2005

Zetterberg, Red Eagles...Slumping

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, January 8th, 2005

 

The Timrå Red Eagles are slumping. They lost 2-8 to Linköpings today after barely getting by HV-71 by a score of 3-2 two days ago. Previously they lost 1-4 to Djurgardens last weekend. Timrå’s  record drops them to 18-9-7, still good for third in the league.

It seems the play of the Red Eagles is mirroring that of Star forward Henrik Zetterberg who has zero points and is a plus/minus -3 in the three matches. He now has fourteen goals and twenty assists in 34 games, slipping to sixth overall in Swedish Elite League scoring.

 

Swedish Elite League Scoring Champion

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April, 2005

 

Detroit Redwings forward Henrik Zetterberg certainly took advantage of a wasted year for the NHL. While the owners locked out the players in North America's top league, Zetterberg returned home to Sweden to play for his previous team in the Swedish Elite League, the Timrå Red Eagles. The return of "Zåta", who was born in nearby Njurunda, was highly anticipated by the Timrå fans at the start of the SEL season. He did not disappoint them!

The NHL couldn't resolve its labor dispute and Zetterberg ended up playing all 50 games for the Red Eagles this year. Not only did he play, he excelled, leading the Swedish Elite League in scoring with 50 points, tallying 19 goals and 31 assists in 50 games. Zetterberg finished only one point above Kristian Huselius of Linkopings HC, who was on fire with 14 goals and 35 assists in only 34 games. Mattias Weinhandl led the SEL in goals with 26 in 50 games, third in league scoring with 46 total points. Fellow NHL'er Fredrik Modin from the Tampa Bay Lightning was second in scoring for Timrå with 12 goals and 24 assists for a total of 36 points in 43 games. Left Winger Niklas Nordgren also had 36 points for Timrå  with his 19 goals and 17 assists, but in 46 games.

Zetterberg went on to lead the SEL in playoff scoring before Timrå was eliminated from the first round by Djurgardens in seven games. Despite the Red Eagles failure to advance, Zåta was red hot, racking up six goals and two assists in just seven games. Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators went on to finish as the top scorer in the playoffs, scoring 12 goals and 6 assists in 14 games, leading Frolunda to the SEL Championship.

 

Sweden Defeated in World Championship's Bronze Medal Game

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 15th, 2005

 

Sweden lost to Russia by a score of 6-3, in its bid to finish with a Bronze medal at the 2005 International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships held in Austria. Demoralized by a 3-2 overtime loss to the Czech Republic in the Semi-finals, Tre Kroner could not muster up enough motivation to win the Bronze.

Despite the disappointing outcome for the team and country, some Swedes stood out during the tournament. Daniel Alfredsson was the MVP with 3 goals, 6 assists, and a plus/minus of +6 in nine games. Daniel Sedin led the team with 5 goals and added 4 assists in 9 games. On defense, Mattias Norstrom racked up the most assists with 7. And Detroit Redwings NHL rookie Niklas Kronwall was impressive with 3 goals, 3 assists, and +7.

Henrik Zetterberg played well in the World Championships once again scoring 2 goals and 4 assists, and a +1 in nine games. His career total in the Championships is 6 goals and 18 assists for 24 points in 36 total games in four tournaments.

 

New Era Redwings Look to Re-sign Zetterberg.

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, July 16th, 2005

 

The National Hockey League has announced that it has come to agreement with the NHL Players Association on a new six-year collective bargaining agreement and that there will be a 2005-06 NHL season. The entire 2004-05 NHL season was lost due to the NHL team owners locking out the players until they agreed to a 39 million dollar hard salary cap for each team as well as a 24% roll-back in all current players contracts.

The Detroit Redwings roster will certainly be affected by the new salary cap system, as they are used to owner Mike Ilitch spending as neccesary to bring top NHL veterans to the Motor City for their annual push for Lord Stanley's Cup. However, the recent failings in the 2003 and 2004 playoffs as well as the new CBA has forced the Redwings to head in a new direction. The Wings may have to buy out the contracts of several players including veteran bruiser Derian Hatcher, goalie Curtis Joseph, winger Ray Whitney, and even fan favorite Darren McCarty who was a huge part of Detroit's recent three NHL Championships. Last week they fired head coach Dave Lewis, predacessor to legend Scotty Bowman. Lewis may have been guilty of befriending the players too much. He was not able to get the Redwing's past harder working but less talented and lower budget teams in the playoffs. This week the organization announced the hiring of fiery leader Mike Babcock of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Management hopes he will bring passion and determination to the team this season.

In addition to the new coach the Redwings are ready to turn to younger players to lead the team into the future. General Manger Ken Holland has said the the top priority is re-signing their talented young restricted free agents; Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Datsyuk was a restricted free agent at the end of the 2003-04 season and spent the last season playing in his homeland, Russia, for Moscow Dynamo. There have been rumors that he may prefer to stay in Russia if he can not get a contract that he is happy with in Detroit. The Wings badly need his flashy offensive skills back in the lineup.

Zetterberg who lost the final season on his three year 2.5 million dollar NHL contract due to the lockout, also returned to play for his hometown Timrå Red Eagles in the Swedish Elite League last season. Zetterberg is also a restricted free agent, but he has indicated that he would like to return to Detroit.

As a restricted free agents, the Redwings have to make Datysuk and Zetterberg qualifying offers by July 31st. After that, any NHL team can offer these players a contract, but the Redwings have the right to match the offer. If they choose not to match the offer they will be compensated with a draft pick determined by the players new contract.

 

What's Henrik Been Up To?

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com 

Contributions from Daniel Johansson and Niklas Andersson from Timra, Sweden 

July 23rd, 2005

 

Since the Swedish Elite League's season ended a few months ago, forward Henrik Zetterberg has been spending time at home in Sweden awaiting word on the upcoming NHL season, and undoubtably waiting for a qualifying offer from the Detroit Redwings now that a new collective bargaining agreement is in place.

 

Soon the NHL will be hectic with contract buyouts, free agent signings, and a draft. But just recently everything was calm and slow. Zetterberg took advantage of the recent down time to hang out at the Sundsvall Gatufest, a local festival. One of the events that Zetterberg and fellow Redwings and Swedish National teamate Niklas Kronwall participated in was a Texas "Hold em" Charity Poker tournament held on July 7th. Reports are that Henrik didn't last very long in the tournament. 

 

 

Teams turn eye toward restricted free agents

Foxsports.com, Saturday August 13th, 2005

 

There has been a widely held opinion that teams who either couldn't or wouldn't bid for unrestricted free agent (UFA) talent this year preferred to look toward next year's market when the available talent would be younger and more affordable.

This was based on the fact that, under the new NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the qualification age for UFA status drops to 29 next summer, plus there's also the stipulation that players who have seven consecutive seasons of active service would also qualify.

As for affordability, it's possible that overall league revenues for the 2005-06 season could be lower than the projected $1.7 billion, and if that occurs, the salary cap ceiling would drop for the 2006-07 season from the $39.5 million presently set for this upcoming season.

No one knows at this point if the cap ceiling will be lower next season, but it's becoming apparent there may not be as many top young UFA players as anticipated.

Jarome Iginla and Joe Thornton were eligible for unrestricted free agent status next season, but both opted to re-sign with the Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins, respectively, to long-term deals.

Tampa Bay's Vincent Lecavalier and Montreal's Jose Theodore are also eligible for UFA status in 2006, but talks with their respective clubs are believed to be progressing, which makes it possible that they too will re-sign shortly.

There will likely still be some quality UFA talent available next summer, but not as many as originally believed. Should most of them re-sign long term with their current clubs before next July, those clubs banking on scooping up younger stars in 2006 could end up disappointed.

There is, however, potentially another way around that problem: offer sheets to restricted free agents (RFAs).

Few RFA players received offer sheets from other clubs under the previous CBA. Bidding for RFAs could cost a team up to five first round draft picks for a successful signing, but it was the fact that offer sheets were quickly matched that served as a deterrent.

Under the new CBA, however, it may become easier for a team to pluck away another club's top RFA players.

With all teams now under a salary cap, there are some presently attempting to re-sign their respective RFA players but have limited cap space available with which to do so. One example of this is the Detroit Red Wings, who are at present in negotiations with young RFA forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.

Under the old CBA, they wouldn't have to worry about rival clubs attempting to poach these two away with offers sheets because they weren't limited by a salary cap and could easily match any offer.

But under this new CBA, Wings GM Ken Holland has little wiggle room available to re-sign Datsyuk and Zetterberg, which is causing negotiations between those players and Holland to drag.

Holland would face a tough decision if a rival club with more salary cap space sent an offer sheet to either player for an amount more than the Red Wings were willing to pay. He would have 72 hours to either match the offer or allow that player to be signed away and accept a pre-determined number of compensatory draft picks from the rival club.

Holland could match the offer, but it could push the Red Wings over the salary cap. They would then have until the start of the season to dump enough salary to put them under the cap.

Should Datsyuk or Zetterberg stage a holdout early in the season and subsequently receive an offer sheet, the Wings would face the same stark choice.

If either player held out, the Red Wings would have until December 1 to re-sign them, otherwise they'd be ineligible to play in the NHL for the remainder of the season, including playoffs.

A rival club could wait until three days prior to December 1 to send them an offer sheet, which would ramp up the pressure on Wings management to match that offer.

Don't expect the loss of draft picks to dissuade a team either hungry enough or greedy enough to pursue a top RFA player under this new CBA.

Some NHL teams have draft records that in recent years left much to be desired. To them, casting aside a few draft picks that probably wouldn't pan out for a sure thing that can improve your club and sell more tickets today is a fair trade-off.

Some clubs might also look at potential available talent in next year's UFA market and decide it would be best to pry away an RFA player from one team, rather that attempt to win a bidding war against several teams in the UFA market.

Don't expect there to be a "gentleman's agreement" between the team owners not to raid each other's rosters with offer sheets. At some point there is bound to be a team willing to take the chance to not only test the new CBA's limits but also the payroll limits of a rival club.

 

 

Red Wings 'Nowhere near a deal' with Datsyuk or Zetterberg

BY Larry Lage, Associated Press, Thursday, September 1, 2005

 

As the NHL moves toward resuming play, the Detroit Red Wings are not close to re-signing restricted free agents Pavel Datsyuk or Henrik Zetterberg.

"We're nowhere near a deal with either player," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press. "We've made a number of offers and they've made offers, but we still have a long way to go to reach deals."

It's a priority for the Red Wings to retain both young forwards, but with the league's new collective bargaining agreement the team's salary cap is $39 million - about half of what Detroit has spent in the past.

"From a club's perspective, if a player doesn't reach your projections in terms of performance, it really will have a negative impact on your ability to compete in the future," Holland said. "So, we have to be careful.

"From a player's perspective, they're looking for the best deal they can get because you can't renegotiate under the terms of the new CBA."

The Red Wings are about $7 million under the 2005-06 salary cap, and hope to sign four or five players.

Both Datsyuk and Zetterberg were standouts during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 regular seasons and lackluster in the playoffs, like most of their teammates.

Datsyuk had a combined 42 goals and 77 assists during the past two regular seasons - after a 35-point year as a rookie - but didn't score a goal in the 2003 or 2004 playoffs and had just six assists.

Zetterberg had a combined 37 goals and 50 assists in his two regular seasons, then followed up with just five points in 16 postseason games.

Datsyuk is 27 and Zetterberg turns 25 next month, making them even more valuable to the Red Wings because the team has have many aging players.

"They're both good young players with a lot of ability, but they're not finished products," Holland said. "I've had a number of conversations with their agents, and we'll continue to talk because we want to bring both of them back. I feel we've made fair offers and there's not a lot more we can do under the salary cap.

"I'm not concerned, but the closer we get to Sept. 12, I will be."

The Red Wings will depart Detroit on Sept. 11 for training camp in Traverse City. They will take physicals the next day, and will have their first workout Sept. 13.

Detroit hosts the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 5 in the season opener, a much-anticipated date in Hockeytown following a year without NHL hockey.

 

Fans Frustrated with Datsyuk’s and Zetterberg’s Contract Negotiations

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September 4, 2005

 

The latest reports from Hockeytown are that the Detroit Redwings are “nowhere near” signing probably their two most important young star players, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, both of which are Restricted Free Agents looking for significant pay raises. Zetterberg and Datsyuk have been deemed the future of this franchise, the “must sign” players of this off-season, the next generation of offensive stars that the Wings need to promote. The problem for the Redwings is the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement and more-so the new salary cap that limits teams to spending 39 million a season on players contracts. Redwing’s General Manager Ken Holland was quick to re-sign Detroit’s aged veterans such as local heroes Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, and Chris Chelios. He also felt it important to lock up defenseman Mathieu Schneider for 3 million dollars a year. That leaves him approximately 7 million dollars to split between Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and two other roster spots.

 

The news that Detroit and Datsyuk/Zetterberg can not agree on contracts has many fans angry at either the players for wanting more money, perhaps more than they haven’t proven to be worth, or at Ken Holland for waiting too long to address the contracts of the two building blocks of the team’s offense. Most fans are probably a little angry at both the players and management. Anywhere you look on Redwings internet forums you see fans calling for the trade of Datsyuk or Zetterberg, or both. Datsyuk and his agent, Gary Greenstin, have made fans more hostile towards him by giving Holland ultimatums and deadlines ala Sergei Fedorov. Just as Redwing’s fan became disenchanted with prima donna Fedorov when he held out for more money, they have also turned on Datsyuk. While Datsyuk has made many highlight reel goals and also been touted as a future superstar by many NHL veterans, he still has only three years of NHL experience and has yet to prove himself as a consistent star.

 

So now, you hear fans say let Pavel go back to Russia if he thinks he can get more money (rumor is he has been offered 4 million dollars a season to play for Moscow Dynamo. It is believed that Datsyuk’s agent is asking for 4-5 million a season for two seasons, which would have his contract ending at the exact same time that Datsyuk is eligible for unrestricted free agency.

 

People may be a little more understanding towards Henrik, who is asking for less money (2.5 million a season), is two years younger than Datsyuk, and is believed by many to be the better all around player. While Datsyuk has a flashier offensive upside, Zetterberg plays a more blue-collared game. He is responsible at both ends of the ice and is effective on the penalty kill as well as the power play. He is capable of making highlight reel goals and passes as well, as he has shown in Sweden while leading the Swedish Elite League in scoring last year. But, he also has leadership ability and some think he is a candidate for future captain of the Redwings after Yzerman has retired.

 

Read the forums on the internet that ask Redwing’s fans if they had to choose between Datsyuk and Zetterberg; whether it’s at Redwingsworld.com or Letsgowings.com the choice is overwhelmingly in favor of letting Datsyuk go or trading him for prospects/ draft picks and re-signing Henrik. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t people out there who don’t blame Zetterberg for “holding out” for more money.

 

Fans aren’t the only ones who are disappointed that negotiations have waited this long. Zetterberg himself has voiced concern in the Swedish media that the Redwings have put off his contact until last. Presumably assuming that he would sign for 1-2 million a year. Zetterberg is reportedly asking for 2.5 million a year for several seasons.

There have been several rumors generated in Canada that Detroit might trade the rights to Zetterberg’s contract to the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Edmonton Oilers. However, this is only speculation and has been denied by Holland. Henrik himself has said that he has not heard from any other club.

 

It is also highly unlikely that Zetterberg will return home to Sweden to play for the Timra Red Eagles, his hometown team in the Swedish Elite League, if he is unable to sign with Detroit prior to the start of the NHL season. The SEL does not pay anywhere near the salaries that players can get in the NHL, and it is still Zetterberg’s wish to play for the Redwings. Players have until December 1st to be signed by NHL clubs before being declared ineligible for the current season. 

 

Ken Holland is scheduled to meet with Zetterberg’s agent Marc Levine sometime this week. In my opinion, I think both players will be signed by Detroit for the start of the season. I think Ken Holland will sign Datsyuk for 3-4 million a year for one or three seasons and then sign Zetterberg for 1.5- 2 million a year for two years.

 

Zetterberg, Wings remain far apart

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, September 6th, 2005

 

DETROIT -- Much of the focus has been on Pavel Datsyuk recently, but Henrik Zetterberg isn't pleased with his situation, either.

Datsyuk reportedly signed with a Russian team Monday. Zetterberg hasn't gone that far, but he is, like Datsyuk, a restricted free agent, and he and the Wings are far apart in contract talks.

Zetterberg told the Swedish newspaper Dagbladet on Saturday that he is considering staying and playing for his club team, Timra, if an agreement with the Wings isn't reached soon.

"Yes, it's a standstill, and it's been like that for a while now," Zetterberg was quoted as saying. "We are not even close at the moment. But that's how things are. They (the Wings) have their values, I have mine."

Zetterberg also told the newspaper he doubts the Wings can retain him and Datsyuk and still add a forward or two to the roster.

The Wings have approximately $7 million left before reaching the salary cap. They need to sign Datsyuk and Zetterberg and would like to add a forward.

"(The Wings must) sign me and Pavel and another forward or two, depending if they want a 21- or 22-player team," Zetterberg said. "No, it won't work."

General manager Ken Holland and Zetterberg's agent, Marc Levine, have exchanged offers the last couple of weeks. But Holland said last week the sides aren't close to an agreement with training camp beginning Sept. 11.

Zetterberg, Datsyuk and the Wings are governed by Dec. 1, the date restricted free agents must sign with NHL teams in order to be eligible for the rest of the season.

Zetterberg told the Swedish newspaper Sundvalls Tiding on Sunday that he isn't setting any deadlines.

"I hope to be there then (when training camp begins)," he said, "but I don't know now.

"I won't set any deadline on this. I'll let it take what time it needs."

 

Wings: Datsyuk as good as gone

By Helene St. James, Free Press, September 7, 2005

 

The defection of Pavel Datsyuk is all but complete. He has no out clause with his new home team in Siberia, and barring a bureaucratic miracle -- and how often do those happen? -- the Red Wings will have to soldier on without him.

The Wings have $7 million left in cap room, but a good chunk of that is going to be used on one of Datsyuk's closest friends, Henrik Zetterberg. Negotiations with the Swedish forward are progressing so well that a deal may be done soon enough to ensure Zetterberg will be in Traverse City when training camp starts next week.

Holland and Zetterberg's agent, Marc Levine, spoke Tuesday, when Holland countered an offer made by Levine last Thursday. The sides are discussing both short-term and long-term deals, and Holland expressed confidence that this negotiation will have a happier ending than Datsyuk's.

"We're apart, but there's a way to find a solution," Holland said. "I like to think we're having constructive talks. I hope to have him back for the first day of camp."

 

Red Wings sign Zetterberg to 4-year deal
TSN.CA, Canadian Press, September 7, 2005

 

Henrik Zetterberg is in. Pavel Datsyuk is probably out. The Detroit Red Wings re-signed Zetterberg to a $10.6-million US, four-year contract Wednesday, bringing back at least one of their two star restricted free agents.

Centre Pavel Datsyuk has agreed to a deal in Russia and remains unsigned by the Red Wings. It appears he won't be in the NHL this season.

But Zetterberg finally signed after a long negotiation. He'll earn $2.65 million a season and gave up one year of unrestricted free agency, which was key for the Wings.

''Something his agent and I talked about over the course of the month is trying to get a long-term deal done that both of us were comfortable with,'' Wings GM Ken Holland told The Canadian Press. ''We were able to do that.''

Holland said the deal basically leaves the Wings with 10 forwards, seven defencemen and two goalies signed for a total of $33.5 million, $5.5 million under the salary cap. Holland would like to get three more forwards into the fold, and it's not clear whether Datsyuk will be one of them.

''His agent told me his contract in Russia does not include an out-clause,'' Holland said. ''I'm operating under the assumption that we don't have Pavel for this season.''

Datsyuk, according to reports out of Russia, signed a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League but Dynamo Moscow matched Avangard's offer Wednesday to bring the 27-year-old back to the Moscow club where Datsyuk played during the lockout.

It is surprising that Datsyuk's contract in Russia would not include an out clause because players often use those clauses as leverage in negotiations with their NHL clubs.

Holland continues to talk with the Datsyuk camp.

''I am continuing to stay in touch almost on a day-to-day basis with his agent Gary Greenstin,'' Holland said. ''Gary is in Russia and plans to be there for a while. But I want to remain in touch with Gary and Pavel. We own his rights for next year and certainly we'd like him to come back.

''In the event that all of sudden something arises and he is able to play in the NHL this year, I want to be on top of it for obvious reasons.''

Zetterberg, meanwhile, led the Swedish Elite League in scoring during the NHL lockout with 50 points (19-31) in 50 games with Timra. In 2003-04, he had 15 goals and 28 assists in 61 games with the Wings. He has 37 goals and 50 assists in 140 career games.

''The last time we saw him in a Red Wing uniform he was 23 years old,'' said Holland. ''He's now 25 and really just now coming into the prime of his career. He dominated in Sweden last year and he's continued to develop. He's a young player we want to build around.''

 

Classy Zetterberg Back with the Wings

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, September 9, 2005

 

The Detroit Redwings have made a huge signing this week! They have signed a star player to a multi-year deal at a fairly good price. No, the player is NOT Pavel Datsyuk. Another young European stand-out, Swedish sensation Henrik Zetterberg agreed to a four year, 10.6 million dollar contract, paying him 2.65 million a season and securing his services with the Redwings until 2009 when he will be 29 years old.

This was a fair signing for both sides. Zetterberg got better than the 2.5 million a season that he was asking for and the Redwings got him long-term, a year past when he could have been eligible for unrestricted free agency. It was a huge gesture on Zetterberg’s part to sign a long term deal without breaking the franchise. It did not go un-noticed among management, players, and especially fans that Henrik gave up a year of free agency, a year in which he could ask for a big contract from the highest bidder. By signing this deal, and doing before training camp, especially with Datsyuk refusing to accept Detroit’s offers, Zetterberg has instantly become a fan favorite in Hockeytown. By showing that he is unselfish, and was willing to work for the benefit of the team, “Hank” has earned some more respect today.

The Redwings needed to sign Henrik. General Manager Ken Holland, unable to come to an agreement with the demanding Datsyuk, needed to make a positive move to help bolster Detroit’s offense, build on the future, and put a positive spin on a day in which it was announced that Datsyuk will sign with a Russian team for 6 million dollars a year. The Redwings needed a bonfide star who can not be classified as an aging veteran. They needed someone to build there future around. Zetterberg is that player. Zetterberg is the real deal. He will be a star for years to come, hopefully all those years will be wearing a winged wheel. Datsyuk will most likely be a star for years to come as well. Its just not known in what country that will be in. It could have been, it still can be as teammates on the Detroit Redwings. The two often times formed a dynamic duo as linemates, mostly with veteran sniper Brett Hull on the famed “Two Kids and a Goat line”, making spectacular passes and dashing moves. The two kids were touted as future Hall of Famers by the bousterous Hull. The two could have continued to play together as linemates for many years. Unfortunatly, it seems Datysuk doesn’t necessarily want to be a part of what could be a legendary combination.

But if the Redwings could only sign one of the “Euro Twins” its definitely better that they couldn’t come to terms with Datsyuk. Zetterberg is two years younger than Datsyuk, and is believed by many to be the better all around player. While Datsyuk has a flashier offensive upside, Zetterberg plays a more blue-collared game. He is responsible at both ends of the ice and is effective on the penalty kill as well as the power play. He is capable of making highlight reel goals and passes as well, as he has shown in Sweden while leading the Swedish Elite League in scoring last year. But, he also has leadership ability and some think he is a candidate for future captain of the Redwings after Yzerman has retired.

With Datsyuk’s departure, and his goal scoring skills gone with him, Zetterberg is going to have a bigger role this season. He will likely move back to center, his natural position, and have a bigger responsibility on offense. With the NHL’s new emphisis on opening the game up for more scoring, I predict Henrik will have his “breakout” season, tallying more than 30 goals and 40 assists. He will emerge as a team leader both literally and statistically.

Through contract negotiations and with his signing, Zetterberg has displayed class and commitment. Datsyuk has displayed greed and a lack of understanding of the salary cap and its implications on the team. Pavel could learn a few things from Henrik. A lot about what it means to show gratitude to the franchise that gave you an opportunity when you weren’t a highly scouted prospect. A team that treated you well and put you in a roster with the likes of Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, and Niklas Lidstrom. Its about doing what is benefical for the club that needs you in the lineup, after all they have done for you, making your transition to a new country and a new way of life easier.

Henrik Zetterberg, we salute you. Thank you for coming back to our beloved Redwings. Your beloved Redwings. You are a hero in the Motor City now, just as you are back in Sundsvall and Timra, where the call you “Zata”.

 

 

Zetterberg Skates Back to Wings

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, September 7th, 2005

 

Pavel Datsyuk is gone, but the Red Wings still have Henrik Zetterberg.

After a summer of haggling, the Wings finally signed Zetterberg, a restricted free agent, to a four-year contract worth $10.6 million. They also also have the security of locking up Zetterberg, 24, a year past when he can become an unrestricted free agent (age 27).

Zetterberg receives a significant raise from the $625,000 he made last season. He also gets a long-term contract.

"We feel Hank will be a good player for a long time here," general manager Ken Holland said. "He's an important part of our team."

Zetterberg, who had 15 goals and 28 assists in 61 games during the 2003-04 season, is scheduled to arrive in Detroit this weekend. The team travels to Traverse City for training camp Sunday.

Playing for Timra in the Swedish Elite League during the NHL lockout last winter, Zetterberg led the league in scoring with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) in 50 games.

He also was one of Sweden's best players during the World Championships.

"I saw a few of his games over in Sweden while I was there scouting," Holland said, "and he did play very well.

"He's the type of player who works hard every day at practice. He's a pro. He's responsible at both ends of the ice. I don't know if Hank will be a big-time scorer, but he's going to be a point producer in this league."

The Zetterberg signing leaves the Wings with approximately $5.5 million under the $39 million salary cap. Holland would like to sign three more forwards to fill the roster.

 

Swede times ahead as Zetterberg joins fold

By Helene St. James, Free Press, September 8, 2005

 

A day after seemingly losing the Russian side, the Red Wings secured the Swedish half of the Euro Twins.

Henrik Zetterberg, the almost 25-year-old forward who has played like a star since joining the NHL three years ago, agreed Wednesday to a four-year deal worth $2.65 million annually. The news was welcome in the locker room at Joe Louis Arena, where several of Zetterberg's teammates skated as a warm-up to next week's training camp at Traverse City.

"I think it's great to have him back," Nicklas Lidstrom said. "Too bad we couldn't get Pavel, but we had to have one of the two guys back. We've got Hank signed for a number of years, and that's great."

On Monday, center Pavel Datsyuk signed a one-year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Russian Super League. On Wednesday, Moscow Dynamo matched the offer, rumored to be in excess of $5 million a year. There's no out clause, but because Russia did not sign an agreement with the International Ice Hockey Federation, general manager Ken Holland is continuing almost daily contract negotiations in hopes of luring Datsyuk back to Detroit.

"Pavel and Hank are two young players who are very, very important to our franchise," Holland said. "In Hank's case, he's really coming into the prime of his career. I'm happy he made a long-term commitment; basically we bought ourselves one year of unrestricted free agency."

Ironically, Zetterberg would notice Datsyuk's absence especially hard. Zetterberg came to the NHL a year after Datsyuk, and the two quickly formed a friendship that grew as they began to be paired up on the same line. By 2003-04, the two were so close teammates dubbed them the Euro Twins and delighted in seeing the two tear through opponents.

"Those two kids can do a lot of magic together," Tomas Holmstrom said. "It's too bad we can't have Pavel, but that's how it is, and you have to go on."

Zetterberg's hockey star has ascended every season. Three years ago he finished as runner-up for the Calder Trophy; two years ago he produced a career-best 28 assists among 43 points. Last season he led the Swedish Elite League in scoring with 50 points in 50 games (19 goals, 31 assists) while playing for Timra.

In light of Datsyuk's possible defection, Zetterberg's versatility becomes even more important. He has played mostly left wing in Detroit, but he's a tremendously gifted playmaker, and could easily serve as a center if needed.

"He's one of our better players, so for sure we want him back," Holmstrom said. "He had 50 points last year in the Swedish Elite League, a great season. He's going to one of the top players in the NHL, so having one of those guys on your team is a huge plus."

 

After Signing With Wings, Zetterberg Could Move Back to Center

By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, Thursday, September 8, 2005

 

Henrik Zetterberg came into the NHL three years ago as a naturally gifted center, but was forced to switch positions because the Detroit Red Wings were so well-stocked down the middle.

And while Zetterberg flourished at left wing, he could be much better as a center. It appears he'll get that chance this season as the Red Wings look to fill the huge void left by Pavel Datsyuk's return to Russia.

Still stinging from the loss of one young star, the Red Wings softened the blow somewhat by locking up another to a long-term contract on Wednesday, signing the 24-year-old Zetterberg to a four-year contract worth $2.65 million a season.

It's a significant boost from the salary he earned in 2003-04 ($675,000) and the salary he lost during the canceled 2004-05 season ($825,000). But it could turn out to be a bargain for the Wings if Zetterberg reaches his full potential.

Zetterberg is coming off a season in which he led the Swedish Elite League in scoring, posting 50 points (including 19 goals) in 50 games with Timra.

"It was a pretty good league with all the NHL players in it (because of the lockout)," Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "He just continues to improve every year. He's still pretty young. He's just reaching the beginning of his prime years."

Zetterberg doesn't have Datsyuk's slick moves or goal-scoring touch, but he's a better two-way player. And he should benefit from a possible move to center.

"I've leave that up to (coach) Mike Babcock," Holland said. "But he played center last season in Sweden and I think he might be better at center than the wing because he likes that room to operate."

Zetterberg played left wing in 2002-03 -- the season he finished second to St. Louis Blues defenseman Barret Jackman in balloting for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year -- because the Wings had Sergei Fedorov, Steve Yzerman, Igor Larionov, Kris Draper and Datsyuk at center. Zetterberg missed 21 games the following season because of a broken leg, but still managed 15 goals and 28 assists.

Zetterberg will become an unrestricted free agent when the contract expires (the age for unrestricted free agency will be gradually lowered to 27 in the next few years).

 

Zetterberg is Happy to be Back with Team

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, September 12, 2005

 

There was one familiar face on the Red Wings' bus Sunday to Traverse City, and the start of training camp, while one other face was missing.

The Wings still hadn't heard from forward Pavel Datsyuk on whether he had decided to remain in Russia, play for Moscow Dynamo or return to the Red Wings.

But Datsyuk's friend and teammate Henrik Zetterberg was on his way to Traverse City. After signing a four-year contract last week worth $10.6 million, Zetterberg, who was a restricted free agent, as Datsyuk is, was happy to be part of the Red Wings for now, and the immediate future.

"I'm glad it worked out, and glad I'm going to be here for four more years," said Zetterberg, who arrived Saturday from Sweden.

Zetterberg hopes Datsyuk will soon join him.

"I hope to see him here, he's a good player, but it's new rules and everybody (the teams) has to be under the salary cap," Zetterberg said.

 

Wings Go to Camp Glad to See Zetterberg

BY George Sipple, Free Press, September 12, 2005

 

Kris Draper pulled up to the bus at Joe Louis Arena to unpack his gear for Red Wings training camp. He saw Henrik Zetterberg talking to a group of reporters, then said what everyone in Detroit had been thinking last week: "Whew! Thank goodness he's here."

Zetterberg, one of the Wings' top young players, didn't sign his four-year, $10.6-million contract until last week, but he was on one of two buses with the rest of the training camp participants Sunday morning as they left Joe Louis Arena for Traverse City. Camp begins Tuesday.

Zetterberg, 24, was apparently in for a long bus ride.

"He was one of the last guys to get in town," Draper said. "It's going to be nice. We have a four-hour bus ride, and Hank's going to probably take the most abuse on the bus, and rightfully so. We're just happy to have him back. He's such a great kid and such a great hockey player. He's going to play a huge role for the Detroit Red Wings over the next four years for sure."

 

Zetterberg Hopeful about Datsyuk

BY Helene St. James, Free Press, September 12, 2005

 

Given how long this Pavel Datsyuk soap opera has lasted already, what's one more day?

It's frustrating for Red Wings fans, perhaps, but then again, what about this situation hasn't been?

The Wings were still waiting Sunday evening to hear the news on Datsyuk, who last week signed a contract with a Russia Super League team but remains free to rejoin the Wings.

The Wings have offered Datsyuk a two-year deal worth $3.8 million a year, and they are waiting to hear his final answer.

General manager Ken Holland did not return a message as of early Sunday evening. He has been in daily contact with Datsyuk's agent, Gary Greenstin. The rest of the squad departed Sunday morning from Joe Louis Arena and headed to Traverse City, where camp opens Tuesday. Among the group was Datsyuk's close friend Henrik Zetterberg, who a few days ago agreed to a four-year deal worth $10.6 million.

Zetterberg said he had talked to his buddy throughout the summer, and he hopes Datsyuk, a centerman, will be back. Coach Mike Babcock said the same thing last week.

"We need him," Zetterberg said.

"He's a good player. It's new rules. It's tough to get everyone you want. Hopefully we can get him back. I think he wants to be back here."

Hockey's Back, as Wings Ready to Open Camp

By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, September 12, 2005

 

Henrik Zetterberg was speaking to a group of reporters next to the team bus Sunday morning at Joe Louis Arena, when Kris Draper drove by and shouted, "Look who's here!"

He's back. More importantly, they're back.

After the most turbulent 12 months in NHL history, the Detroit Red Wings have settled into their regular routine, as players boarded two buses bound for training camp in Traverse City.

"Everyone was out of place last year (during the league lockout), with some guys playing in Europe and some staying here," said Zetterberg, who eased some concerns by signing a four-year contract last week. "It's good to be back and see everybody get together and play some hockey."

Players will undergo physicals and off-ice testing today and hit the ice Tuesday for their first workout under coach Mike Babcock.

The only player who won't be there is Pavel Datsyuk. The Red Wings are still waiting to hear if he'll accept their offer of a two-year deal for $3.8 million a season, or play for Moscow Dynamo in Russia. His agent, Gary Greenstin, indicated a decision could come today.

Zetterberg spoke with Datsyuk, his good buddy, a few days ago and remains optimistic the two will be reunited soon.

"I think he wants to be back here," Zetterberg said. "That's the one thing we've been talking about the whole year, that we want to play over here. But, it's tough to get everyone under the salary cap."

Zetterberg hopes Datsyuk's not far behind. Otherwise, it could be a long week.

"We got a four-hour bus ride and Hank's probably going to take the most abuse, and rightfully so," Kris Draper said. "We're going to ride him as hard as we can for the next week. I'm really looking forward to that."

 

All Eyes Turn to Yzerman, Zetterberg (Swede Tweaks Hip)

By Helene St. James, Free Press, September 14, 2005

 

A few sights that defined opening day of Red Wings training camp: Henrik Zetterberg looking every bit the star, scoring off an opening face-off. Zetterberg leaving the ice, injured. Captain Steve Yzerman hidden behind a dark visor.

The two centers led off the midday scrimmage Tuesday at Centre ICE arena in the Wings' first official on-ice action since May 3, 2004.

Zetterberg looked sublime, scoring two goals on two shots and finishing with a plus-three rating before a sore right hip flexor sent him off barely midway through the second half of the scrimmage.

Zetterberg sounded hopeful of returning to the ice by week's end.

"I will see how I feel," he said. "It'll probably be a couple days, but it won't be long." The injury developed at the end of the first period, but Zetterberg spent halftime stretching and returned to score in the second half, helping secure a 5-2 victory for Squad B.

"I felt OK, and I went out again and I felt it coming," Zetterberg said. "I don't know what it was."

Zetterberg has been skating in his native Sweden since early August and certainly didn't look rusty in the brief appearance he made. Skating on a line between Brendan Shanahan and Jason Williams, he connected on a pass from defenseman Mathieu Schneider to score 14 seconds into the first half. Yzerman wasn't quite so smooth. Headlining Squad C, he was on the ice for both of Zetterberg's goals and finished minus-three.

"I felt better than expected, but watching Henrik skate around out there, I'm pretty envious; I'd like to be able to move like that," Yzerman said. "He clearly was the best player on the ice."

 

…Scare in Scrimmage, Zetterberg OK After Suffering Hip Flexor

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, September 14, 2005

 

The Red Wings returned to the ice Tuesday, and they enjoyed seeing forward Henrik Zetterberg dominate with two goals in his team's 5-2 victory during a scrimmage.

But they didn't enjoy seeing Zetterberg walking gingerly afterward because of a right hip flexor.

"It's a little bit sore right now," said Zetterberg, who didn't finish the scrimmage. "We'll see how it feels. Right now, as a safety precaution, it's better to stay off."

Zetterberg said the discomfort developed as the scrimmage progressed, and stretching didn't cure the problem.

It's unlikely that he will skate today. He figures a more likely timetable is the end of the week.

"It could be a couple of days," he said, "but it won't be longer than that."

Zetterberg had been skating in Sweden since Aug. 5, when teams began working out in the Swedish Elite League. He said he hasn't had problems with the hip since beginning workouts for this season.

The Wings, who signed Zetterberg to a four-year, $10.6 million contract last week, don't want to think about life without him for an extended period, especially since forward Pavel Datsyuk is unsigned.

"Hopefully, he got off (the ice) before he did anything, and it's not a big deal, and he's back rolling right away because, as you saw, he's a pretty good player," coach Mike Babcock said.

Added captain Steve Yzerman: "Henrik Zetterberg was clearly the best player on the ice."

Zetterberg scored 14 seconds into the scrimmage, taking a pass from defenseman Mathieu Schneider for a breakaway goal.

Fans might see more goals like Zetterberg's because of rules changes that will emphasize offense and passes from blue line to blue line.

"We saw 10 seconds into the very first scrimmage how this could be effective, and how you can catch teams napping," said Brendan Shanahan, who is part of the competition committee that recommended the rules changes. "How many breakaways in the NHL have (we) seen the last few years? That was a great play."

Said Zetterberg: "That's kind of how we play in Europe, it was good. It could be like that (here)."

 

Datsyuk could join team today

By Terry Foster, The Detroit News, September 25, 2005

 

Pavel Datsyuk was scheduled to land at Detroit Metro Airport Sunday night in time to sign a two-year, $7.8 million contract in General Manager Ken Holland's office today.

"He is a great young player," Holland said. "All the moves made this summer were to make sure we had Pavel and (Henrik) Zetterberg. It would have been a great loss to buy people (Darren McCArty, Derrian Hatcher, Ray Whitney) out and not have Pavel."

Wings coach Mike Babcock said Datsyuk will return to the lineup Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena against Columbus and will skate on a line that includes Brendan Shanahan. He said Henrik Zetterberg and Datsyuk, linemates in the past, won't play together initially.

"But I am entitled to change my mind," Babcock said.

Babcock hinted that Zetterberg (hip flexor) could also return to the lineup Wednesday.

 

 

 

Datsyuk's first practice Tuesday (Zetterberg should play Wednesday)

By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, September 26, 2005

 

Wings general manager Ken Holland said Pavel Datsyuk's flight from Russia was scheduled to land in Detroit late Sunday night. Datsyuk will be in Holland's office today to officially sign his two-year, $7.8 million contract. He'll be on the ice Tuesday for his first practice and Babcock said he'll make his preseason debut Wednesday at home against Columbus.

Babcock said he initially does not plan to play Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg on the same line. Datsyuk will play on a line with Shanahan and Zetterberg will play with Robert Lang.

Zetterberg and defenseman Andreas Lilja, both hampered by a sore hip flexor, have resumed practicing and should play Wednesday.

 

Datsyuk signs

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, September 27, 2005

 

The Wings confirmed Monday that forward Pavel Datsyuk was at Joe Louis Arena and signed a two-year contract worth $7.8 million.

Datsyuk will practice with the team today. Actually, he couldn't resist getting out on the ice and worked out with his pal Henrik Zetterberg, who has begun skating after suffering a hip flexor the first day of intrasquad scrimmages in Traverse City.

Datsyuk skated and worked out in Russia during his contract stalemate. Because of that, coach Mike Babcock expects Datsyuk to play Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena when the Wings face Columbus.

Incidentally, Zetterberg should also be in the lineup. It will be Zetterberg's first exhibition game this season. Zetterberg suffered the hip injury in the first scrimmage the Wings played.

 

Datsyuk: 'I want to retire here'

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, September 28, 2005

 

Henrik Zetterberg, (Pavel) Datsyuk's best friend on the (Redwings), kept in regular contact with him (during Datsyuk’s contract negotiations from Russia).

"Somewhere in the back of my head, I thought he'd come back," Zetterberg said. "I didn't know if that was possible, but I kind of knew he wanted to come back."

On Tuesday, Datsyuk confirmed that Detroit is where he wanted to stay.

"I want to retire here," he said.

(Head coach, Mike)Babcock said it's unlikely that Datsyuk would play (tonight’s pre-season exhibition game) against Columbus. Babcock figures that Datsyuk will be ready for Friday's home exhibition against Toronto.

Babcock said his first inclination is to pair Datsyuk with Brendan Shanahan and Jason Williams or Mikael Samuelsson (when Samuelsson arrives from Sweden before the end of the week).

He is likely to have Robert Lang center Zetterberg, and Williams or Samuelsson.

Babcock liked seeing Datsyuk and Zetterberg on the ice. Zetterberg is recovering from a hip flexor.

"When you add him (Datsyuk) and Hank we're a way quicker team, and we didn't even have to skate," Babcock said.

Zetterberg had been out since being injured Sept. 13, the first day of intrasquad scrimmages in Traverse City.

But having made it through Tuesday's practice pain-free, Zetterberg said he hopes to play tonight.

"I feel good, I hope coach puts me in the lineup," Zetterberg said. "I didn't know this would take so long. I thought a couple of days, but then it went longer. We wanted to be on the safe side, and now it feels good."

Said Babcock: "We'll see how he (Zetterberg) is (today). He seemed fine."

Zetterberg was thrilled to see Datsyuk at practice. He said it is exciting to hear talk from the Wings' front office that he and Datsyuk are the future of the organization.

"Now," Zetterberg said, "we just have to take that responsibility and do the best we can."

 

Forget English, Smile Says it All (Henrik is Happy Pavel is Back)

By Helene St. James, Free Press, September 28, 2005

 

…Although (Pavel)Datsyuk practiced between Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Holmstrom (during practice yesterday), Babcock said he planned to use Datsyuk with Brendan Shanahan, and Zetterberg with Robert Lang, with Mikael Samuelsson and Jason Williams fleshing out the right sides. But just for one day, at least, the “Eurotwins” were reunited on ice.

"It was fun to have Pavel besides me," Zetterberg said. Zetterberg has been sidelined with a hip flexor, but if he feels good this morning he'll play tonight against Columbus.

 

Red Wings 9, Jackets Zip (Zetterberg Gets Three Assists)

BY Chris Silva, Free Press, September 29, 2005

 

Pull out your Red Wings roster and remove left wing Henrik Zetterberg from the list of players who have yet to appear in the preseason.

After being shelved for nearly two weeks with a sore hip flexor, Zetterberg returned to the ice in the Wings' 9-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday night at Joe Louis Arena.

Zetterberg finished with (three) assists, including one on the first goal of the game by defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom at 4:06 of the first period.

The last time Zetterberg played was during the Wings' first intrasquad scrimmage, on Sept. 13, when he hurt his right hip flexor. After 12:13 on the ice against Columbus, Zetterberg said his hip felt fine. No soreness, no pain. But he admitted he was a little rusty.

"I thought my timing was a little bit off with the puck," he said. "But overall I felt pretty good. It was a good game to start. It's always fun to produce a little bit."

 

Wings win laugher

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, September 29, 2005

 

NHL exhibition games are usually bad as it is, but this one was particularly ugly. The Wings, playing mostly their "A" team, blitzed a Columbus roster filled with minor leaguers Wednesday, 9-0, at Joe Louis Arena.

Henrik Zetterberg had three (?) assists in his first game since suffering an injured hip in an intrasquad scrimmage during the first week of training camp.

"It was good to have Hank back," Babcock said. "He adds a dimension of speed and he hounds the puck. He's obviously going to make us a better team."

 

Zetterberg Back with Datsyuk in Loss against Toronto

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 1, 2005

 

It didn’t take Detroit Redwings Head Coach Mike Babcock long to decide to pair Swedish sensation Henrik Zetterberg with recently signed Russian star Pavel Datsyuk. In Datsyuk’s first pre-season game since re-signing with the Redwing’s he found himself back on a line with his best friend on the team. Zetterberg and Datsyuk made names for themselves in the NHL during the 2002-03 season when the formed the “two kids and a goat line” with future Hall of Fame right winger, Brett Hull. The trio was the most productive line in the NHL during the second half of that season, and also played together most of the 2003-04 campaign. Hull signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Coyotes this year and both Zetterberg and Datsyuk, restricted free agents, had lengthy negotiations prior to signing contracts with Detroit this pre-season.

Babcock had been planning on using Zetterberg and Datsyuk on separate lines and partnering them with Veteran snipers Brendan Shanahan and Robert Lang. However, the pre-season combination of Shanahan, Lang, and right winger Jason Williams has been working well.

The “Eurotwins”, as they are currently referred to by teammates, weren’t quite so effective in last nights 4-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The line of Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and veteran right Winger Tomas Holmstrom didn’t produce any offense and didn’t seem to click as they typically do. Datsyuk basically said the two were a little rusty. It was also only Zetterberg’s second exhibition game since being out for several weeks with a hip flexor injury, suffered during a pre-season scrimmage on September 13^th. In his first game back, a 9-0 exhibition victory over the Columbus Blue jackets on Wednesday night, Henrik had three assists and had no lingering affects from his injury.

The Redwings get another addition when Mikael Samuelsson joins the line-up tonight in Toronto. The right winger is going to be the sixth Swede to make the team for this year with Zetterberg, Holmstrom, rookie fourth-line center Johan Franzen, future Hall of Fame defenseman Niklas Lidstrom, and his defensive partner journeyman Andreas Lilja. Rookie defenseman Niklas Kronwall was a lock to be the seventh Swede on the opening day roster, but he tore his ACL and MCL in an exhibition against Colorado and will miss 4-6 months. 

 

Wings Open With Bang, Datsyuk's Goal Starts a Deluge vs. Blues

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, October 5, 2005

 

With many fans still not in the arena, Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg teamed up to break in the season on a positive note for the Wings.

Zetterberg controlled the puck near the corner and waited for Datsyuk to find an open space near the hash marks.

Datsyuk slammed a one-timer past goalie Patrick Lalime at 1:35 of the first period, a prelude to the rest of the evening.

"It was a good start," said Datsyuk

 

Zetterberg Plays the Blues

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com October 6, 2005

 

Henrik Zetterberg got his second assist in as many games against division rival St. Louis Blues Thursday night. Putting up points against the Blues is nothing new for the third year winger who has now totaled six goals and six assists in eleven career games against St. Louis. He is a plus/minus +10 in those matches. He scores more against the Blues than he does against any other team. Four of his top ten games are against them. This is good news for the Redwings and for Zetterberg fans. Detroit plays St. Louis six more times for a total of eight games this season.

Zetterberg has recovered well from a pre-season hip flexor injury and has been playing great on a line with center Pavel Datsyuk and right winger and fellow Swede, Tomas Holmstrom. He has two assists and is a plus/minus +2 in two games, playing close to 20 minutes a game.

"Hank was outstanding!” said Head Coach Mike Babcock. “He pursued the puck all over the rink."

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANK!!! First Four Point Game Comes in Win Over McCarty, Kiprusoff, and Flames

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 9, 2005

 

Redwings left winger, Henrik Zetterberg had the “game winning goal” and three assists in a big 6-3 victory over the defending Western Conference Champion Calgary Flames today at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The Wing’s were looking to avenge their 2004 playoffs loss to Calgary, who went on to lose to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Today’s win was sweet because it marked the return of Flame’s right winger Darren McCarty who signed with Calgary after the Redwing’s bought out his contract to make salary cap room this off season. The gritty winger was a fan favorite for eleven seasons in Detroit and still has many friends on the team.

It was on the powerplay where the Redwings did most of their damage against the Flames. They were 5 of 9 with the man advantage.

Henrik's first four point game was also special because it came as a present on his 25th birthday!  

Zetterberg’s scoring started eight minutes into the game when he assisted on Brendan Shanahan’s powerplay goal, making it a 2-0 game. He then scored his own powerplay goal, the game winner, from just inside of the left faceoff circle, beating Flames goalie Mikka Kiprusoff at 12:32 of the second period. That gave Detroit a 4-1 lead.

Kiprusoff was Zetterberg’s teammate on the Timra Red Eagles of the Swedish Elite League during the 2004-2005 NHL lock-out. Kiprusoff gave up five goals in the loss, and was pulled in the third period.

Hank got his second assist working hard in the corner behind Calgary’s net at even strength. He was battling defenseman Andrew Ference and came out with the puck then fed it to Lang in the slot, who lifted it over Kiprusoff. Lang’s even strength goal made it 5-2 with 36 seconds remaining in the second.

The Redwings put the game away with their sixth goal, on the powerplay, when Zetterberg assisted (his third) on a goal by Datsyuk 8:55 into the third period by forwarding a pass from center ice to the speeding Russian up at the blue line. Datsyuk deked past one defender and buried the shot. 

Zetterberg’s four point game is the first of his career, and it ranks second amongst Top Ten Games. Henrik teamed up with center Robert Lang and right winger Tomas Holmstrom for most of the game. The line was productive but finished even on plus/minus. Zetterberg had been on a line with center Pavel Datsyuk and Holmstrom until today’s match.

Henrik had three shots on goal in 17:39 on the ice. He now has 1 goal and 5 assists in 3 games to open this season. Detroit has a 3-0 record.

 

Two Goals in Last Two Games, Zetterberg Leads Redwings in Points

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 15, 2005

 

Rising star, Henrik Zetterberg scored the game winning goal tonight in the Detroit Redwing’s 2-0 victory over goalie Curtis Joseph and the Phoenix Coyotes. Z’s goal came on the power-play, 2:11 into the second period, in a scoreless game. The goal was assisted by Jason Woolley and Jason Williams.

It was Zetterberg’s second goal in as many games, having scored an empty-netter against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night. He has three goals and five assists in six games this season, leading the Redwings with eight points.

Henrik now has forty career goals and fifty-five assists for ninety-five career points. He ranks 117^thon the Redwing’s All-Time scoring list. He is just 15 points from tying Micheal Bergeron, Dwight Foster, and Mark Osborne with 110 points, which will put him in the top 100 scorers in Detroit history.

 

The "Goat" Retires

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 16th, 2005

 

 

"Brett is such a great player! He finds the open (space) on the ice and all you have to do is get him the puck. He has such a great shot. Brett is one of the best players of all-time. To score that many goals, I can't even imagine. There are so many great players on this team. For a young player, you just watch them and how they practice and work (off the ice), and it's really something!" -Henrik Zetterberg, February 2003, on playing with then line-mate and future Hall-of-Famer Brett Hull.

 

Phoenix Coyote's veteran right-winger Brett Hull announced his retirement on Saturday, just hours before they were to face-off against his former team, the Detroit Redwings. Hull played NHL 1,269 games during parts of 20 seasons, scoring 741 goals (third all-time) and 650 assists during his illustrious career (stats).

The "Golden" Brett played 245 games for three seasons with the Redwings (2001-2004), amassing 92 goals and 115 assists and winning a Stanley Cup in2002. His 207 points are good for 50th on Detroit's All-time scoring list. Most of his points with the Wing's came during the 2002-2003 season playing on the "Two Kids and a Goat Line", where he was the self-proclaimed "Goat". He scored 37 goals that year, benefiting by playing with youngsters Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.

The outspoken veteran had nothing but praise for his youthful teammates. "They're wonderful, wonderful players. I am blessed to be able to play with these guys."

Brett Hull was asked about the play of rookie Henrik Zetterberg. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a kid like Hank Zetterberg come into the league and have as much composure, as much skill, and savvy for the game, in my career. I’m given a lot of credit but all I’m doing is going out and trying to find the (open) area, and use (Datsyuk and Zeterberg) to my advantage, and they are a lot of fun to play with!”, Hull exclaimed.

Young Players are Rising 1-2 Punch

Through the first six games, Zetterberg and Datsyuk have shown glimpses of greatness.

By Ted Kulfan,  The Detroit News, October 16, 2005

 

The Red Wings have often said Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk are the future of the organization.

The duo will be the nucleus the team will build around, two players the Wings went to great lengths to sign this summer.

They're beginning to give glimpses of how they can carry a team.

Both scored during Saturday's 2-0 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes.

For each, it was their third goal of the season. Zetterberg scored a power-play goal, faking Coyotes goalie Curtis Joseph in close and tucking the puck in the net.

Datsyuk slammed a one-timer off a great pass from Nicklas Lidstrom in the third period.

"They're both such great, young players," defenseman Mathieu Schneider said. "The way the game is being called, it really works to their strengths."

Zetterberg missed the majority of the exhibition season because of a groin injury. But he returned showing no ill effects, and has arguably been the Wings' best player through the opening few games.

"He's going to be a great player in this league for a lot of years," said goalie Manny Legace, who was pretty good himself Saturday with 23 saves, earning the shutout.

"Hank has such great hands around the net. The puck just follows him around like a magnet."

As for Datsyuk, he too missed most of the exhibition season because of a contract negotiation that took nearly all of September.

After a spotty start, Datsyuk appears to be regaining his timing. In more than 15 minutes Saturday, Datsyuk won 6 of 10 face-offs and his line controlled play.

"Dats had his best game," coach Mike Babcock said.

Sensing the two are beginning to click, Babcock began playing the pair together on this Western trip.

It could be perfect timing.

 

Amidst the tumult, Detroit remains Hockeytown
By Doug Ward, Special to NHL.com, October 20, 2005

 

If you thought the League's new salary cap looked a lot like the bill on the Red Wings' high-priced excellence coming due, better think again.

With the exception of Derian Hatcher and Darren McCarty, General Manager Ken Holland found a way to keep the core of his team together, and that means it's still hard to differentiate the Red Wings' roster from an All-Tournament team at the Olympics.

The new NHL has been a different animal, with roster upheaval, shootouts, and wide-open play, but one thing that hasn't changed is the Red Wings' place in the standings. After a 6-1-0 start, Detroit found itself in its familiar perch atop the Western Conference standings.

Hockeytown? Hockeyworld sometimes seems more apropos when you have a lineup that includes world-class players from Canada (Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan), the United States (Chris Chelios, Mathieu Schneider), Sweden (Nicklas Lidstrom), and the Czech Republic (Robert Lang).

But that group ranges in age from 34 (Lang), to 43 (Chelios), which means that the Wings who are still a little green are on the verge of becoming more important than the ones that are starting to gray.

Enter 27-year-old Pavel Datsyuk (Russia) and 25-year-old Henrik Zetterberg (Sweden), two skilled forwards who have been playing on a line together of late. Both players figure to benefit greatly from the NHL's new rules.

Datsyuk and Zetterberg aren't recognizable enough to be featured above the title with the veteran stars, but their production will go a long way toward determining whether or not the Red Wings remain a marquee team.

A half an hour after a recent game day skate in Los Angeles, when most of the Wings' familiar faces had already boarded a bus, Datsyuk and Zetterberg were left to answer questions about the team's prospects, making it abundantly clear that the two now have prominent voices in that future.

"I think Henrik Zetterberg is a very good player," Datsyuk said. "He's off to a good start, and we've been able to achieve things together."

Zetterberg, who has been likened to fellow Swede Peter Forsberg, has been the Red Wings' leading scorer with nine points in the team's first seven games.

Fears in Detroit (and hopes elsewhere in the Western Conference) that the Wings would be brought back to the pack this year have not been given any credence inside the club's locker room.

"We all think this team is going to be very good this season," Datsyuk said, in his thick Russian accent. "We still feel we are one of the best teams. If you look back to two or three years ago, we are still the same team. We haven't really changed."

It's suggested to Datsyuk that, given his relative youth, and the fact that he's coming off a 30-goal, 68-point season in 2003-2004, it might be his time to assume a more prominent role on the NHL's most prominent team.

"I want to help this team as much as I can," said Datsyuk, who had four points in his first seven games. "I'm excited about this season. Everybody on this team believes, so everybody plays hard. We believe every second."

After their fast start, a lot people believe in the Red Wings.

Again.

 

Early On, Hank Among League Scoring Leaders

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 22, 2005

 

After a big third period in a 6-0 blowout over the Columbus Blue jackets, Henrik Zetterberg is tied (with 6 other players) for second in league scoring with 11 points early in this new NHL season. Hank had a goal and assist, both after the second intermission of tonight’s match, and was a +2 with four shots on goal. 

The goal, his fourth of the year, came on a Jason Woolley cross-ice pass to the crease where Zetterberg was waiting at the back door for an easy slam dunk behind Columbus goalie Martin Prucek. That made it a 5-0 game 7:11 into the third period.

Henrik wasn’t done adding points to the landslide. He recorded an assist when he took a shot on goal that deflected off of Prucek and onto the waiting stick of Pavel Datsyuk, who put it away for Detroit’s sixth goal with 15:51 left in what would become a shutout for the Redwings and goalie Manny Legace.  Winger Jason Williams had his first career hat-trick, all in the first period. Williams also has 11 points in 9 games and is tied with Hank for the team lead. Zetterberg’s two points tonight give him 98 career points (41 goals and 57 assists) good for 115^th on Detroit’s All-Time Scoring list. He is just 12 points from tying Micheal Bergeron, Dwight Foster, and Mark Osborne with 110 points, which will put him in the top 100 scorers in Redwings history.

The victory was Detroit’s fifth straight. The Wings now have a 8-1 record and a league best 16 points in the standings. They play the Blue Jackets again on Monday night at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

 

Highlight Reel Goal Caps Wings Win (100^th career point)

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 24, 2005

 

“Magnificent!” “Brilliant!” These are words used to describe Swedish star Henrik Zetterberg’s highlight reel goal scored with 8:08 left in the third period of his Detroit Redwing’s 6-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. He showed why he is a special player on a phenomenal individual effort.

Hank took a pass at center ice from Niklas Lidstrom and raced towards Columbus’ zone. He deked when he approached the blue line making Blue Jacket’s forward Nikolai Zherdev turn right as he cut left between Zherdev and forward David Vyborny. Zetterberg sped past the hook attempt of Vyborny as he protected the puck with his body skating the long way around defenseman Radoslav Suchy at the right face-off circle. Henrik then brought the puck around with the back side of his stick blade with his off-hand (right) and under Suchy’s reaching stick to his forhand. Finally, he lifted a quick shot under the stick arm of Columbus goaltender Marc Denis, completing his amazing one-against-four attack and stunning the already shell shocked Blue Jacket’s fans. It was a thing of beauty!

The goal, one of the very best in Zetterberg’s career to date, was his fifth of this season and his team-leading thirteenth point in ten games. He had assisted on linemate Pavel Datsyuk’s second of back to back goals in the second period. The two points in tonight’s match were the 99^th and 100^th of his NHL career placing him at 113^th on Detroit’s All-Time Scoring list. He is now only 10 points from tying Micheal Bergeron, Dwight Foster, and Mark Osborne with 110 points, which will put him in the top 100 scorers in Redwings history.

 

Scoring Streak. Three Goals in Three Games.

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 27, 2005

 

Henrik Zetterberg scored his third goal in three consecutive games 9:26 into the second period of a 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Streaking up the middle of the ice between the faceoff circles, Zetterberg took a quick pass from Pavel Datsyuk from outside the right face-off circle. He snapped a wrister past goalie Nikolai Khabibulan giving Detroit a 4-2 lead.

The goal was his sixth of this season and his team-leading fourteenth point in eleven games.

Zetterberg continues to steadily climb into the record books. The point in tonight’s match was Henrik’s 101st of his NHL career placing him at 112^th on Detroit’s All-Time Scoring list. He is now only 9 points from tying Micheal Bergeron, Dwight Foster, and Mark Osborne with 110 points, which will put him in the top 100 scorers in Redwings history.

Wings Corner: Thank Hank

By George Sipple, Detroit Free Press, October 28^th, 2005

 

Left wing Henrik Zetterberg wanted to start the season strong after signing a four-year contract in September.

He and Babcock are pleased so far.

Zetterberg tipped in a pass from Pavel Datsyuk in the second period Thursday to tie the game at 2. He has six goals and eight assists in 11 games.

"I never had a start like this before," Zetterberg said. "I've been playing a little bit more than I used to play. I'm really glad that I had that chance."

He also said he has put pressure on himself to produce early.

"Yeah, I did," he said. "Of course we have a new coaching staff here, a couple new players here. You want to show that you're able to play."

Said Babcock: "Hank's been outstanding for us. There's nothing wrong with players putting some pressure on themselves to perform."

 

Scoring Streak Continues. Zetterberg has Four Game Goal Scoring Streak.

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 29, 2005

 

Henrik Zetterberg scored his fourth goal in four consecutive games with 27 seconds left in a 4-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. He scored an empty-netter sealing the victory for the Redwings.

The goal was Hank's seventh of this season and his team-leading fifteenth point in twelve games. He is tied for fourth in league scoring with three other players.

Zetterberg continues to steadily climb into the record books. The point in tonight’s match was Henrik’s 102nd of his NHL career placing him at 110^th on Detroit’s All-Time Scoring list. He is now only 8 points from tying Micheal Bergeron, Dwight Foster, and Mark Osborne with 110 points, which will put him in the top 100 scorers in Redwings history.

The Redwings have won all twelve games that Zetterberg has scored a goal in, dating back to his 32nd career goal on March 3rd, 2004 against Calgary. He now has 44 career goals in 152 games.

 

Shanny on the “Eurotwins”

November 1, 2005

 

“(Henrik Zetterberg) went and led the Swedish League is scoring…a very competitive league with some of the top Swedish stars from the NHL (ie: Peter Forsberg, Markus Naslund). I think that gave him a lot of confidence. And Pavel Datsyuk has emerged as a star as well. They’re our #1 line and they’ve been great! They’re great five-on-five, on the powerplay, and also killing penalties. Mike Babcock’s been challenging them and they’re responding.” –Future Hall-of-Fame Left Winger Brendan Shanahan on Detroit Redwing teammates.

 

Zetterberg 100^th on Redwing’s All-time Scoring Leaders List

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 23, 2005

 

There are a lot of great names on the list of top 100 all-time scoring leaders for the Detroit Redwings. Henrik Zetterberg is now one of them. He joins the likes of Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Alex Delvecchio, Sergei Fedorov, Niklas Lidstrom, Ted Lindsay, Brendan Shanahan and ninety-two other Redwing’s career points leaders by scoring his 110^th career point tonight (45 goals, 65 assists). That ties him with Mark Osborne, Micheal Bergeron, and Dwight Foster for 100^th on the list of 710 skaters who have played for Detroit since 1932. Of the four only Osborne took fewer games to score 110 points. He achieved the mark in 160 games. Zetterberg reached it in his 163^rd career game. Zetterberg’s next point will place him alone at 100^th.

The milestone point came on an assist on Robert Lang’s go-ahead goal at 5:32 of the second period in tonight’s 7-3 victory over the rival Colorado Avalanche at the Joe Louis Arena.

Zetterberg now has eight goals and fifteen assists for 23 points in 23 games. With a quarter of the season gone, he is on pace for 21 goals, 38 assists, and 59 points in 82 games. His career highs are 22 goals (2002-03), 28 assists (2003-04), 44 points (2002-03), and 79 games (2002-03).

 

Seven Game Goal Scoring Drought Over

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 25, 2005

 

Henrik Zetterberg broke out of a seven game goal-less streak today in Anaheim when he scored a power-play goal 2:49 into the second period in a 3-1 loss to the Mighty Ducks. He took a dish pass from Pavel Datsyuk and lifted a quick back-hander from inside the right face off circle that glanced off the shoulder of Anaheim goalie Ilja Bryzgalov and to the roof of the net on the short side. Despite not scoring a goal in the previous seven games, Zetterberg is maintaining a point per game scoring pace this season.

The goal was Zetterberg’s ninth of the season. It gives him 111 points in his career, which puts him alone at 100^th on the Redwing’s All-time scoring leaders list. He surpassed Mark Osborne, Micheal Bergeron, and Dwight Foster who all have 110 career points with Detroit.

Today’s goal also was the first goal Henrik has scored in a Redwing’s loss since February 24^th 2004 when Vancouver won 4-2. Zetterberg’s last eleven regular season goals, dating back to the 2003-04 season, have all come in victories. In fact, only 10 of his 46 career tallies have come in defeats.

 

Wings' Magicians are Something Special
By Larry Wigge, NHL.com columnist, Dec. 7, 2005

 

There are frequently no words spoken between Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg before they make magic on the ice that other NHL players only wish they copy.

It's a quiet confidence. A communication beyond words, spiced with skill, instinct and an innate ability to produce something that a coach could only dream of drawing up on a chalkboard.

We've talked a lot about the dazzling performances that have been turned in by Ottawa's line of Jason Spezza, Daniel Alfredsson and Dany Heatley or Philadelphia's potent unit with Peter Forsberg, Simon Gagne and Mike Knuble, as well as Carolina's trio centered by Eric Staal or Craig Conroy's line in Los Angeles or Ilya Kovalchuk's line in Atlanta. But for pure magic, there's nothing more unpredictable than the moves Datsyuk and Zetterberg produce every night.

"Sometimes Pavel will give me a wink or nod his head ... and I usually know what he means," Zetterberg told me.

Sort of like Peyton Manning gesturing at one of his receivers, when he gets up to the line of scrimmage?

Datsyuk nodded and said about the Manning comparison, "I used to point my fingers to a spot like he does for Brett Hull. It seemed to work."

Said Zetterberg, "I don't know how to describe it. I guess it's just instincts. I see him make a move and think, 'Where would I want my linemate to go if I was making the same kind of move he's making?'"

So, it's more than just coincidence. It's like twins finishing one another's sentences or a great comedy team adlibbing their way through a skit to make it more entertaining. What makes it even more impressive with Datsyuk and Zetterberg is they are from two different countries and cultures -- Sverdlovsk, Russia for Datsyuk and Njurunda, Sweden for Zetterberg.

In an Olympic year, it's amazing to see just how lucky we are to see the thread that pulls the greatest talent in the world together to make such marvelous theater from night to night -- especially in the new-look NHL, where these breathtaking skills can now be seen nearly every shift. And with the world stage NHL stars will have in Turin, Italy, for two weeks in February, think of how many more great players around the world will want to come to North America to play in our game.

Magical adlibs and instincts aren't the only things that makes Datsyuk and Zetterberg so special. It's the surprise that these two players are even getting the chance to play on the best stage in the world. After all, some 170 players were chosen in the NHL Entry Draft in 1998 before Datsyuk and even more, 209 players, were picked ahead of Zetterberg just one year later.

"I had never heard of Pavel and Henrik. Well, I had read a little about him in the Swedish newspapers and magazines I get from back home. But never in my wildest dreams did I think these names on a draft list would bring so much creativity and production to our lineup," said Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, a three-time winner of the Norris Trophy. "And it's no fluke, either. (GM) Ken Holland and (assistant GM) Jim Nill seem to find great players every year. You don't know how much confidence that gives the guys who have been here for a while to know that somebody pretty darn good is going to come in to compete for a roster spot almost every year."

Several scouts interviewed for this column indicated that Datsyuk always showed the great skill, it's just that the glimpses of brilliance were too far apart in his draft year. Like Datsyuk, Zetterberg's size was a point of contention in an NHL where bigger was better during all of those years where teams were able to trap and obstruct the smaller players who weren't equipped to fight through the hands and arms and stick-checks. Datsyuk is now listed at 5-11, 185 pounds and Zetterberg at 6-0, 190. Before they were drafted, Datsyuk was 5-10, 160 pounds and Zetterberg 5-11, 175 pounds.

"Pavel had loads of talent, but I remember saying to myself, 'At that size, can he make those breathtaking moves against the big people he'd be facing in the NHL?'" said Rick Dudley, the former GM in Ottawa, Florida and Tampa Bay, who now scouts for the Chicago Blackhawks. "The long and short answer: Obviously, he can."

"It's a fair question to wonder why did so many teams pass on Datsyuk and Zetterberg," said former Calgary GM Craig Button, who now scouts for the Toronto Maple Leafs. "I remember thinking that Zetterberg was too skinny, too frail to take the pounding he'd receive in the NHL.

"Well, we were all wrong. Even the Red Wings must have had some doubts, or else they would have picked Pavel and Henrik earlier. What you have to give them credit for is sticking to their guns and drafting for skill and talent up and down the draft, when, at that point, other teams might be looking for a specific type of player like a defensive defenseman, a tough guy, a big center for a particular role in the later rounds. That seems to be the key to their success in the draft over the years with more than just Datsyuk and Zetterberg."

"There are players out there, you just have to find them," said Nill, who will someday soon find a GM's job in the NHL. "We go into each draft hoping to find at least two players. And we've discovered through time that if you're going to find a sleeper, it's probably going to be in Europe. Everybody wants the 6-foot scorer, the 220-pound, highly skilled North American. But those guys go high in the draft. We're not going to get them, because we usually don't pick until the end of each round.

"Actually, Pavel was even more difficult to evaluate. He went through the draft twice without being picked. But Hakan Andersson, one of our scouts, saw him a couple of times each year and kept telling us this little guy was a really good player. He said Pavel reminded him of a young Igor Larionov with his playmaking ability. Finally, we decided to overlook the size questions. We decided that you couldn't take away what he could accomplish with the puck -- his ability to find a teammates in almost any situation, the moves that make him so dangerous in the NHL now."

When you look at the players the Red Wings have brought over from Europe and the Iron Curtain nations like Lidstrom, Sergei Fedorov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Slava Kozlov, Tomas Holmstrom, Jiri Fischer, Datsyuk and Zetterberg, along with a host of future prospects, you wonder why other teams don't do a more thorough job oversees.

"There are unknowns, starting with showing up at a rink in Russia only to find out the game you wanted to see was played yesterday," Nill said, shaking his head. "And then there's the language barrier and culture shock that you have to deal with (with) many of the kids. I remember going over to see Pavel a couple of years after we drafted him and calling to him. Finally, he turned around and said, 'I don't know the English.'"

His body language on and off the ice is just fine now.

For most of the 2003-04 season, Datsyuk was challenging Robert Lang, Martin St. Louis and Ilya Kovalchuk for the scoring race before he struggled down the stretch and finished with 30 goals and 38 assists in 75 games.

Zetterberg went from contender for the Calder Trophy in 2002-03 to a disappointing 15 goals and 28 assists in 2003-04, a season in which he missed 21 games and was bothered for long stretches with a crippling leg injury.

There's an elite level that often comes after players with the kind of skills that Datsyuk and Zetterberg have flashed in front of us. Both on a point-per-game pace this season and at least one "Great One" from the past thinks they are already at that level.

"The thing about elite players is you see what they do and the numbers they put up, but the next sign is the intensity they play with every shift," Gretzky said recently. "The next time you see them play, just look at the intensity on their faces and in their eyes. That's what impresses me most about Datsyuk and Zetterberg."

Red Wings goaltender Chris Osgood has seen Datsyuk and Zetterberg from both sides -- in Detroit and when he played in St. Louis. He also marvels at the work ethic of the twosome.

"They are relentless," Osgood said. "I remember facing them when I was with the Blues and thinking, 'Take a shift off once in a while, please.' They were coming at us in waves all night, every time we played them.

"Of course, now that I'm back in Detroit, I'll give them a pat on the butt and encourage them to keep putting the pressure on the opposition. It's really something to watch them now. It seems like every time they are on the ice, they are dangerous."

And it's more than just flash and dash and a passing fancy.

"It's funny, but Pavel used to want to beat the same guy three times on one play," Holland said. "Now, he beats one guy and goes to the next, and taking the puck to the net is another thing he does better than his first couple of years in the NHL."

"I see plays, yes," Datsyuk said recently with a big smile. "But not three plays ahead. ... Two, maybe."

"Henrik, he's a complete player," Holland said. "He's got great hands, great instincts, he's great in traffic and he really sees the ice well. With both of them, what I see is a new maturity and confidence to go along with their dedication and determination to work harder to be better. Over the years, I've seen a lot of great players who don't work hard enough to be better. I always tell our scouts, 'Tell me when a smaller guy shows you he can do it and when a bigger guy shows you he can't.'"

You could say that Zetterberg, one year after playing for Timra in the Swedish Elite League during the NHL lockout and leading that league in scoring with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) in 50 games, is grabbing the most attention so far this season.

There's no exaggeration about the skill of players like Datsyuk and Zetterberg, who make those plays, those shots while at a high speed, sort of like what has made Colorado's Joe Sakic so good for so long. It's their balance on skates, the strength in their legs and the creativity in their minds that make them so entertaining to watch. It's those dazzling one-on-one moves that make opponents back off for fear that they might actually look silly if they get beat.

Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg are young and they like life in the fast lane. Speed. Excitement. A challenge on the ice.

"I think we both like to see the challenge of competition at a fast pace," Zetterberg said. "You should see how big Pavel's eyes get when the action gets fierce. Mine probably do, too. Clearly, we both see a lot of the same things on the ice and wonder how we can translate that into making something happen out there."

Wonder? It's precision, Henrik. We've seen it before with guys like Manning and Marvin Harrison for years, with Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri ... and a few others.

Just let us sit back and wonder. Let us enjoy what amazing thing is going to happen next.

 

Zetterberg Solid in Game Against Ovechkin, Capitals.

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, December 9, 2005

 

In a game that was hyped as Detroit's first look at Washington Capitals rookie phenom Alexander Ovechkin, it was Redwings forward Henrik Zetterberg that stole the spotlight. Ovechkin scored the first goal of the game but Zetterberg twice scored game tying goals with his 49th and 50th career goals, both on period powerplays against Cap's veteran goalie Olaf Kolzig.

The first of Hank’s two powerplay tallies came at 18:06 in the first period. He took a pass outside the left face-off circle from Tomas Holmstrom battling along the left boards. Then, Zetterberg skated between the circles and got Washington defenseman Steve Eminger to turn the wrong way using some fancy stick-handling. He fired a quick wrister into the net, low on Kolzig’s stick-side. That made it a 1-1 game heading to the second period. It was 5:27 into the second period that Zetterberg tied the game, once again, on a 5-on-3 advantage, when he picked up a loose puck to the right of the crease and banged home the rebound, evening the game at 2-2. Zetterberg has thirteen goals and seventeen assists in thirty games this season. He also played outstanding shorthanded in tonights game, killing parts of several Washington power-plays including a 5-3.

"He (Zetterberg) was large for us tonight. He played really well at both ends.  When we needed a play, he got one for us,” said Redwings goalie Chris Osgood.

Coach Mike Babcock has moved Zetterberg back to his natural position for the last two games, centering Detroit’s top line with right-winger Jason Williams and fellow Swede Mikael Samuelsson. He won eight of sixteen faceoffs in tonight’s match. 

 

Red Wings Fight Off Capitals for Road Victory

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, December 10, 2005

 

The Red Wings found that out (that there are no easy wins) Friday in a hard-fought 4-3 win over the lowly Washington Capitals.

The Capitals are among the worst teams in the league. But for most of Friday's game, the Capitals didn't look the part.

"We knew they would come out hard, that was no surprise," forward Henrik Zetterberg said.

Zetterberg played a huge part in enabling the Wings to escape with the two points in the standings. He scored two goals, each time tying the game.

Playing at center the last two games, Zetterberg's natural position, seems to be agreeing with him.

"He's on the puck and he's a worker and when the guy in the middle is flying on the puck, it makes your team quicker," (Redwings Head Coach) Mike Babcock said.

(Capitals Rookie) Alexander Ovechkin was quite impressive in his first game against the Wings. He tied with Zetterberg with a game-high six shots on goal, was credited with five hits and was a threat every one of his 23:30 on the ice.

"I'm not surprised he's doing well in this league! I've played against him before a bunch of times internationally. He's a good player! He's strong, he's got a good shot, good with the puck. I haven't seen Crosby much, but I think Ovechkin is a better player."

 

Red Wings 4, Capitals 3

By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, December 10, 2005

 

As impressive as Henrik Zetterberg has been playing left wing during his brief career with the Detroit Red Wings, he might be even better at center.

Zetterberg grew up playing center in Sweden but hasn't played there much with the Wings because of the club's depth down the middle and his chemistry with Pavel Datsyuk. When coach Mike Babcock split up the talented Euro-Twins a few days ago, it enabled Zetterberg to move to center, where he is enjoying his time.

Zetterberg scored two of his team's three power-play goals Friday, his first multi-goal game of the season, as the Wings defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 at the MCI Center.

 

"I get into the game a little bit better (at center),'' Zetterberg said. "You work more in your own end, and when you get the puck you get more (time) to work with the puck in your own end, compared to the wing, where you always get the puck in the offensive zone.''

It certainly wasn't an easy win. The Capitals, one of the worst teams in the NHL, battled hard the whole night. But when the Wings needed a spark early, Zetterberg provided it, twice tying the game. He scored on a wrist shot from the slot at 18:06 of the first period and on an easy tap-in during a five-on-three advantage at 5:27 of the second.

Zetterberg will likely be moved back (left wing) when Robert Lang returns from his groin injury later this month. But for now, the Wings hope to continue reaping the benefits of the position change.

"He's really strong at center, especially skating the puck through the neutral zone,'' Lidstrom said. "He gets us out of trouble a lot with his speed and his composure, hanging onto the puck and not throwing it away.''

 

Zetterberg Fills Center Position

He's back in a familiar skating role, where he will play until Lang recovers from injury.

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, December 11, 2005

 

Don't get used to it, because he's not going to be there too much longer.

Actually, only until Robert Lang recovers from his groin injury, and is healthy enough to play, which should be in another week, or two.

But until then, Henrik Zetterberg will continue to man one of the center positions.

Watching Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk each center a scoring line could be a glimpse of what the Wings will look like in the future.

And, that's not a bad future to consider.

Zetterberg is usually a wing on Datsyuk's line, and the two have already become one of the feared tandems in the league.

"When they play in a four-on-four situation, you can't get the puck away from them," goalie Chris Osgood said.

"They complement each other so well. They're one of the most dangerous tandems in the league right now.

"They're getting a bit more experience and you can see their roles becoming larger on this team."

Zetterberg's role increased when coach Mike Babcock switched him to center a line with Mikael Samuelsson and Jason Williams early last week, after the Wings' lost two consecutive games because the offense had dried up.

Zetterberg created a ton of scoring chances Tuesday against New Jersey, then scored two power-play goals Friday in a 4-3 victory over Washington.

"He was large for us tonight (Friday)," Osgood said. "He played really well at both ends, solid in the middle and he did quite a bit in defensive situations. That was a great game for him. When we needed a play, he was there for us."

"He's on the puck and he's a worker, and when the guy in the middle is flying and on the puck, it makes your team quicker, too," Babcock said. "He's a good player. But Robert Lang is no slouch, let's not get carried away here."

So, don't expect this change to become permanent.

Which is fine for Zetterberg, who played center throughout his junior days, and only switched to wing in the NHL.

"I played my whole (junior) career at center," Zetterberg said. "You work more in your own end (playing center) and when you get the puck, you get more puck to work with from your own end, compared to playing winger, you always get the puck in the offensive zone. Now, you get it (puck) in your own end."

 

Wings School Crosby

By Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News, December 12, 2005

 

Alexander Ovechkin learned the lesson Friday in Washington, and Sidney Crosby learned it Monday at Joe Louis Arena.

Both are terrific young players, and should thrive in the NHL for many years.

But both need talent around them. Ovechkin and the Capitals lost to the Wings last week, and Crosby and the Penguins did the same Monday, 3-1.

The Wings smothered Crosby, 18, most of the evening. Crosby had only one shot on goal, although he did assist on Mark Recchi's goal at 19:31 of the third period.

"He's (Crosby) such a good player, he and Ovechkin are both very talented, and they should be able to handle (the expectations)," said Henrik Zetterberg, who scored twice for the Wings. "But with Mario (Lemieux) hurt now, too (irregular heartbeat), it's going to be kind of tough for him (Crosby) to do everything by himself."

"He (Crosby) had some chances, but we tried to stay close to him and not give him time with the puck," defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom said. "He has great speed and we tried to stay real close to him and not give him that time."

The Wings younger players, such as Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, have had the luxury of growing into larger roles because of the talented veterans ahead of them.

Zetterberg had his second consecutive two-goal game, pacing the Wings' offense. He scored both on the special teams, one on the power play, the other short-handed.

Zetterberg and Datsyuk are tied for the team lead with 32 points each. Datsyuk set up Lidstrom with a third-period, power-play goal.

"It was easier for Pavel and Hank coming in having the guys around them, and not having the pressure of being one of the leading guys on the team," Lidstrom said. "I'm sure it's a lot tougher for those two guys (Ovechkin, Crosby) being on teams who are in the lower end of standings."

Zetterberg agrees it was a blessing to go to an established team.

"It goes both ways," Zetterberg said. "Crosby plays a lot more than we did (entering the league). He should be able to handle it. He is a talented player."

Crosby would have liked to have seen the Penguins come out with more fire.

"We didn't come out with the kind of effort needed, at all," Crosby said. "There's no excuse for that."

Chris Osgood was 29 seconds from a shutout before Recchi scored. Osgood, and the Wings, withstood consecutive 5-on-3 Penguins power plays that totaled 1:30 late in the second period.

Shortly after the second 5-on-3, Zetterberg scored his short-handed goal that deflated the Penguins.

 

Wings Are Ready For the World

BY Helene ST. James, Detroit Free Press, December 23, 2005

 

By the time practice ended at Joe Louis Arena on Thursday morning, Sweden and the Czech Republic had released their rosters for next year's Turin Winter Games. Nicklas Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Henrik Zetterberg and Mikael Samuelsson will play for Sweden, as will 2000 draft pick Stefan Liv, a goalie playing in his homeland.

The NHL had asked for each Olympian to fill out background forms, including answering questions along the lines of favorite hockey game ever watched.

When Zetterberg's turn came, he was still thinking up an answer when locker mate Steve Yzerman chimed in. He suggested Sweden-Belarus.

That, of course, was the quarterfinal loss that bumped Sweden from the 2002 Olympics.

"We're trying to put that behind us," Zetterberg said with a smile, "but the media always reminds us. Or Steve. Hopefully we'll have a good tournament."

Zetterberg learned Sweden's full roster when he went online after taking his dad to the airport at 6 a.m. It was he who broke the news to Samuelsson.

"A great feeling," Samuelsson said.

It will be the third Olympics for Lidstrom.

"It never gets old, playing in such a big tournament, playing for your country," he said. "It's a really great honor."

Kronwall was something of a surprise inclusion since he's recovering from ligament surgery on his left knee and might not even be able to play in Turin.

"It's still too early to say," Kronwall said. "Hopefully, in a couple of weeks, I'll be able to practice with the team. I don't want to risk anything. The Olympics would be awesome, but I have to listen to the trainers."

That Tomas Holmstrom didn't make the Swedish team is both surprising and not surprising.

The Olympics are skating oriented, which isn't Holmstrom's strength, but on the other hand, no one works harder in front of the net.

"Who do you want to go to war with and (have) score a power-play goal against Canada in the final more than Homer?" coach Mike Babcock said. "How can that happen? I just don't understand how you beat those teams without him in front of the net."

 

WINGS CORNER: Holmstrom chooses to party, not pout

BY Helene ST. James, Detroit Free Press, December 24, 2005

 

Tomas Holmstrom would have loved to join countrymen Nick Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Mikael Samuelsson and possibly Niklas Kronwall at the 2006 Winter Olympics, but despite entering Friday night's game against Chicago ranked seventh in scoring among the Red Wings, Holmstrom was left off Sweden's roster.

Holmstrom found out the news when he read through Sweden's roster on the Internet and didn't see his name mentioned. By Thursday night he had cheered up and arranged an impromptu party for himself, Samuelsson, Zetterberg and fellow Swedes Andreas Lilja and Johan Franzen: a restaurant in Chicago served a Scandinavian Christmas dinner.

"Herring, ham, glogg (mulled wine), all the Swedish dishes," Holmstrom said. "It was great."

 

 

Hank Shooting Out the Stars Down in Dallas

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, December 27^th, 2005

 

Swedish forward Henrik Zetterberg helped guide the Detroit Redwings to their fourth straight win in a 4-1 victory in Dallas tonight against the Stars. The Stars are one of the top teams in the Western Conference, but have struggled against Detroit in the past few years.

Zetterberg scored the game-winning goal, added assists on two goals by fellow Swedes, and was a +3 in tonight’s win. He assisted on Mikael Samuelsson’s opening goal in the first period when picked up the puck along the right boards and sent cross-ice pass from outside the right face off circle to Samuelsson streaking in on goal. Samuelsson one-timed the pass into the Star’s net.

At 4:14 of the second period, Zetterberg added a goal of his own, the game-winner, giving the Redwing’s a 2-1 lead. The puck came to Zetterberg cutting into the slot and back-handing a centered puck past Dallas goalie Marty Turco. Jason Williams got the assist.

Detroit would go on to win with Henrik tallying a second assist on Tomas Holmstrom’s third period goal, making it a two goal lead.

Zetterberg was named the first star of the game. Zetterberg, Samuelsson, and Holmstrom will all play in the 2006 Winter Olympics for Sweden.

 

Osgood, Zetterberg Lead Wings Past Stars in Dallas

AP, December 28, 2005

 

DALLAS (AP) -- Many of the faces have changed on both teams over the last four years, but Chris Osgood and the Detroit Red Wings still own the Stars in Dallas.

Osgood stopped 27 shots, and Henrik Zetterberg had a goal and two assists to send the Red Wings to their fourth straight victory, 4-1 over the Stars on Tuesday night.

The Stars have won only one of their last 11 home games against the Red Wings and Dallas hasn't beaten Detroit since Jan. 16, 2002.

"It's one of those teams I enjoy playing," said Osgood, 24-9-1 against the Stars. "I don't know if I know their tendencies but for whatever reason, I feel confident when I play them."

Osgood is trying to impress a new coach in Mike Babcock and remain Detroit's top goaltender.

"What I've done in the past doesn't mean anything," said Osgood, 11-3-3 this season. "I still have something to prove. I want to be here. I want to stay here, and to do that I have to play well."

Mikael Samuelsson, Tomas Holmstrom and Kirk Maltby also had goals for the Red Wings in the first meeting of the season between the Western Conference rivals.

"You always know they are going to be tough and you have to do the little things," Zetterberg said. "It's fun to play these high-ranked teams. It's a chance for us to see where we stand."

Dallas started the day as the No. 2 seed in the conference behind Detroit, and the Stars know they have some catching up to do.

"They're the top team in the Western Conference," Stars coach Dave Tippett said. "They're the measuring stick. This shows how much we have to grow as a team."

Marty Turco, recovering from the flu, made 20 saves for the Stars, who had won 17 of 22. Turco has never beaten the Red Wings in 10 meetings. Jaroslav Svoboda scored the lone Dallas goal.

Dallas had nine of the game's first 11 shots, but Osgood held the Stars scoreless with a series of tough stops.

"We had a good start but Osgood made some great saves," Stars captain Mike Modano said. "They don't panic. They're a real poised team. You've got to be patient. You can't take chances."

Detroit notched the first goal with the aid of Turco's turnover on a clearing pass. Zetterberg intercepted the puck along the right boards and passed to a cutting Samuelsson, who sent a one-timer past Turco at 8:34 of the first period.

"Too often it's been happening lately ... bad plays behind the net and turning the puck over," Turco said. "For me, it's got to get better for us to keep our confidence."

Dallas tied it when Niklas Hagman passed from his knees to Svoboda, who one-timed a shot from the right circle by Osgood at 16:49.

The Red Wings capitalized on a turnover by defenseman Sergei Zubov, resulting in Zetterberg's 17th goal of the season on a backhander from the slot at 4:14 of the second period for a 2-1 Detroit edge.

Holmstrom converted Zetterberg's centering pass at 8:34 of the third period to give Detroit a 3-1 advantage. Maltby then scored into an empty net with 45 seconds left after Turco was pulled for an extra skater.

The Stars are only 10-6 on home ice, 13-4 on the road.

"We try too hard at home," Modano said. "We try to be too fancy. When things don't go well, the fans get on you and you try even harder. On the road we play a simpler game."

 

"The thing about elite players is you see what they do and the numbers they put up, but the next sign is the intensity they play with every shift. The next time you see them play, just look at the intensity on their faces and in their eyes. That's what impresses me most about Datsyuk and Zetterberg." -Wayne Gretzky 2006