period.
Game three is against arch-rival
Tre Kroner Takes Second Seed In European Pool
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September 4, 2004
The problem for
The line was broken up half-way through the second period. Zetterberg centered the third line of P.J. Axelsson and Andreas Johansson. That moved Jorgen Jonsson up to the Forsberg-Naslund line.
Zetterberg played a good game overall with plenty of energy and solid puck-control in the offensive zone. He assisted on a powerplay goal at 12:27 of the first period when he stickhandled behind the Finnish net and sent a nice wrap-around pass through goalie Mikka Kiprusoff’s crease to Fredrik Modin, who had his stick on the ice and knocked the puck in on his second swipe at it. The goal made it 2-1
There were lots of penalties called in the bitterly contested game as well. Zetterberg took a very questionable penalty late in the first period for goaltender interference as he bumped Kiprusoff going for a loose puck along side of the net. Zetterberg also drew several penalties, one on a breakaway attempt in the second period.
Zata was also on the ice when
Modin seems to play well with Zetterberg when they are given the chance to play together. The tandem may be seen again playing for Timra of the Swedish Elite League if the NHL does not resolve it collective bargaining agreement.
Zetterberg finished the game a -1 plus/minus, making him a -3 in three games. When playing with offensive superstars Forsberg and Naslund, he seems to be designated as the “defensive forward” and the defense is often left alone as opponents rush into the zone. It remains to be seen if Coach Hardy Nilsson reunites the trio in the quarterfinal matchup against the
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September 7, 2004
The
Henrik Zetterberg was a team worst -7 in the four games played. Playing mostly with linemates Peter Forsberg and Marcus Naslund, the lineup seemed geared for high scoring offense but the focus on offense left holes in the Swedish defense. Lack of back checking and some costly were the downfall of the team. Zetterberg, who plays a sound two-way game was not often to blame for being on the ice when opponents scored. However, sometimes it appeared he was trying to hard to force a play, causing a few bad turnovers.
With the tournament over and the threat of an NHL work-stoppage looming, most of the Swedish players will turn their attention towards the Swedish Elite League. Although no announcement has yet been made, it has been mentioned that Zetterberg will return to play for Timra, who he played for prior to coming to the Redwings.
Tre Kroner teammate Fredrik Modin of the Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning may also return to play for Timra.
Zata Returns to Timra!
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September 16th, 2004.
As anticipated, the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement expired on September 15th and the owners have locked out the players, leaving many to look for other options this season. As expected, it has been confirmed that Detroit Redwings Swedish forward Henrik Zetterberg has agreed to return to the Swedish Elite League to play for the Timra Red Eagles, his “home town” team, to begin the 2004-2005 campaign. His contract has an option to return to the NHL should a labor agreement be reached this season.
Zetterberg had stated as early as last season that he was interested in the rare opportunity to return home to play in
“For sure you want to play in the NHL, and you hope things work out. But playing in
“Zata”, as he is referred to in Sweden, is from nearby Njurunda and played for the Timra Organization for five years, helping the club reach the Elite tier for the 2000 and 2001 seasons. He has 25 goals and 53 assists in 95 SEL games and was the 2000-2001 SEL Rookie of the year. Zetterberg also won the “Guldpucken" (Golden Puck) award as
It has also been confirmed that Timra will have the services of Calgary Flames Finnish Goalie Mikka Kiprusoff, who led the team to game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals this past season. He guided his country to the World Cup of Hockey Final against
Another Swede who previously played for Timra and is rumored but not yet confirmed to be returning is Fredrik Modin of the Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Other Detroit Redwings who are likely to play in the SEL are Nicklas Lidstrom of Djurgarden and Tomas Holmstrom for
Timra Loses in Zetterberg’s Return
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September 20th, 2004
It wasn’t the opening night Henrik Zetterberg had hoped for. His Timra Red Eagles of the Swedish Elite League dropped game 1 tonight in
Zetterberg played on the third line centering Magnus Nilsson and Per Hallin. The line generated more offense than any other for Timra. Nilsson had a team high six shots and Zata had four. He took a roughing penalty in the second period and was even for plus/minus.
Timra was playing without newly acquired goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff of the Calgary Flames. They used fourth string netminder Antti Jokela. Their original starter Kimmo Kapanen is injured. That didn’t account for the Red Eagle’s lack of offense.
Zäta Scores Game Winner in Timra Home Opener
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September 23, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg made the Timra Red Eagle’s home opener at Sydkraft Arena more memorable than opening night. Welcomed back to his hometown by an excited crowd with a signs that read “Zäta is our King” and “King’s Return, he played an energized game and lived up to expectations. With a goal and an assist Zetterberg helped lead Timra to a 4-3 win over Brynäs tonight. “I was not prepared for this. It was excellent!” said Zäta, obviously moved.
When asked if he was nervous in his return he replied, “No. I was inspired, as a matter of fact. It was a fantastic crowd!”
Playing left wing on the Red Eagle’s top line with Niklas Norgren and centered by Valeri Krykov, Zäta first assisted on Norgren’s goal 8:06 into the third period. The goal made the game 3-1 and gave Timra a comfortable two goal lead with only half a period remaining. With 6:03 left Zetterberg then scored his first goal of the season, making the game seem out of reach for Brynäs. He had gone five periods in his return to the SEL without having scored.
“I was never worried,” said Zäta.
The fans didn’t just come out to see Henrik tonight. It was the debut of Calgary Flames Finnish Goalie Mikka Kiprusoff, who signed with Timra just before the season began. He was the story of the night and was playing a great game. After the game appeared to be over, Brynäs scored two late goals to make it an interesting finish.
Zetterberg had a team high six shots on goal and was a +2 plus/minus for the game.
Hot Start
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September 27, 2004
It was the head to head battle of two of
Zetterberg’s Red Eagle teammate and Detroit Redwings prospect Christian Soderstrom scored the tying goal with only seven seconds left in regulation. Timra had Calgary Flame’s Finnish goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff pulled from net and an extra attacker on the ice. The exciting game ended in a 2-2 tie. Timra has a 1-1-1 record.
Zata now has two goals and an assist and is a plus/minus +3 in three games. Forsberg is off to an even hotter start with five points in three games.
Zetterberg Nets Goal and Assist in His 100th SEL Game for Timra
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 4th, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg had a hand in both of the Timra Red Eagles goals tonight in a 3-2 loss to Mora. Zäta, playing on the third line with wingers Jonathan Hedstrom and Niklas Nordgren in Timra’s re-shuffled line-up, assisted on defenseman Lars Jonsson’s goal 4:53 into the second period, giving the Red Eagles a 1-0 lead. However, Mora steamed back scoring three unanswered goals, taking a 3-1 lead.
With just over a minute left in the game, Zetterberg scored his third goal of the season, leaving a little hope for a late Timra comeback. But, Mora held on for their first ever Swedish Elite League victory in their first season in the highest tier.
Zäta’s two points give him three goals and two assists in five games. He leads Timra and is tied for third in the league with five points (in five games). He is also a plus/minus +5. Zetterberg also took a late third period interference penalty. He now has six penalty minutes this season.
The game was Zetterberg’s 100th Swedish Elite League game for Timra IK. He has 28 goals and 55 assists for 83 total SEL points.
Three More Points For Zäta
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 7, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg had two goals and an assist leading the Timrå Red Eagles in a 7-1 blowout over Djurgården tonight at Sydkraft Arena. The game was close for two periods, the third starting with a 1-1 tie. That’s when everything started to go Timrå’s way. Zetterberg scored his first goal 5:22 into the third period giving the Red Eagles a 3-1 lead. His second goal made it 7-1 with just 2:23 left in the game. Both of his goals were assisted by new linemate Fredrik Modin of the Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. As previously speculated, the former Timrå standout finally signed with his old team, returning to the Swedish Elite League during the NHL’s lockout and uniting with Zäta. Coach Kent Johansson paired the two Star NHL players on the top scoring line with Detroit Redwing’s prospect Christian Soderstrom, who also had a goal and an assist. It was the first time this season that Zetterberg and Soderstrom have been linemates.
Zetterberg’s five goals and eight points in six games leads the Swedish Elite League. He has a plus/minus of +7.
Happy Birthday Hank!
From Chris Turner, zetterbergfan.com, October 9, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg turned 24 today and got to celebrate at home in
But, what is bad news for North American hockey fans is good news for European hockey fans. Many of the locked out NHL players have migrated overseas and signed contracts with other professional hockey leagues. Most of those contracts allow for the return to the NHL when play resumes. But until then the fans in
Today, on this special day for Zäta, as the Swede’s call him, he is playing back on his hometown team in the Swedish Elite League. The Timrå Red Eagles won again today with a 2-1 victory over HV-71. The Timrå organization is where Henrik grew up and developed into one of the best players in the country. Zetterberg played with Timrå in
Zetterberg’s return to Timrå, as well as the signings of Calgary Flame’s Finnish goalie Mikka Kiprusoff and the Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning’s forward Fredrik Modin, have sparked the team to a 4-2-1 start. Zetterberg’s 5 goals and 3 assists in 7 games is good for second most points in the SEL so far. He is a plus/minus +7 with 8 PIM. But, playing back home with Timrå is bigger than the statistics. In fact, its huge. In Timrå Zäta is a hero. In his first game at Sydkraft Arena, the excited home town crowd held up gigantic banners that read “Zäta is our King” and “King’s Return”. Every time Zetterberg registers a point it is local news.
There is no telling how long the NHL lockout could last. As long as it does, Swedish fans will get to enjoy watching their hometown heroes. And for the players, playing back home is a rare opportunity for European NHLers. I am sure Zetterberg is having a happy 24th birthday!
Henrik Zetterberg Interview From ST.NU
Translated by Mikael Lundvall, Zetterbergfan.com, October 14th, 2004
Q: After a couple games, how does it feel to play for Timrå again, Henrik?
Henrik: It's fun, especially to be back on home ice and play at Sydkraft Arena.
Q: What is the crowd and environment like here if you compare to
Henrik: There are some differences, especially the "cheering supporters" (*NOTE: not sure how to translate this word, a group of singing supporters found in European soccer and hockey, maybe you know what word to use for this? END OF NOTE*), they don't really have those over there so that way it's nice to get all the support during home games here.
Q: What do you think about your own play so far, are you satisfied with it?
Henrik: Yeah, it's getting better and better, at first it was hard getting used to the new rules and so but I'm getting used to it now and hopefully it'll get even better.
Q: A question about that beard, many people are talking about it, we saw it during the World Cup and now it's coming back again?
Henrik: Nah, I'm just being lazy at times but it'll probably disappear again soon.
Q: It leads it's own life?
Henrik: Yeah, you could say that...
Q: What about the game against Linköping on Thursday, they've have a great start of the season?
Henrik: They seem to be good, they have good players, and have gotten some good players from North America so it's a really good team we'll face, be better be on our toes if we want to win.
Q: Who will be the key players for Timrå tomorrow?
Henrik: I think we should try to play together as a team and everyone have to be playing well in order to be a winning team.
Q: What do you think the final score will be?
Henrik: Well I said 7-2 earlier so I better stick to that.
Q: How many of those goals will you score?
Henrik: We'll see...
Zetterberg Continues to Produce in SEL
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 21, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg continues to make his return to the Swedish Elite League worthwhile. The star of the Timrå Red Eagles has been hot in the past few games on a line with Fredrik Modin of the Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and Christian Soderstrom, a Detroit Redwing’s prospect. But Henrik hasn’t been scoring goals lately. He is doing what he does in the NHL, displaying outstanding puckhandling skills, drawing the defense’s attention, and making nice passes to teammates. He has four assists in the past four games, three in just the last two matches.
The first of the four recent assists came on Zetterberg’s 24th birthday, October 10th, in a 5-2 victory over Linköpings. Zäta assisted on a Modin goal with just 18 seconds left in the third period, sealing the win.
Then, two nights ago at home at Sydkraft Arena, he added two assists on two of Timrå’s three goals in a 3-0 defeat of Brynås.
Today, Zetterberg again assisted Modin, this time on a powerplay, giving Timrå a 1-0 lead in the second period of another 3-0 shutout.
Zåta now has five goals and seven assists in eleven games, tying him for third in the SEL with 12 points. He is a plus/minus +9 and his and his teammates excellent defensive play has helped goalie Mikka Kiprusoff of the Calgary Flames in not giving up a goal in over six periods.
Timrå has won six straight and has a 7-2-2 record, good for second place in the league behind Frölunda, who the Red Eagles beat 3-2 two games ago.
Another Zetterberg Goal, Another Timrå Win
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 23rd, 2004
Färjestad jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead over the Timrå Red Eagles, threatening their six game winning streak, but it is all they would get against red-hot goalie Mikka Kiprusoff and the Red Eagles defense.
Henrik Zetterberg gave Timrå hope, scoring a shorthanded goal 2:53 into the second period assisted by Fredrik Modin. Detroit Redwings prospect Christian Soderstrom scored the tying goal later in the period as Timrå went on to win 3-2 and extend the winning streak to seven games and an 8-2-2 record, second in the SEL.
Zetterberg’s goal is his sixth in twelve games with seven assists. He remains tied for third in the league with 13 points.
Playing Great In
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 25, 2004
He did it again! Henrik Zetterberg and the Timrå Red Eagles are playing unstoppable hockey. They have proven they’re for real with their eighth strait win tonight, a convincing 7-1 victory over Malmö. Zetterberg has continued to click with linemates Christian Soderstrom and Fredrik Modin of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The three are skating great, are creating a lot of offense, and putting up points, especially Zåta, who now has seven goals and nine assists in just 13 games. His 16 points is tied for first in the Swedish Elite League with Brendan Morrison of the Vancouver Canucks, who is playing for Linköpings.
With just 48 seconds left in the second period Zetterberg assisted on a Valeri Krykov goal that gave Timrå a 4-1 lead. Just 46 seconds later, heading into intermission, he added a goal of his own, assisted by Modin. Late in the third period he and Modin both assisted on defenseman Teemu Aalto’s powerplay tally, icing the match 7-1.
His goal and two assists tonight demonstrate that Henrik is playing with a lot of confidence in the SEL. His confidence was apparent in a recent interview with Aftonbladet when he commented that there are a lot of good teams in the SEL but it is possible for Timrå to win the Eliteserien. He went on to say that the team believes in themselves and each other, has the ability, and never panics.
It would be hard to argue. With the eight game winning streak the Red Eagles have taken over first place in the league from Frölunda. Backed with outstanding goaltending by Mikka Kiprusoff from the Calgary Flames, Timrå has the best shot at winning a championship as long as the National Hockey League remains locked out.
Zäta Scores Overtime Winner!
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 30, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg’s eighth goal of the SEL season was an empty netter 3:43 into overtime, giving his Timrå Red Eagles a 4-3 win over Luleå today. With nine assists he now has seventeen total points in fifteen games, good for second overall in the league behind Shawn Horcoff of Mora with eighteen.
Zäta has continued to center a line with wingers Fredrik Modin from the NHL’s World Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and Christian Soderstrom a prospect drafted by the Detroit Redwings. The line has geat chemistry and is very productive offensively and usually stifles opponents top forwards defensively. However, the trio was on the ice for two of Luleå’s three goals and was a -1 in this game. Zetterberg has dropped to a plus/minus of +10 on the year.
Soderstrom did record his fifth goal of the season. The 24 year old appears to be having his breakout season in the SEL. The most goals he has ever scored in a season is eight in 2001-2002. Playing with Zetterberg and Modin is obviously a factor in Soderstrom’s production.
NHLers a Big Part of Timrå’s Success
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 4, 2004
A lot of people are speaking out against NHL players, locked out by their league, going or returning to
One team that has reaped the benefits of signing locked out NHLers is the Timrå Red Eagles. The team finished sixth in the Swedish Elite League last season with a 21-20-9 record. But this season, signing players like hometown hero Zetterberg, Finnish goaltender Mika Kiprusoff of the Western Conference Champion Calgary Flames, Fredrik Modin of the Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning and veteran defenseman Aki Berg of the Toronto Maple Leafs has created great chemistry and tremendously improved the club. Timrå is in second place in the league after seventeen games with an 11-3-3 record. Frölunda is only a game better.
Obviously the goaltending of Kiprusoff, who has a .930 save percentage and a 1.68 goals against average, is a solid base to a strong team. But for leadership, work effort, and putting fans in the seats the Red Eagles look to Zetterberg, who is second in the league in scoring behind Swedish legend Forsberg.
Zåta, as he is refered to back home, had yet another goal and assist in tonights 4-0 win over Djurgårdens in
The Timrå organization is where Henrik grew up and developed into one of the best players in the country. Zetterberg played with Timrå in
Henrik continued to shine for two more seasons in the SEL, tallying 25 goals and 53 assists in 95 more games from 2000-2002. In 2000-2001 he was named the SEL Rookie of the Year. In 2001-2002 he was awarded the “Guldpucken” (Gold Puck) as
Niklas Nordgren, a Carolina Hurricanes draftee in his fourth season with Timrå, is tied for the team lead in goals with nine and second in total points with sixteen.
Fredrik Modin joined the club after five games were already played, but has jumped into the lineup and had great chemistry with Zåta. Modin has nine points in twelve games. Modin also previously starred in the Timrå organization, playing in the second tier for three seasons from 1991-1994.
Is it unfair for these hometown heroes to return and give their loyal fans what they normally do not get to witness? I am sure if you ask folks in Timrå, they would say no. They are finally getting what they deserve and they are eyeing and Elite Series title.
Timrå Edges HV-71 3-2, Zetterberg Adds Powerplay Goal
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 6, 2004
The Timrå Red Eagles are on a roll. With a 12-3-3 record, winners of four straight and twelve out of their last thirteen matches, they seem unstoppable as other Swedish Elite League teams continue to sign locked out NHL players.
Today at Sydkraft Arena, Timrå got out to a 3-0 second period lead over HV-71, but let the Bulls slip back into the game, holding on to a 3-2 win.
Henrik Zetterberg scored once again, netting his tenth goal of the season, a powerplay tally that opened the scoring 37 seconds into the second period. The goal was scored against Detroit Redwings prospect Stefan Liv, who is struggling this year despite leading HV-71 to a SEL championship with outstanding play last season. It starts to raise doubts as to if Liv will ever join Zetterberg in
A Redwings prospect who is improving his chances is Zetterberg’s Red Eagles teammate Christian Soderstrom. Soderstrom pitched in with an assist today, and has nine points in eighteen games.
Zetterberg has twenty points so far and trails only Peter Forsberg’s 25 points for the league lead.
Zetterberg Playing For His Country In Karjala Cup
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 12th, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg was among 25 Swedish players and 5 Timra Red Eagles named to Tre Kroner’s roster for the 2004 Karjala Cup Tournament played in
The Swedish Elite League takes breaks in their 50 games season for the various tournaments and holidays.
Tre Kroner’s opening game was a victory, outplaying
Zetterberg scored the game winning goal at 3:12 into the third period when he defelected a shot by Daniel Sedin past Russian goalie maxim Sokolov who played an outstanding game, making 41 saves.
"I was lucky ! I wasn't sure if it was the puck that hit my stick. But it was something…and it was a goal!" "It was a nice win. I think we played very well overall, with speed and enthusiasm all over the rink," Zetterberg said after the game.
Zata started the game on a line with Timra teammates Jonathan Hedstrom and Niklas Nordgren, but played later with Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Zetterberg and the Sedin’s played impressively, as they did during the World Cup. The trio continues to shine as they move the puck and create offensive chances. Also notable is that Zetterberg is wearing the Captain's C for Tre Kroner. It is the first time he has ever captained a National Team.
Game 2 is Saturday November 13th versus the
Tre Kroner Roster:
Forwards:
Johan Franzen -
Yared Hagos- Timra
Jonathan Hedstrom -Timra
Andreas Karlsson -HV71
Magnus Kahnberg- Frolunda
Tony Martensson -
Niklas Nordgren -Timra
Peter Nordstrom -Farjestad
Daniel Sedin -Modo
Henrik Sedin -Modo
Alexander Steen-Modo
Mathias Tjarnqvist -HV71
Mattias Weinhandl -Modo
Henrik Zetterberg -Timra
Defenders:
Christian Backman -Frolunda
Per Hallberg -Farjestad
Niclas Havelid -
Magnus Johansson -
Lars Jonsson -Timra
Anders Lilja –Mora
Thomas Rhodin- Fribourg
Henrik Tallinder -
Dick Tarnstrom -
Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist -Frolunda
Johan Holmqvist -Brynas
Timrå Back to Winning After Break
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 19, 2004
The Timrå Red Eagles started where they left off with a 2-1 victory over Linköping today. It was their first game back after a twenty day break for the Swedish Elite League, during which time
Henrik Zetterberg played for Team
Zetterberg was right back at it tonight, assisting on Niklas Nordgren’s game winning goal 3:17 into the third period. The assist is his 11th of the year and gives him 21 points in 19 games, good for third in league scoring behind Peter Forsberg and Shawn Horcoff.
Timrå is now tied for first place in the SEL with Frölunda at 13-3-3 records. It is the fifth straight win for the Red Eagles.
Zetterberg Scores Lone Goal in Red Eagles Loss
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 26, 2004
The Timrå Red Eagles are slumping. The team that had gotten off to a hot start in the Swedish Elite League, winning thirteen of nineteen games prior to the Karjala Tournament, came back from the twenty day break to edge out a third period 2-1 win over Linköping, but has failed to gain a victory since. That game had the Red Eagles tied for first place in the SEL with Frölunda at 13-3-3. Since then they have slipped in three straight matches, dropping to a 13-6-3 record, and falling to third in the standings behind Frölunda and Linköping.
Henrik Zetterberg of the NHL’s Detroit Redwings had the only Timrå goal in yesterday’s 2-1 loss against Södertälje. He netted it 11:51 seconds into the second period, making it a one goal game and giving the Red Eagles plenty of time to tie it up. However, Södertälje and their goaltender Magnus Lindquist held on to preserve the upset, leaving Timrå very little to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day.
Zetterberg’s goal gave him 11 goals and 22 points with a +9 plus/minus in 22 games this year. He remains third in league scoring behind Peter Forsberg and Shawn Horcoff. His next point will be his 100th career point in the Swedish Elite League. He has 87 career NHL points.
Zäta Gets His 100th Career SEL Point in Timrå’s Fourth Straight Loss
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 27, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg assisted on two Niklas Nordgren goals today, giving Zäta his 100th and 101st career points in the Swedish Elite League. Unfortunately for Timrå, it came in their fourth straight loss.
The Red Eagles dropped another close game, this time to Färjestads, losing 3-4. Nordgren’s second and third period goals rallied Timrå from a 1-4 deficit, but they couldn’t complete the comeback. Their record falls to 13-7-3, third in the SEL, two points behind Linköping.
Zetterberg now has 11 goals and 13 assists, third in SEL scoring with 24 points in 23 games so far this season.
Zetterberg and Other Wings to Play in Game Honoring Larionov.
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, December 4, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Redwings will participate in a farewell exhibition game in
Zetterberg will join a group of current and former Redwings playing on “The World Team” that includes Captain Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, Chris Chelios, Nicklas Lidstrom, Kris Draper, Darren McCarty, Ray Whitney, Tomas Holmstrom, Kirk Maltby, Mathieu Dandenault, Jiri Fischer and former Redwings Chris Osgood, Luc Robitaille, Martin Lapointe and Steve Duchesne.
Former teammates and members of the Redwings “Russian Five” Sergei Fedorov, Vyacheslav Kozlov and Slava Fetisov, as well as current Redwing Pavel Datsyuk will join Larionov on the Russian team. Vladimir Konstantinov is expected to be in attendance.
Behind the benches will be coaching legend Scotty Bowman, as well as current head coach Dave Lewis and associate Barry Smith.
Larionov played 11 seasons of professional hockey in the
Timrå Pulls Out Overtime Win With Help From Top Line
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, December 6, 2004
The top line of Jonathan Hedstrom, Niklas Nordgren, and Henrik Zetterberg was clicking tonight and carried the Timrå Red Eagles to a 3-2 Overtime Win over Brynäs tonight.
The game winning goal was scored by Nordgren on the powerplay 4:43 into the extra period. He also had a first period goal and an assist. Nordgren has 24 points in 26 games. He is second in team scoring behind Zetterberg, who assisted on Nordgren’s first period powerplay goal just 2:49 into the game and also added Timrå’s second goal with just 1:21 left in the second period, giving the Red Eagles a 2-1 lead.
Zetterberg now has twelve goals and fifteen assists this season. His 27 points in 26 games ties him for third in league scoring. Zetterberg is also a plus/minus +11.
Timrå’s win gives them a record of 15-7-4, third place in the Swedish Elite League.
Zetterberg Carries Red Eagles Against Holmstrom, Ohlund, and Luleå
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, December 28, 2004
Henrik Zetterberg had a goal and two assists in tonights 4-3 win against Luleå, raising his season point total to 33, tied for second in the Swedish Elite League.
