2006
Career Game for Zetterberg, 1050th Assist for Yzerman
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, January 12, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg had his second career four point game on a historical night for Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Redwings. Zetterberg recorded two goals, including the game winner, two assists, and was a +3 in a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at the Joe Louis Arena. Yzerman notched his 1050th career assist, moving past Hall of Fame Detroit Redwings legend Gordie Howe for seventh on the NHL all-time assists list. Gordie Howe was in attendance and met Yzerman in the dressing room after the game to congratulate him.
Zetterberg started his night assisting on the first goal of the game at 13:20 of the second period. Pavel Datsyuk put
Henrik then got a second assist on another beautiful Datsyuk goal just 46 seconds into the third period, giving the Redwings a 3-1 lead. The assists were his 25th and 26th of the season. But, he wasn’t done yet!
Zetterberg scored his 21st goal of the year at 8:37 of the third, giving
Yzerman’s milestone assist came on a 2-on-1 when he passed to wide-open Robert Lang who scored 14:10 into the third, putting the game away for
Five-goal Third Period Rallies Red Wings Past Flyers
AP, January 12, 2006
Yzerman had an assist and moved past Gordie Howe for seventh place on the NHL's all-time list after Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk scored twice Thursday night to lead the Detroit Red Wings to a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
After Yzerman's 1,050th assist, Howe was in the dressing room to congratulate him.
"One of the advantages, one of the special things, about playing in
Yzerman surpassed Howe, another Red Wings legend, with a play that showed he can still contribute in his 23rd season.
He carried the puck up the ice and made such a good crossing pass to Robert Lang that he was able to score easily at 14:10 of the third. The crowd gave Yzerman a standing ovation when the milestone was announced and chanted "Stev-ie! Stev-ie!"
In the only scheduled meeting between two of the NHL's top teams, the game was scoreless until midway through the second period. After the third began 1-all, the Red Wings had five goals and the Flyers scored twice.
"It's the best team we've faced," said
If
"
AP, February 3rd, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:55 remaining and
Zetterberg got his 24th of the season when he put in the rebound of Andreas Lilja's shot just after Lilja had come out of the penalty box.
``Unfortunately for us, the guy steps out of the penalty box as soon as they start a rush,'' Blues goalie Curtis Sanford said. ``And Zetterberg makes a great play to beat our defenseman.''
Lilja came in off the left wing and took a shot that
``Andreas made a pretty good shot,'' Zetterberg said. ``I came around. He would have been mad at me if I had missed that one.''
Mikael Samuelsson and Brendan Shanahan also scored for
Lee Stempniak and Keith Tkachuk scored for
Shanahan's goal 8:10 into the third period tied the game at 2. His slap shot from just inside the blue line beat
Stempniak opened the scoring at 8:37, when he put in Dean McAmmond's rebound.
Tkachuk - playing for the first time since breaking his right hand Dec. 16 - made it 2-0 with 5:06 remaining in the opening period, poking in Peter Cajanek's shot after it had slithered through Legace's pads.
``You've got to give their guys credit,'' Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. ``A bunch of young kids, you know they're going to work hard.''
And
``The whole team wasn't involved,'' Kronwall said. ``The second period, there was more offense and we created more chances.''
Samuelsson capitalized on one to put
``We're up 2-0 and they play almost the entire second period in our end,'' Tkachuk said.
Zata Continues Dominance over
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 3rd, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg continues to dominate in games versus the Central Division rival St. Louis Blues. He scored the game winning goal with 3:55 remaining in the third period and had an earlier assist in a 3-2 Detroit Redwings win at home.
The assist came 5:05 into the second period when Zetterberg and Swedish defenseman Niklas Kronwall assisted on fellow countryman Mikael Samuelsson’s 18th goal of the season. That goal narrowed the Blue’s early lead to 2-1.
Henrik’s goal was his 24th of the season, giving him 55 points in 51 games so far. The goal came on a rebound off of
Zetterberg now has nine goals, ten assists, for a total of nineteen points, and a +16 (plus/minus) in 15 career games versus the Blues. He has nine points and is a +8 in just six games this season.
In he late 1990’s the Redwing’s featured a line known as the “Russian Five” consisting of center Igor Larionov, wingers Sergei Fedorov and Slava Kozlov, and defensemen Vladimir Konstantinov and Slava Fetisov. Both lines were European style, puck control lines, but the Russian Five were more finesse.
Meet the Talented Mr. Zetterberg
By Mike Brophy, The Hockey News, February 7th 2006
Henrik Zetterberg knew the big test was coming, so he wasn’t surprised when Darren McCarty took a run at him during his first scrimmage with the Detroit Red Wings. And he wasn’t particularly alarmed when MCarty ran him again…and again…and again.
The new kid had arrived in Hockeytown with a mighty reputation and the reigning Stanley Cup champion Red Wings. McCarty in particular, wanted to test his mettle. The kid, 21 at the time, passed the test. Talk about an initiation into the NHL.
“He’s an unbelievable player,” says Red Wings veteran Brendan Shanahan. “I remember when he first arrived here for training camp. They weren’t sure how he would handle the physicality of the NHL, so Darren ran him a few times in our pre-season camp. It didn’t change the way he played. I remember Mac saying to me, ‘Not only is this kid tough, he’s pretty solid.’ I think he knocked the wind out of Mac.”
Considered by many to be the best player not in the NHL the season before he joined the Wings, Zetterberg might now be aptly described as the best player in the NHL that nobody knows. A shy, laid-back individual, Zetterberg has quietly become
Sitting in a cozy lunch room next to the team’s dressing room, the walls adorned with action shots of
They wanted to know, did he have the jam to play with the big boys? Or would he wilt when the going got tough?
“In th first couple of res-and-white games, (McCarty) took a few runs at me,” recalls Zetterberg, his Bon Jovi-like locks strategically tussled to make him look more like a rock star than a professional athlete.
“I heard before I came over here that it was going to be tough, so I was prepared. I didn’t hit him back or slash him; I just kept playing. After camp, he came to me and told me he was instructed to hit me. He told me he was impressed with how I handled it.”
At 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, Zetterberg is not an imposing physical specimen. Standing next to him, you can’t help but wonder how he survives in the NHL’s trenches. The answer is easy: speed and finesse. When he straps on his skates and takes control of the puck, he’s a force, able to make jaw-dropping moves while flying at full speed.
Zetterberg’s game is based on skill and determination and he simply refuses to be outworked.
“When I first got here, I was amazed at how many times he’d split the defense,” says defenseman Mathieau Schneider. “He takes such quick strides through the neutral zone. He’s a tremendous player. There are no weak parts to his game.”
Adds Steve Yzerman: “He stood out pretty quickly. Not so much for the flashy stuff, but for his all-around play. He is great defensively and he’s a pretty good positional player. Along the boards, he’s really good with the puck.”
Zetterberg took his first strides toward becoming an NHL star when he was two years old. In his hometown of Njurunda, a community of about 100,000 located four hours north of 
“My dad wasn’t a great skater, but he was a very smart player,” Zetterberg says. “I learned a lot about the game from him.”
By the time he hit his teens, Zetterberg was playing regularly on three teams- with boys his own age, a year older, and two years older. He was one of the smallest players and, looking back, he figures that played a huge role in his developing skill and toughness.
“I had to find a way to manage to play my game without being hit,” he says.
Zetterberg recalls fondly the four or five tournaments he would play each season. Since his dad owned an appliance store, he could take time off to attend games. Teams often lodged at a local school where the parents and kids would sleep under one roof in the gym.
Though the Wings chose him in the 1999 draft- a bargain at 210th overall- there was no need to rush him over to
“They let me stay in
At the same time, he cracked the Swedish Olympic team in 2002 and was in
“It was quite an experience for me,” says Zetterberg, as he sips from a water bottle to quench his thirst after a typical up-tempo practice. “My first faceoff was against Eric Lindros. It was kind of scary to see that big body coming toward me to take the draw. After the Olympics, I realized I could play in the NHL.
Zetterberg has taken his lumps along the way, but he’s proven to be a competitor at every turn. He greatly impressed with a 22-goal, 44-point rookie campaign, then slipped, scoring 15 goals and 43 points in 61 games as a sophomore.
Last season, during the NHL lockout, Zetterberg returned to Timra. He scored 50 points in 50 games, added six goals in seven playoff games and got set for a starring role with the Wings this season.
The Wings are a team in transition. Elder statesmen such as captain Yzerman, Shanahan, and defenseman Chris Chelios are still producing, but youngsters Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, and Jason Williams have taken a more dominant role.
Many wondered if the Wings could adapt to the new NHL because they have so many older, and not as quick, players, but that hasn’t been an issue.
“Hank and Pavel are two of the top forwards in the league,” Yzerman says. “They are in their mid-20’s, play good all-around games and have an excellent work ethic, both of them. They have become, not so much vocally, but the way they play, along with Nick (Lidstrom), they are the leaders of the team. They are our three best players. It’s their team. They are our top players!”
“He has been our best player,” Babcock says. “He is a complete player who works hard in practice and works hard in games. He understands the importance and significance of playing both ends of the ice, yet he is creative and forceful when he has the puck.”
Prior to hurting his hip during a 4-3 win over the Rangers on January 14th, Zetterberg was in a heated battle with Datsyuk for the team scoring lead. Zetterberg had an assist against the Rangers, giving him eight points in four outings.
After a pleasant month-long run at center, where he had nine goals and 17 points in 15 games while Robert Lang was out with an injury, Zetterberg was put back on left wing with Datsyuk at center and Shanahan on right wing. The trio clicked right away, though Zetterberg admits he’d prefer to play in the middle.
“Let me put it like this, after my career is over, hopefully I can look back and say I played center most of my career,” he says with a grin. “You don’t have to work as hard in your own end, but also you don’t get the puck that often in your own end.”
It’s hard to say how the Wings’ season will unfold. They are one of the league’s hardest working teams in practice, they are well-coached and have a wonderful blend of veteran leadership and youthful enthusiasm. They also play in the NHL’s weakest division and benefit greatly from playing
“What’s not to like about him?” Schneider asks. “He’s an explosive player who plays the game with passion. He’s the perfect Red Wing!”
Fans think so too. Sales of Wing’s jerseys with ‘Zetterberg’ on the back ranked third, behind only Yzerman and Shanahan. And the way things are going, it won’t be long before he’s No. 1!
Wings soar behind Legace's second straight shutout
AP, February 9th, 2006
Manny Legace earned his second consecutive shutout, and Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk each had a goal and two assists to send
"I think we got a lot of good performances," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said in an understatement.
Legace only had to stop 20 shots to stretch his scoreless streak to 165 minutes, 6 seconds. It was the 11th shutout of his career.
"I got some bounces in the last couple of games," he said. "I hope it keeps up."
Nicklas Lidstrom and Mikael Samuelsson each added a goal and an assist for
"We didn't execute, we didn't work hard, we didn't finish our checks,"
The Red Wings opened the scoring just 1:23 in when Lidstrom's slap shot from the left point deflected off a
Shanahan made it 2-0 with his 25th goal at 7:14 on a wrist shot from the right circle. Schneider got his 17th just 1:22 later on a slap shot from the left circle. Zetterberg's 25th, which came on a power play, capped the scoring for the period. After knocking down the rebound of Lidstrom's shot from the point, he calmly flipped it into an open net.
"The second period, we really came out like we wanted," Shanahan said, "and took the game over. They seemed like a tired team tonight."
The Predators pulled Vokoun after the second period and replaced him with Chris Mason to start the third.
"Everybody has to be accountable in the dressing room and you've got to do the job," Vokoun said. "You can only control what you can do. I don't know the reason why, but definitely some people just weren't ready or didn't play hard enough, that's just how it was. I don't know the reason."
Samuelsson and Datsyuk each added their 20th goal in the third period.
The teams play again Thursday night in
"It's going to be a different game tomorrow, for sure," Zetterberg said.
Game notes
Nashville RW Scott Walker missed the game because of a wrist injury. ... Zetterberg stretched his point streak to five games (three goals and six assists). ... The Red Wings have killed 37 consecutive penalties over the last seven games. The Predators were 0-for-2 on the power play.
“Zata” Scores Goal in
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 18, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg scored a goal and an assist and was a +1 (plus/minus) in
Zata, as he is known as in Sweden, assisted on Detroit Redwing’s teammate Niklas Lidstrom’s power-play goal 2:22 into the second period, which gave Sweden a 2-0 lead. Later in the 2nd period, Henrik added a goal of his own on Latvian goalie Sergejs Naumovs, assited by fellow Detroit Redwing linemate Tomas Holmstrom. That even strength tally made it a 5-0 blowout at that point.
Zetterberg was scoreless in
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 19, 2006
With a goal and an assist today, Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators leads
Henrik Zetterberg has been held scoreless in three of
Win Over
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 23, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg scored a goal in the victory on a wrap-around against Swiss goalie Martin Gerber. The goal gave
Zetterberg has two goals, an assist, and is a +2 in six games in this Olympics. He now has two career goals, two assists, and a +4 in 10 career Olympic Games.
Swedes Dominate Czechs, Reach Title Game
NBCOlympics.com, February 24th, 2006
Forsberg set up a goal 34 seconds into the game and
The Swedes will face
Earning at least a silver medal will help the Swedes erase the bitter memories of the 2002 Salt Lake City Games when they were upset by
Fredrik Modin scored on the game's first shot and set
"We came out hard on the ice and showed them we wanted to win," Forsberg said.
The Swedes charged from all angles and used brilliant passing that sliced the offensive zone from end to end and side to side.
Even though both rosters are full of NHL stars, the European style shone through on the large Olympic playing surface.
Henrik Sedin, Christian Backman, Jorgen Jonsson, and Alfredsson scored in the second period for
"I think that we probably had our best first period," Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin said. "We've had so many ifs and buts in this tournament and we have not had strong starts, so today we focused on trying to get an early lead."
Ales Hemsky and Vinny Prospal scored 45 seconds apart midway through the middle period to give the Czechs life and hope. But Alfredsson snuffed that out when he found the net from the slot with one knee on the ice with a minute remaining in the period to make it 6-3.
His thinking turned out to be right as
Milan Hnilicka, a former NHL player, got his second straight start in the Czech net over
In 100 previous minutes in the tournament, Hnilicka yielded only one goal on 29 shots. Yet he was driven to the bench 7:54 into the second period when Jonsson deftly deflected a pass from his brother, Kenny, into the net.
Hnilicka made only 15 saves on 20 shots before being replaced by Vokoun, who led the Czechs to the world title last year and was expected to get the bulk of the playing time after Dominik Hasek was injured in the opening minutes of the tournament.
Hasek was in goal when the Czechs won gold in 1998, the first time the NHL halted its season for the Olympics.
Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves to earn the victory. He wasn't really challenged by his four New York Rangers teammates in the Czech lineup, who combined for two assists - one each by Jaromir Jagr and Martin Straka.
The scoring started quickly when Forsberg crossed a pass in front of Sundin and onto the stick of Modin, who one-timed a shot that sailed cleanly beyond Hnilicka.
The Czechs answered less than three minutes later when Filip Kuba fired Martin Straka's drop pass off the left post. The drive ricocheted against the underside of Lundqvist's leg and careened back into the net at 3:11.
Axelsson completed the play when he deflected in Nicklas Lidstrom's left-point shot while he was surrounded by four red jerseys with his back to the net.
Sedin converted a rebound of his twin brother Daniel's shot 1:16 into the second, and Backman made it 4-1 at 3:54.
Tomas Holmstrom closed the scoring with 3:55 remaining in the game, taking a pass from Henrik Zetterberg and beating Vokoun.
NBCOlympics.com, February 26th, 2006
TORINO, Italy (AP) -- The three crowns on
Sweden's three biggest stars came through in its biggest game, with Nicklas Lidstrom scoring the game-winning goal 10 seconds into the third period on assists by Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg as it beat rival Finland 3-2 Sunday for the Olympic men's hockey gold medal.
"That was a great goal by three great guys,"
Three stars and three goals combined to make for one huge celebration in
"It's very disappointing. I think we played just a great tournament, so many big games, and I thought we deserve this,"
The game winner came so quickly in the third, Finn goalie Antero Niittymaki almost didn't react. Forsberg, playing despite a severe groin injury that kept him out of the Philadelphia Flyers' last eight games, grabbed the puck off the faceoff and fed ahead to Sundin. His perfect-as-can-be drop pass to the blue line was one-timed by Lidstrom past Niittymaki.
"Mats laid it out for me. I tried to shoot high on the blocker side and I hit it perfectly," Lidstrom said.
"It happened so quickly. I was able to get the puck toward the back door. But he robbed me, and made a nice save," Jokinen said. "That's what winning goalies are able to do."
After they won, the Swedes celebrated behind the Finn goal and Sundin and Forsberg grabbed Swedish flags and carried them around the ice. Forsberg joyously tossed both gloves into the crowd and several Swedish players cried during the medals ceremony.
"It's our national sport, so this is the greatest," Henrik Sedin said.
Sweden's second gold medal in four Olympics - it also won on Forsberg's shootout goal against Canada in 1994 - more than made up for its dreadful loss to Belarus in the 2002 quarterfinals.
"I was much more nervous this time," Forsberg said. "I was only 20 years old, and I didn't know how hard it was going to be to get back to the Olympic final. I think I appreciate this one more."
Unlike
"I think this generation of players, we are getting older, and this is probably our last chance, so it's great," Sundin said.
"For some reason we didn't get the best game out of us today,"
But the Finns lost some of that defensive discipline while taking four consecutive penalties during one stretch of the second period.
But
"You win the bronze, you win the gold, you lose the silver," Jokinen said. "Every hockey player wants to go out with a win."
GOLDEN!
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, February 26th, 2006
Add another award to the growing list for Detroit Redwing’s Swedish star forward. Henrik Zetterberg and his Swedish National team are Olympic Gold medalists!
“Tre Kroner” (Three Crowns) beat their arch-rivals, neighboring
Zetterberg played a large part in the huge victory for
Zetterberg also had an assist in
Henrik now has three goals and four assists, seven points, and is a +5 in twelve Olympic games, including the 2002 games, when he had not yet played in the NHL. He has 22 goals, 35 assists, 57 points, and is +15 in 87 career games with Swedish National teams dating back to 1997 under 18 World Championships.
Babcock Proud of Wings
By George Sipple, Free Press, February 27, 2006
Red Wings coach Mike Babcock took pride in the gold medal-winning efforts of his team's Swedish contingent Sunday. But he didn't want to single out anyone.
"That's individual stuff," he said. "
In
Sharks defenseman Doug Murray is from
"He's a great player, great guy,"
Wings forward Johan Franzen, a native of
"I'm happy for them," Franzen said. "It was a good game, too. I think they controlled the whole game. From the start it looked like the Finns were not the same team as they've been the last couple games."
Babcock agreed.
"They're the next wave," he said. "No one who watched the Olympics can't think that Zetterberg's the next wave or Kronwall, who only played two games.
"Obviously we're real fortunate that we have good players here in
The five Swedish Wings are headed to a celebration in
"Doesn't happen that often that we win gold," Franzen said. "We have a big square in
Red Wings general manager Ken Holland was understanding of the situation, although he originally expected Kronwall, an injury substitution for the medal round, to return in time to play Tuesday.
"They just played eight games in 12 nights," he said. "And then to expect those four Swedes who played the entire tournament to travel all day on Monday and play here on Tuesday and Wednesday, was going to be 10 games in 15 days. ... How do you not let Nik Kronwall go when the other four are going to celebrate the gold medal?"
Gold Wings: Olympic crown as easy as 1-2-3: Zetterberg, Kronwall, Lidstrom
By Helene St. James, Free Press, February 27, 2006
TORINO, Italy -- Tomas Holmstrom was on the Swedish bench, but still it felt like his heart was going to burst, so tight was the suspense.
There was a minute and a half left, then a minute, then 10 seconds -- 10 seconds that felt as if they would never, ever end. Some players wouldn't look at the game clock; others peeked and then smiled.
When relief finally came, Red Wings defensemen Nicklas Lidstrom and Niklas Kronwall and forwards Henrik Zetterberg, Mikael Samuelsson and Holmstrom gathered in the end zone at Palasport Olimpico, huddled and hugged by their Swedish mates. Three had goals, two had assists and all had gold after
"It was nuts," Holmstrom said. "I think my heart was racing up to 300 even standing still on the bench.
"It was unbelievable."
For Samuelsson, the lead was so precarious it was almost unbearable.
"We had a one-goal lead, and it's nothing in hockey," he said. "I was nervous."
"I have no idea why the puck didn't go in," Holmstrom said, "but it was our turn this time. It was great."
The Finns entered the game against their Nordic rivals as the best story of the Olympic tournament, having gone 7-0 despite missing seven NHLers, including top goalie Miikka Kiprusoff. But their team game stood little chance against the Swedish Wings, who would score eight goals in the tournament, 25% of their country's total.
Zetterberg had a goal and an assist and a crucial blocked shot, scoring when he threaded the puck between Aki Berg's legs and past Antero Niittymaki on a power play 4:42 into the second period. He used his shin pads to catch a piece of Teppo Numimen's shot in the last minute.
Kronwall scored on another power play at 13:24 of the second period when he beat Antti Laaksonen to the puck in the slot. Samuelsson assisted on Zetterberg's goal, and Holmstrom was in his usual place, camped in front of the net, during both man advantages.
"Holmstrom is by far the best player in the world," Kronwall said, "when it comes to standing in front of the net on the power play."
Kimmo Timonen had scored the first goal for
The third period provided the perfect opportunity for Lidstrom to demonstrate why he has won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman three times.
Ten seconds in, he rifled a shot from the left point that sailed in just below the crossbar.
"It could be the biggest goal I ever scored," said Lidstrom, wearing his gold medal. "After Mats (Sundin) just pretty much laid it out for me, I tried to go high, blocker side. I hit it perfectly. I got everything on the shot, and I hit that spot where I was aiming, too."
Lidstrom finished as the tournament's top scoring defenseman, with two goals and four assists in eight games.
"He is a very, very, very, very good defenseman," Swedish coach Bengt Gustafsson said. "When things get tight we went down to some key players, and of course he is one of them. He played a great, great tournament for us."
Even those who are used to Lidstrom's phenomenal play were awed.
"Gold-winning goal, that's the biggest shot I ever seen, I think," Samuelsson said.
Lidstrom was on the ice seemingly every other shift throughout the game, playing with everyone from Kronwall to Christian Backman to Niclas Havelid. With two seconds left in the first period he started to skate to the bench, but instead Daniel Tjarnqvist stopped him, and Lidstrom stayed on the ice. It's where his teammates wanted him most.
"You can't ask for more," Holmstrom said. "He's always there every night, and I'm happy to have him on my side."
Kronwall, who had an impressive tournament after coming in as a reserve in the semifinals, called Lidstrom amazing.
"Three periods of 20 minutes," Kronwall said, "and I don't think he made a mistake."
Lidstrom was on the ice as the game wore down.
"You're just trying to tell yourself to stay focused," Lidstrom said. "It's only about a minute and a half left, so just stay focused and be sure to stay in front of the net. Don't go out too far out in the corners, and try to get the puck out."
Once Lundqvist had made his game-saving 25th save, Zetterberg had to know how much time was left, how long it would be before he could breathe again.
"When I saw the puck go out" of the zone, Zetterberg said, "I looked up at the clock, and I saw there was three or four seconds left, and I knew we had the gold."
It was
"It means a lot to
Afterward there was talk of a quick celebratory trip to
Red and Gold, Wings' Swedes Given Night Off
By Doug Ward, NHL.com, March 1st, 2006
The NHL resumes play this week after a nearly three-week Olympic hiatus, and if the events of Torino are any kind of an indicator of things to come, we could be seeing another Stanley Cup parade in
Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Tomas Holmstrom, Mikael Samuelsson and Niklas Kronwall, who wore the fabled Tre Kronor and gold medals in Torino, were absent from the Wings' first post-Olympic game last night in San Jose in order to attend a national celebration in Stockholm. The players were missed, as the shorthanded Wings fell to
Red Wing Coach Mike Babcock, however, gave the players both the night off, and his blessings.
"If you just won a gold medal for your country and they were throwing a party for you," Babcock asked the Detroit Free Press, "would you want to fly to
Sharks Hand Red Wings an Unhappy Return;
By Ted Kulfan, The
Playing with 19 players, one under the league limit, and with several still jet-lagged after returning from
All five Sharks goals came on the power play.
The Wings were without gold-medal winning Swedish Olympians Nicklas Lidstrom, Tomas Holmstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Henrik Zetterberg and Mikael Samuelsson, all of whom took part in a team celebration Monday in
The Swedes flew into
The Wings six-game winning streak was stopped. The Sharks extended their winning streak to four games.
Brett Lebda scored the Wings' goal.
Lebda scored his third of the season at 18:29 of the second period, beating Vesa Toskala from the circle.
The Wings went 0-for-4 on the power play, including two in the third period with an opportunity to tie the game.
Nils Ekman, Jonathan Cheechoo, Patrick Marleau, Christian Ehrloff and Joe Thornton scored for the Sharks.
Swedish players power Wings
Gold medalists Holmstrom, Zetterberg score in the first period and Lidstrom adds assist
Ted Kulfan, The
The five Swedish Red Wings players who won Olympic gold medals returned to
Tomas Holmstrom and Henrik Zetterberg, part of the Swedish delegation, scored in the first period.
The goals came 46 seconds apart near the midway point of the first period, and the Wings protected the lead with smothering efficiency the rest of the game.
Incidentally, Zetterberg assisted on Holmstrom's goal and Holmstrom assisted on Zetterberg's. Nicklas Lidstrom also assisted on Zetterberg's goal, which came on the power play.
Holmstrom, Zetterberg, Lidstrom, Mikael Samuelsson and Niklas Kronwall were coming off a 30-hour odyssey, flying from
"It's been hectic," Lidstrom said of the time since Sunday's victory over
In his first start since Jan. 30, Chris Osgood stopped 24 shots and earned his second shutout of the season and first victory since Jan. 18.
WINGS CORNER: Travel Takes a Toll on Five Gold Medalists
By George Sipple, Free Press, March 2, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg was wearing a T-shirt and jeans after Wednesday's morning skate at Arrowhead Pond.
Did winning the Olympic gold medal mean the Swedes had instituted a new, casual dress code among the Red Wings?
"I didn't bring my suit," Zetterberg said with a smile. "We didn't have a chance to go back home (to
Zetterberg and the other four Swedish Wings probably would have been more comfortable wearing pajamas after spending 30 hours traveling to
And where was the Olympic bling?
"I have it back in the hotel room," Zetterberg said. "Going to show Pavel (Datsyuk) it today.
"They were heavy. It was real heavy. But it looks real good."
The Wings should begin to look better after surrendering five power-play goals in a 5-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday night without their Swedish teammates in the lineup.
All five Swedes had a hectic schedule since Sunday.
Niklas Kronwall spent an entire day traveling from
The four other Swedes -- Zetterberg, Nicklas Lidstrom, Tomas Holmstrom and Mikael Samuelsson -- traveled back to the
Samuelsson said the four were a little drained from their trip, which included a missed connection to
"It's been a hectic last few days," Lidstrom said.
Lidstrom said winning the Olympic medal compared to winning a Stanley Cup.
"I would rank it up there with winning Stanley Cups because you only get an opportunity every four years," he said. "We've had our bumps in the road the last couple Olympics. Finally being able to end up on top is just a great feeling, especially for the people back in
It seemed like the entire team was relishing the thought of having Thursday and Friday off to get back to normal.
"At least we get a couple days in between games after tonight," Lidstrom said. "That's going to help us a lot."
WINGS CORNER: Swedes Need Protein, Rest
By George Sipple, Free Press, March 3, 2006
There won't be any four-hour trips to the
Mikael Samuelsson plans to spend his day off in
The Red Wings' Olympic participants -- especially the Swedes -- planned to recharge Thursday and today before starting the final leg of the regular season.
Coach Mike Babcock gave the team Thursday off in
"I'm going to hang by the pool and sleep and eat a nice, good steak," Holmstrom said after Wednesday's 2-0 victory over the Mighty Ducks. "No pasta; I've had so much pasta it's coming out my ears."
Any of the players who spent two weeks in
Even though Holmstrom scored his 20th goal in the victory over
"Felt like head wasn't really there," he said. "Legs felt good, but the concentration and stuff like that was a bit tough -- course, easier when you have the lead, though."
Lidstrom, who had an assist against the Ducks, played the most minutes of the five Swedish Olympians, with 26 minutes, 25 seconds. He averages a league-high 28:61 per game. Niklas Kronwall played for 20:27.
Henrik Zetterberg, who had a goal and an assist, played 19:54, including 6:54 on the power play and 4:17 on the penalty kill.
"Hank played a really good game," said Samuelsson, who played for 10:52, with one shot and a roughing penalty. "You can play one game like this, but you need some rest for sure. Up here, anyway." He pointed to his head.
With a couple more days of rest, the Wings' 5-1 loss to
Back in States, “Hank” Keeps Olympic Pace Going
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, March 4, 2006
In
Hank is back in the
Playing on a Gold Medal winning team gets you world-wide exposure. Scoring three goals, three assists, and having a (plus/minus) +3 in eight games gets your name known, especially scoring a goal and an assist in the Gold Medal game. The Olympics draws the interest of casual hockey fans… even non-hockey fans. The name Zetterberg is more popular now than it was two weeks ago. If they didn’t already, all hockey fans in
Zetterberg’s productivity in the Olympics was impressive. But it isn’t a surprise to avid Redwings fans. Henrik has been having the best season of his career so far. Hank is no longer a prospect, no longer a kid on a team of veteran superstars. Prior to the Olympics, he had a team leading 26 goals and 61 points in 55 games. And, despite ardous travel and little rest since the Olympic victory and following celebration in
It took less than a minute into the game for Zetterberg to get an assist on Mark Mower’s opening goal. Later, at 12:36 of the first period, Hank added a goal of his own, when his centering pass deflected off of the skate of Pheonix defenseman Dennis Seidenberg and right back to him, as Coyote’s goalie (former Redwing), Curtis Joseph, went to the far side of the net, anticipating the pass getting through to the streaking Mathieu Schneider. Zetterberg knocked it in the open side making it a 3-0 game. He added a second goal on a power-play at 15:10 of the second period, giving the Redwings a 5-3 lead. Henrik was standing alone in the slot, when center Robert Lang’s pretty set-up pass found him for a clean snap-shot into the back of the net over Joseph’s shoulder, glove-side. Zetterberg was a +2 in the game.
Zetterberg now has 29 goals, 37 assists, 66 points, and a +18 in 57 games this season. At this rate, Hank is on pace to have a career best season of 40 goals, 51 assists, 91 points, and a +25 in 79 games. He has already surpassed his previous season highs of 22 goals (in 79 games of 2002-2003 rookie season), 28 assists (in 61 games of injury shortened 2003-2004 season), 44 total points (2002-2003), and +15 (2003-2004).
In less than three full seasons, Zetterberg already ranks 71st on the Detroit Redwing’s All-time scoring leaders list. By the end of the season, he may be in the top 60.
For those that somehow don’t know who Hank is, they soon will!
King of Z World: Zetterberg's Play Propels him to Superstar Status
By Helene St. James, Free Press, March 22, 2006
When Henrik Zetterberg was 17 he spent 7 1/2 months in the Swedish army. His job was to locate the enemy and then keep an eye on him, which helps explain how he developed the skills he now uses to serve the Red Wings.
Zetterberg is, as his
"Let's face it, he's been a great player for a couple of years now in this league, but he's just taken his game to another level this year, where he's dominant," defenseman Mathieu Schneider said. "Right now, I think he's the best player in the world. I do. He's playing every night the same way, in traffic, five-on-five, killing penalties; he's doing everything."
Zetterberg is the only forward on the team who consistently is out on power plays and penalty kills. After 67 games he ranked first on the team in goals (35) and power-play goals (17). His ice time average - 19 minutes, four seconds - is highest among Wings forwards and third overall on the team. His plus-22 rating is tied for second-best on team. Frankly, even he is a little surprised at his success.
"I didn't think I would produce this much that I have," said Zetterberg, who has 74 points this season, "but it's fun and hopefully it will last for a while."
What stands out most is Zetterberg's consistency this season: His longest stretch without a point lasted three games in early November.
Opponents simply can't contain Zetterberg.
"He looks real confident out there when he's got the puck," defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom said. "You can tell that the other teams are backing off when he's got it. When he's got the puck he's hanging onto the puck, beating one or two guys. He's drawing two guys, too, to him, so he's just going to create so many chances - if he's not going to score, other players around him are going to score."
Chris Chelios remembers a conversation he had with Steve Yzerman when Zetterberg debuted with the Wings in the 2002-03 season; the gist of it was how Zetterberg stacked up with Pavel Datsyuk, who was just coming off a brilliant rookie season.
"Yzie was saying Hank might be the diamond in the rough when he came here three years ago," Chelios said. "Fortunately we've got a team with depth and they can be patient with a young kid like that. It just shows it paid off, with his confidence and the way he's playing. He's one of the greatest players in the league now - the best player. He's unbelievable."
Like other offensively gifted players, Zetterberg has benefited from the NHL's new rules, which seek to eradicate the hooking and holding that used to especially plague puck handlers. But that alone doesn't explain why it's so hard for opponents to strip him: That lies in his hands, his feet, his instincts.
"He's a very strong skater, low to the ice, and he does a really good job of holding on to the puck," assistant coach Todd McClellan said. "I don't know if that's a European skill that they worked on as young players or what, but Peter Forsberg obviously does it, and Hank's been compared to him quite a bit."
Zetterberg's confidence gives him a degree of fearlessness that sometimes seduces opponents: It will appear Zetterberg has trapped himself, that he's put himself in a position where he's prone for a turnover. Those who see him nightly know better.
"He puts the puck into areas where he knows guys are going to fish at it, and then when they go to fish at it, he brings it around and sneaks by guys," center Jason Williams said. "He uses his body well to protect the puck and then he rolls off of guys very well, makes tight turns, and takes it to the net. That creates a lot of room for other guys on his line, because if you beat a guy towards the net, sometimes another guy is going to challenge, and once that guy challenges, something else opens up."
Zetterberg's ability to free linemates has impressed head coach Mike Babcock so much he has all but trademarked a phrase on the topic. "If a guy isn't going I just put him with Hank and he gets going," Babcock has said numerous times.
It works, too: For example, Mikael Samuelsson had gone 13 games without a goal so, for the Jan. 30 game at
"When you're young in
Zetterberg downplayed Babcock's compliment, saying all slumps come to an end and that it might not have much to do with him. This, in turn, demonstrates another of Zetterberg's qualities: He's about as laid-back as they come.
"Absolutely, he is," Schneider said. "The best thing about Hank is his attitude. He's an extremely hard worker and he's one of the nicest guys you've ever met. He's just a pleasure to be around."
Zetterberg's army stint almost didn't happen, because at first, "I didn't want to go," he said. "But I ended up going and had a fun time. I was the guy who goes out before everybody and tries to find out where the enemy is on the field. It was something to remember."
Should the Swedish army ever call again, it might now be better served making use of Zetterberg's lethal hands.
Road OK to Zetterberg;
Forward Can Score Big in Any Arena
By George Sipple and Helene St. James, Free Press, April 15, 2006
Don't be surprised if Henrik Zetterberg is a factor in tonight's scoring when the Red Wings visit the St. Louis Blues.
Zetterberg scored two of the team's first three goals in its 7-3 victory at
Though his output is balanced no matter where he plays, he has been held without a point in twice as many games (14) at home than he has on the road. He has 16 goals and 23 assists at Joe Louis Arena; 22 goals and 20 assists away from
Though Zetterberg said he doesn't approach home or road games any differently, opposing teams' game plans might be behind why he doesn't score as much at the Joe.
"Maybe the teams you play on the road play differently against you -- play a little bit more offensively," he said. "They come to our building, they play a little bit more defensively."
Zetterberg credited his teammates for setting up both of his goals against the Blackhawks. In the first period, about 3 1/2 minutes in, he picked up a rebound off the boards on what he said was a pass from Nicklas Lidstrom.
"If he wants to shoot, he hits the net," Zetterberg said. "So, I think it was a pass to me, and I just one-timed on the backhand and it went in."
His second goal, on a wraparound almost four minutes later, gave the Wings a 3-0 lead. He again gave credit to a teammate, this time Johan Franzen, whose nickname is "Mule."
"Mule made a good play," Zetterberg said. "On the red line he kind of stalled the 'D' so they didn't have a lot of speed when I came. I tried to go around the net and it worked."
Zetterberg Puts Up Career Best Numbers
Helps Lead Redwings to President’s Trophy
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 17, 2006
The Detroit Redwings finished the regular season today with a 3-2 Win over the
If
Zetterberg had his best NHL season ever, finishing the year with career highs: 39 goals, 46 assists, 85 points, and a +29 in 77 games. He surpassed his previous season marks of 22 goals (in 79 games of 2002-2003 rookie season), 28 assists (in 61 games of injury shortened 2003-2004 season), 44 total points (2002-2003), and +15 (2003-2004). With only three seasons in the NHL, Zetterberg already ranks 64th on the Detroit Redwing’s All-time scoring leaders list with 172 points (76 goals and 96 assists). With his outstanding season this year he has developed into a team leader and his skills are now known around the league.
Brendan Shanahan led the team this season with 40 goals, edging Zetterberg by just one. Niklas Lidstrom had a team best 64 assists, and Pavel Datsyuk led all Redwings with 87 points in 75 games. Career backup goaltender Manny Legace proved he can carry the load of a starter and excelled in the role with a .915 save percentage, a 2.19 goals against average, and a 37-8-3 record in 51 games, erasing all doubt about
Under the NHL’s new collective bargaining agreement this season, the Redwings are in a transition period where they are shifting from being a team laden with high-priced superstars to a well balanced team with skilled players like Zetterberg and Datsyuk, hard working grinders who can produce offensively like Kris Draper and Jason Williams, and experienced veteran leaders in future Hall-of-Famers Steve Yzerman, Shanahan, and Lidstrom.
Henrik has not personally had a lot of success against the Oilers with only 1 goal and 4 assists and a plus/minus of -3 in 11 career regular season games. He also hasn’t had much luck against pressing and clutching defenses in the playoffs with only 3 goals and 2 assists in 16 games in the 2003 and 2004 post-seasons. However, you can’t expect a player of Zetterberg’s caliber to stay contained for long. He is at the point in his development now where you can expect him to breakout in the playoffs. Look for him to continue the success he has had all year and be one of the leaders for
Zetterberg, Datsyuk Are Primed to Put Playoffs Struggles Behind Them
By Ted Kulfan,
Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk can't wait for the Stanley Cup playoffs to begin.
They know what's happened in the past. They know that after previous outstanding regular seasons, the playoffs weren't as outstanding. The offense that was needed from them didn't arrive in the postseason.
"It was disappointing," Zetterberg said.
In two previous playoffs, Zetterberg has three goals and two assists in 16 games. Datsyuk, in 37 career playoff games, has three goals and nine assists. He has just six points over his last 16 playoff games.
But the Wings' two young stars are convinced this year will be different. This time, they will provide offense. Pucks will go into the net. Passes will lead to teammates scoring.
There is a crackdown on clutching and grabbing in this new NHL, and Zetterberg, 25, and Datsyuk, 27, believe that will give them the freedom to do what they do best.
"The way the game is being called, it will help us," Zetterberg said. "Before, there was so much clutching, holding, there wasn't much room. It's different now. The new rules have helped. That will help our team."
Said Datsyuk: "It was a tight game (before). Maybe changes in the rules will help. Not just me and Hank. Everybody."
Coach Mike Babcock expects Zetterberg and Datsyuk to flourish regardless of how games in the playoffs are called.
"They were going to get going, and be successful in the playoffs, under the old rules, the new rules, whatever they're going to call," Babcock said. "They're good players. Sometimes it takes time to understand how hard it is at playoff time.
"When the playoffs start, it's a whole new animal. Every puck is a huge battle. These guys will be prepared for that."
Zetterberg has been on a magical ride. He has had an impressive regular season and spearheaded
He said he is better prepared for the playoffs this time.
"It is a different game," Zetterberg said. "I'm looking forward to it. It was disappointing losing (the last two years)."
The Wings need Zetterberg and Datsyuk to be at their best to have a shot at winning the Stanley Cup, but this is hardly a two-man show.
"They're part of this team," Kris Draper said. "We're not going to put any added pressure on those guys."
Said Babcock: "We're not about one or two guys. We have a lot of depth."
But depth alone won't get the Wings far this postseason if they're not led by Datsyuk and Zetterberg, who finished 1-2 on the team in scoring with 87 and 85 points, respectively.
Draper expects them to take a big step in their careers this spring.
"It was different in the past with stuff not being called (in the playoffs), and it was a grind every night," Draper said. "This is uncharted waters.
"If it's called like the regular season, that'll give those guys more room to do what they have to do. The expectations will be for them to go out and lead this hockey team."
Datsyuk Might Be Out Tonight
By Helene St. James, Free Press, April 21, 2006
(Pavel Datsyuk) has developed strong chemistry (on the power play) with Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Holmstrom.
The Wings expect big things of Datsyuk and Zetterberg in the playoffs; both are coming off pedestrian efforts in their last two tries. They're considered the cornerstones of the team's future, and Babcock got downright poetic in describing the two.
"One has got the puck on a string like no one I've ever seen in my life and can dance and make plays that are on the highlight film all the time," Babcock said, referring to Datsyuk. "And one's just as good as you can possibly be without it and as good as you can be with it. Both are high-, high-end players, and they feed off one another. They want to be better than one another."
The two are the best of friends (they're called the "Euro twins" by teammates). Holmstrom said he thought Datsyuk "looked stiff," but Zetterberg defended his buddy.
"I think he always looks good," Zetterberg said. "Just have to see if he's ready to go."
Keep An Eye On
By John Niyo,
No one will be happier to see Pavel Datsyuk back in the lineup than Henrik Zetterberg and not because Datsyuk is the other half of the Wings' dynamic duo that's under the gun to produce in the postseason after a disappointing performance in the 2004 playoffs.
Zetterberg was pretty well neutralized by the Oilers in Game 1, in part because
"Obviously, Zetterberg drew Chris Pronger and Smith most of the night," Babcock said, referring to the Oilers' top defensive pairing of Chris Pronger and Jason Smith . "But the playoffs are going to be different. It's a challenge for the kid."
Zetterberg Scores in Wing’s Game Two Loss
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 24th, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg managed to get his first goal in two games of the 2006 Western Conference Quarter Finals, but the Redwings could not figure out a way to score enough to beat the Edmonton Oilers last night in game two of the best-of-seven series. The Oilers are using a passive trap defensive system that seems to be effective against Deroit’s fast moving offence. Coach Mike Babcock is going to have to come up with a plan to use against
The team is looking to young stars, Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, to carry a big part of the offensive load this post season. They have not been able to produce many points in the past few playoff rounds against tough
Zetterberg’s goal, his fourth career playoff tally, came on the power-play 7:11 into the second period. The puck trickled through the legs of Oiler’s goalie Dwayne Roloson as he attempted to squeeze it with his pads. Zetterberg skated behind him to reach the puck that was sitting in the crease then spun around and fired it in the empty net. The goal gave
Zetterberg had chance to tie the game with just 8:45 left in the third on a great individual effort. The Oiler’s moved the puck into the Redwing’s zone, but Henrik stole a pass by Ryan Smyth just inside the blue-line and tore down ice trailed by two
“It feels good to get a playoff goal, but I’d rather have the win instead.” Said Zetterberg after the game.
The Oiler’s added an empty-netter late in the third to seal the win. Game three is Tuesday is
Henrik Only Sign Of Life As Redwings Suffer Playoff Death
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 4th, 2006
The Detroit Redwings suffered another early playoff exit, losing four games to two, in game six of the best-of-seven first round of the Western Conference quarterfinals, against the eight seed Edmonton Oilers. The collapse of the NHL’s best regular season team was the third time in three years that the Redwings have been eliminated by an underdog. Strong goaltending by Dwayne Roloson, high energy skating, and capitalizing on
Another key to
Defenseman Mathieu Schneider led the Wings with seven assists and eight points. Center Robert Lang also had three goals and three assists for six points. Goaltender Manny Legace is taking most of the blame for
After this series, Zetterberg has 9 career playoff goals in 22 playoff games. He has only 2 assists (11 total points) and has 6 penalty minutes in those 22 games.
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, May 13th, 2006
Team
The ending was abrupt for the President Trophy winners and especially for Zetterberg who was on a hot streak. With six goals in six games, Zetterberg was carrying the offensive load for
This leaves Tre Kroner without their big guns and also without their top net-minder. They are going to rely on Zetterberg for scoring. The rest of the team is made up mostly of stand-out Swedish Elite Leaguers. Other Detroit Redwings joining Zetterberg on Team
Through four qualifying games in the Championships so far,
After the game Zetterberg said, "Four goals should be enough for us against a team like the Swiss. We had a lot of opportunities to score, but we kept giving them great chances."
Zetterberg did not play in
By Lucas Aykroyd, IHWC.net 2006, May 18, 2006
Mika Hannula's three goals lifted
Mikael Samuelsson and Kenny Jonsson added a goal and an assist apiece, Andreas Karlsson had one goal, and Michael Nylander and Niklas Kronwall each had two assists for
"I don't feel the pressure to win," said Swedish Head Coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson. "Winning two golds is an opportunity. We're two games away from making history. If we do, I'll be the first guy to celebrate it."
Goalie Johan Holmqvist made 18 saves to earn his first tournament shutout for
Henrik Zetterberg was a persistent thorn in the USA's side on the penalty kill, forcing many turnovers.
"We killed a couple of penalties from the beginning, which was important," said Zetterberg. "They played yesterday, while we had the day off. I'm sure that played into it. They looked a bit tired."
Zetterbergfan.com update: Zetterberg hasn’t been a huge offensive contributor for
Forward Andreas Karlsson leads Tre Kroner with five goals, and seven points in seven games. Zetterberg’s Detroit Redwings teammate, defenseman Niklas Kronwall, has seven assists
in six games so far. Fellow Redwing, forward Mikael Samuelsson has a team best plus/minus +6. Goaltender Johan Holmqvist has a 3-2-0 record, a 2.00 goals against average, and a .906 save percentage in five games.
Swedish Supremacy: Tre Kronor beats Czechs for historic 2006 gold
By Lucas Aykroyd, IHWC.net 2006, May 21, 2006
The impossible dream has come true.
With a dazzling attack and air-tight defense,
The victory ended an eight-year gold drought at the IIHF World Championships for the Swedes. Only one member of the 1998 team that triumphed in Zurich, Switzerland also took part in Sunday's climactic match: forward Jorgen Jonsson (of current Swedish champion Farjestads BK Karlstad), who is the all-time leader in national team games.
Overall, it was
Henrik Zetterberg, Mikael Samuelsson, Kenny Jonsson, Jorgen Jonsson, Ronnie Sundin, and tournament MVP Niklas Kronwall were the six Swedish players who achieved the unique distinction of playing and winning gold both in
Swedish Head Coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson has now assured his hockey immortality as well by guiding his team to something that the Russian "Big Red Machine," the mighty Canadians, and the clever Czechs could never accomplish in the past.
Not everyone was convinced the blue-and-yellow team could go all the way after tying
The Czechs, who were defending champions, failed in their bid to win back-to-back titles for the first time since 2001, but the silver represented their second consecutive IIHF World Championship medal.
Jesper Mattsson and Niklas Kronwall led the Swedish attack with a goal and an assist apiece, and Fredrik Emvall and Jorgen Jonsson also scored. Andreas Karlsson and Michael Nylander each added a pair of helpers.
Swedish goalie Johan Holmqvist registered 15 saves for his second shutout of the tournament. Milan Hnilicka, in his ninth straight start, had 22 stops for the Czechs.
After the Swedes weathered an early Czech power play, they went to work with the man advantage when Petr Hubacek hauled down Michael Nylander deep in the Czech end at 5:35. Mikael Samuelsson nearly gave
Just before the eight-minute mark, Swedish fans erupted into celebration when Andreas Karlsson fired a shot from the slot through Hnilicka's five-hole, but the referee's whistle had blown just an instant earlier.
The Swedes jumped into a 1-0 lead at 14:36 largely thanks to Niklas Kronwall, whose spectacular stickhandling pinch from the right point with the puck was broken up, but Jesper Mattsson was there to flip in the rebound.
Just 37 seconds later, it was 2-0 Tre Kronor when Mattsson circled to the blueline in the Czech zone and fired a slapper that Fredrik Emvall tipped past Hnilicka on the stick side.
Early in the second period, the teams found themselves playing 4-on-4, and Kronwall took full advantage of the skating room, taking a lovely feed from Mikael Samuelsson at the Czech blueline and cutting in from the right side to beat Hnilicka with a high backhand and make it 3-0 at 4:04.
The Swedish power play clicked into high gear on a two-man advantage with Patrik Stefan and Tomas Plekanec in the box. Nylander cunningly slipped behind the net and then quickly put the puck out front to Jorgen Jonsson, who banged it past Hnilicka's skate at 17:01 to put
In the early moments of the third period, Nicklas Backstrom narrowly missed giving
After the Czechs failed to capitalize with Michael Nylander going off for high-sticking at 3:17, the Swedes cracked down defensively. They broke up plays in the neutral zone and forced the Czechs along the boards when their opponents actually approached Holmqvist's net.
With just over eight minutes left, Holmqvist made one of his few difficult saves, picking off a high Petr Hubacek wrister directly from the slot. Furious, tenacious checking and crisp puck control by his teammates did the rest, as the
When the final buzzer sounded, the ecstatic Swedish players mobbed each other in celebration in their end of the rink, throwing away their equipment and knocking the net off its moorings.
IIHF President René Fasel presented the World Championship trophy to Swedish captain Kenny Jonsson, who kissed it and held it aloft in undeniable joy.
The Swedes, standing along their blueline during the tournament awards, took turns raising the glistening mug. They had even more to celebrate as Johan Holmqvist was named Best Goalie and Niklas Kronwall Best Defenseman. Team
More huge cheers from the Swedish-heavy crowd ensued when Niklas Kronwall skated forward to accept his tournament MVP trophy.
Fasel then hung the silver and gold medals around the necks of the Czechs and Swedes respectively, with the assistance of IIHF Council Members. The Swedes skated a victory lap with the World Championship trophy before posing for a group photo, faces aglow with smiles.
Afterwards in the dressing room, Kronwall was seen celebrating with the legendary Borje Salming, bringing together two generations of superb Swedish blueliners.
Zetterbergfan.com update: Zetterberg ending up not contributing offensively as much as anticipated. He didn’t record any points since the qualifying round and scored his only two goals in a game against the Swiss early in the tournament. He totaled two goals and three assists for five points in eight games. Zetterberg did contribute to team
“Zata” now has 23 goals, 36 assists, 59 points, and is a +19 in 93 career International matches for his home country.
Zetterberg Untouchable, but “Eurotwin” Datsyuk May Be on Trading Block
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, June 19, 2006
After a disappointing first round exit from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Detroit Redwings have begun the process of trying to improve the team by informing goaltender Manny Legace that he will not be re-signed. Many goalies may be available via trade or free agency this off-season. The most rumored scenario has Detroit General Manager Ken Holland working on a major deal at the June 24th NHL Draft for Florida Panther Roberto Luongo, Anaheim Mighty Duck G.S. Giguere, or Buffalo Sabre Martin Biron. If the Redwings could agree to a long-term deal, Luongo would be the most attractive option. However, they would have to clear some payroll to make room under the salary cap for signing Luongo.
Additionally, Luongo could come at a hefty price.
Trading Pavel Datsyuk could have adverse affects on both Zetterberg and the team as a whole. Throughout their NHL career Datsyuk and Zetterberg have been inseperable best-friends, often playing on the same line with great chemistry. Never was this truer than when they played on the famed “Two Kids and a Goat” line with Hall-of-Fame right wing Brett Hull during the 2002-2003 season. With an uncanny sense of each others moves Datsyuk and Zetterberg (also dubbed the “Eurotwins”) are often unstoppable offensively. However, speedy/physical teams have been able to focus on the two young stars when they are paired in
Taking Datsyuk’s 28 goals and 59 assists for a team leading 87 points off the roster may be too great of a loss in offensive production to over come. Zetterberg would have have another year that equals or surpasses his 39 goals and 46 assists from last year. Center Robert Lang would be expected to have another huge season like the one he was having prior to coming to
The vacancy left by Datsyuk departing could provide Zetterberg the opportunity for even more ice time on playoffs and key situations and to become the lone marquee player on the Detroit Redwings, aside from the new #1 goalie, of course. Zetterberg could flourish as a team leader, not having to share the spotlight.
There is no way of knowing how trading a player of Pavel Datsyuk’s caliber will affect Henrik or the entire team until, or if, it happens. But one thing is sure, in the era of the “New NHL” general managers like Ken Holland aren’t gong to be as loyal to players, especially players that have not shown loyalty or have the trade value of Datsyuk.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE WINGS: Zetterberg might take on Yzerman's role
By Helene St. James, Free Press, July 4, 2006
For the last couple of seasons, Steve Yzerman has had a locker in the Joe Louis Arena dressing room next to Henrik Zetterberg. Between them, they were the great past and the great future of the Red Wings, a pair of centers at opposite ends of their career.
When the Wings open their 2006-2007 season, it will be the first time in 22 seasons that Yzerman will not be there to lead. He has worn the captain's "C" for 19 seasons, and while the logical successor to that title is elite defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom, it is Zetterberg who more literally will take on Yzerman's role.
Zetterberg has dazzled since his rookie year in 2002-2003, and this past season emerged as a bona fide superstar, scoring 39 goals amid 85 points in 77 regular-season games and excelling during the first-round series against
Asked how he sees Zetterberg, Yzerman gave a description that could so easily fit himself.
"He is very demanding of himself," Yzerman said Monday during his retirement news conference.
"He has pretty high expectations. I've come in a lot of times and said, 'Hey, good game,' and he's like, 'I was awful.' These guys who don't say much, you never really know what they're thinking, but having had the advantage of sitting right next to him, he really has high expectations of himself."
Yzerman then brought up Pavel Datsyuk,
"We're very lucky to have them," he said. "I flip-flop back and forth on them -- I'll watch one guy and say, 'Oh, he's better,' then I'll watch the other guy and go, 'No, no, he's better.' We've got them both and we should be really happy."
They, together with Lidstrom and young defenseman Niklas Kronwall, are the cornerstones around which the Wings will build their future.
The biggest change next season, of course, will be the absence of Yzerman. For decades, he has been the leader, the one relied upon to make the play that would change a game. He was a leader of small words and enormous actions.
"Are we going to miss him on the ice, on the bench, calming us down at times? Absolutely," coach Mike Babcock said.
Ever since 2002, the Wings have seen Zetterberg as someone who had the skills, and in moving him next to Yzerman, they gave him a mentor.
"He sits next to Steve in that locker room for a reason -- because we wanted him to internalize some of those things," Babcock said.
"Steve was able to will this organization to unbelievable years with the three Stanley Cups, and now it's up to someone else. Z has that kind of will and that work ethic and that passion to be the best. It's going to be his time."
Lidstrom fits mold as captain
But Holland, Babcock could go with younger player such as Zetterberg
By Ted Kulfan, The
But the Red Wings have plenty of options when they consider who the next captain will be.
Defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom appears to be the leading candidate, given his seniority and success with the Wings.
But a budding star such as Henrik Zetterberg or proven veterans Brendan Shanahan, Kris Draper and Chris Chelios also are strong possibilities.
"There's plenty of leadership," said Yzerman, who was named captain of the Wings at age 21 by then-coach Jacques Demers and remained in that role until he retired Monday. "The organization is in good shape."
Yzerman's opinion is echoed by general manager Ken Holland and coach Mike Babcock, who view a variety of directions in which the Wings can go: either established veterans who've been captains elsewhere or a young player such as Zetterberg who is on the threshold of a long, successful career.
"We have a lot of leadership here," said Babcock, who'll also ask Yzerman for input on the decision. "But you won't be able to replace Steve. That just doesn't happen. Some people are blessed to be themselves and they lead and that was what he was able to do."
Lidstrom, who won his fourth Norris Trophy after last season, was Yzerman's teammate on the Wings' last three Stanley Cup champions.
Although quiet and not outwardly emotional, Lidstrom's consistent excellence on the ice and steady professionalism and success within the organization make him an obvious choice.
"Nick is a leading candidate,"
Lidstrom, an assistant captain with Shanahan, said last season he'd be honored to be elevated to captain, but was quick to add the many other choices in the locker room. Still, Draper, who was at Yzerman's news conference Monday, said Lidstrom would be a good choice.
"Nick is a guy who leads by example," Draper said. "He just won his fourth Norris Trophy. He's one of the best players in the game. He's a leader."
Zetterberg also is a candidate because of his bright future with the team.
Like Lidstrom, Zetterberg is quiet but plays with a burning enthusiasm and determination. At 25, he's four years older than Yzerman was when Yzerman was named captain, but Zetterberg could have just as long a career with the Wings.
"Zetterberg will be a captain on this team one day,"
"I want to see what Steve thinks, the staff thinks, talk to Mike and I have my own thoughts, and we'll come to a conclusion. We certainly have candidates."
Backstrom Opts for More Seasoning (Emulates Zetterberg)
By Shawn P. Roarke, NHL.com, Aug. 2, 2006
…Nicklas Backstrom, the Washington Capitals' top pick in the 2006 Entry Draft, has decided to remain in
Backstrom, compared by some to a Peter Forsberg or up-and-coming
While (Washington GM) McPhee suggested that Backstrom was following (Alexander) Ovechkin's footsteps in his development, it is as likely that he is copying the path of his favorite player, Zetterberg.
As a kid, Backstrom followed the exploits of Mats Sundin and Forsberg, the player he has been compared to for the past two years. Backstrom is flattered, but also a little unsettled by those comparisons.
Now, it is
"First, I looked at Mats Sundin and Peter Forsberg, but when Henrik Zetterberg came to NHL, he was a good player. I want to be like him. I think it's bad to compare me to Forsberg. There's only one Peter Forsberg in the world."
Zetterberg was drafted as an 18-year old in 1999, but decided to stay in
That progression by Zetterberg ought to make the Capitals rest a little easier as they wait for Backstrom to find his way to
Zetterbergfan adds: Just as Zetterberg played down comparisons to Peter Forsberg when he came to the NHL, Niklas Backstrom also says, "There is only one Peter Forsberg in the world."
It won't be long until we hear people say there is only one Henrik Zetterberg in the world! Soon, many up and coming Swedish players will say Zata was their idol growing up. With continued offensive production and more of a leadership role, Zetterberg will eventually be mentioned with the names Forsberg, Sundin, Daniel Alfredsson, Markus Naslund, and Niklas Lidstrom.
Babcock Wild about …Zetterberg
By Helene St. James, Free Press, August 6, 2006
Interview with Red Wings Head Coach, Mike Babcock:
Q: If you could pick only one player who can make up for the leadership loss of Steve Yzerman, whom would that be?
A: "Let's not kid ourselves, no one can replace him. But I think you'll see with Nick Lidstrom and Chris Chelios, (Henrik) Zetterberg and Kris Draper that we have an unbelievable leadership group. Pavel Datsyuk with his on-ice ability, he leads every day. When we signed Chelios in the spring, it was a very important decision. But when Steve left, it became that much more important. We expect Cheli to set the competition level for the team."
Q: Let's say (you had to) name just one player?
A: "Zetterberg."
Zetterbergfan adds: Babcock doesn't hint as to who he is going to name as the first team captain to follow the legendary Yzerman, but he does show that he has a huge amount of respect for Zetterberg's leadership abilities. Those who doubt Zetterberg fitting the role of team captain, site his youth and the fact that he isn't outspoken. Steve Yzerman was not outspoken. He was a teenager when he became capatain of the Red Wings. Zetterberg turns 26 this October. Many also forget that Zetterberg was captained teams coming up in Timra, as well as the Swedish National Team in several International tournaments. He has experience and talent, and seems to have the right metality to be a leader. Whether it be this season, or later down the road, I think Henrik is destined to wear the "C" on his jersey in
Henrik Helps Out
Sheffieldtoday.co.uk, August 9, 2006
Detroit Red Wings' Swedish left-wing superstar, Henrik Zetterbergs, skates into
The "Best of British Ice Hockey Camps" are being held at iceSheffield from August 13-18 and August 20-25.
Zetterberg, aged 25, won an Olympic gold medal with
He will be guest coach at the camp which aims to teach children the fundamentals of hockey
Other coaches include former Sheffield Steelers coach Paul Heavey, ex Sheffield Scimitar Brent Pope and Newcastle Vipers winger Jonathan Weaver.
Heavey, Camp Co-ordinator, said: ""We aim to structure our camps and design our programmes in a way that will teach the basic fundamentals of ice hockey following systematic skill building progressions in an environment where players will feel challenged, encouraged and confident."
Mandy Janes, General Manager at ice
Zetterberg’s Wrist May Require Surgery
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, August 10, 2006
Swedish news website expressen.se is reporting that Detroit Redwings star forward, Henrik Zetterberg, resumed practicing in
Now, the Redwings medical staff is concerned about the condition of the wrist and they are flying Zetterberg back to
Obviously it has not. It certainly raises the question as to why the Redwings have waited this late into the off-season to look into surgery as a possibility. It’s definitely better to deal with this right now than later this season, but why not after the Redwing’s first round early departure from the playoffs this spring?
Zetterberg's Wrist Hurts, Wing is Coming to
By George Sipple and Helene St. James,
As if Red Wings fans needed any more bad news this summer, forward Henrik Zetterberg has a sore wrist and is flying from
A Swedish news paper reported that the injury might cause Zetterberg to miss the start of the season, but Wings general manager Ken Holland termed the examination a "precautionary move" because of the player's past wrist troubles.
"What do we find when we get him here?"
"He called two days ago and just said that he's trying to shoot the puck and was having a hard time,"
Expressen, the Swedish newspaper, quoted Zetterberg's agent, Gunnar Svensson, as saying that the wrist has been a problem for a year and a half and that it flared up this week while Zetterberg was skating with his former Swedish club, Timra.
Zetterberg, 25, is coming off a season during which he established himself as one of the top two-way players in the NHL. He scored 39 goals among 85 points in 77 games and then shined brighter than any Wing in the playoffs, scoring six goals in six games against
Zetterberg, who won an Olympic gold medal in February, has spent the off-season in his native
This off-season, the Wings already have dealt with the retirement of captain Steve Yzerman and the loss of Brendan Shanahan, who turned down
Training camp starts in mid-September in
Zetterberg does Not Need Wrist Surgery, Should be OK by Month's End
By Helene St. James,
The Red Wings received tremendously good news Friday on their superstar forward: Henrik Zetterberg should be fine before the end of the month.
Zetterberg spent the day being examined at the
"It's huge, because if there had been ligament damage, we would have been talking about extended time out," general manager Ken Holland said. "Basically he has an inflammation, so that's very, very positive news. It's something that can be treated with rest and an anti-inflammatory. By late August, we expect that he is 100%."
Zetterberg, who flew to
During three seasons in
His importance to the team greatly increased this summer when Steve Yzerman retired and Brendan Shanahan signed with the New York Rangers. Coach Mike Babcock spoke of Zetterberg's value at Yzerman's retirement news conference last month, saying that "Steve was able to will this organization to unbelievable years with the three Stanley Cups, and now it's up to someone else. Z has that kind of will and that work ethic and that passion to be the best. It's going to be his time."
Zetterberg Has Tendinitis, Doesn't Need Surgery
By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, August 11, 2006
Wings general manager Ken Holland said doctors described Zetterberg's condition as a case of tendinitis. He'll have a cortisone injection on Monday to take care of the inflammation and will be able to resume normal activities in seven to 10 days.
"Great news,''
Zetterberg saw Dr. Richard Singer, a hand specialist at the
"Dye was injected into the ligament,''
Zetterberg has periodically complained of soreness in the wrist for more than a year. The pain flared up earlier this week when he was working out in
No Surgery for Zetterberg
By John Niyo, The
For the moment, Red Wings fans can quit wringing their hands. Henrik Zetterberg's sore left wrist apparently doesn't need surgery, according to general manager Ken Holland.
Zetterberg, the team's second-leading scorer last season, flew back from
But an arthrogram test performed Friday by Richard M. Singer, a hand specialist with the
A Swedish newspaper report this week suggested surgery might be needed and that Zetterberg possibly could miss the start of the regular season.
"At this stage, surgery isn't planned and it's not necessary,"
Zetterberg is expected to receive a cortisone injection to help alleviate the inflammation Monday, before flying home. The Wings begin training
Who is Henrik Zetterberg?
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, August 29, 2006
Who is Henrik Zetterberg?
The answer isn’t as easy as; “He is a 25 year old, Swedish born, professional hockey player.” Anyone who is reading this article should already know that. The real question is; what does Henrik Zetterberg mean to the Detroit Red Wings?
So… Who is Henrik Zetterberg? Let’s start from the beginning:
Henrik Zetterberg is the kid who, as the 41st ranked European skater, wasn’t drafted until the 210th pick of the 1999 NHL entry draft. As a 5’10”, 150 lb 17 year old, the Red Wings gambled on his size.
Red Wings Assistant General Manager, Jim Nill, later said, “We thought that if he grew stronger, he could be something special. We took a chance on him with our 4th choice in the 1999 Entry Draft. Our gamble paid off because Henrik took off the next season, making the jump to the very competitive Swedish Elite League where he won Rookie of the Year.”
While following the 1999 draft online from home, I too had a feeling about the young Swede. I immediately began to focus on finding out as much as I could, asking myself, just who is Henrik Zetterberg?
The first thing I found out is; this was a player who, as a teenager, was the leader of his hometown team. The year before he was drafted he scored 17 goals and 14 assists in 41 games for the Timra Red Eagles in
Zetterberg quickly became the Allsvenskan’s biggest offensive talent. In the 1999-2000 season, he scored 16 goals and 24 total points in 31 games, helping Timra get to the playoffs and then earning a spot in the Swedish Elite League the next season. It was Zetterberg’s 14 goals in 21 playoff games that pushed the team to the next level. The same year, Henrik was named Assistant Captain of
In 2000-2001, Zetterberg’s first season in
Later that year, Zetterberg took his game to the next level and started to dominate even international games. The best proof came in the Swedish Hockey Games as he scored 4 goals in the finals and was named the best player of the tournament. After an impressive season where he also starred in his second World Championship, Zetterberg also earned a spot with the Swedish Olympic team and received a great deal of ice time on the squad's third line. As only one of three non-NHL players on the Swedish team, playing with future Redwing teammates, Niklas Lidstrom and Tomas Holmstrom, Zetterberg played impressively. He won the country's Gold Puck award as the best player in Elitserien as well as the country's top participant in international competition. His four-goal performance in the gold medal game at the Swedish Hockey Games and undaunted play against NHL veterans at the Olympics were the deciding factors.
Who is Henrik Zetterberg? He is a special athlete who touted as an agile skater with solid speed and impressive overall skill in all areas, with no major weaknesses, had proved that he was ready to make the jump to the National Hockey League for the 2002-2003 season. By this time he had shown that he possessed phenomenal hockey sense which he used to his advantage in all situations. With soft hands he had the ability to stick-handle through traffic at full stride. He had excellent hands and great moves, and the ability to make things happen on the attack.
Size was still a concern coming into his rookie season in
"I had a lot of pressure when I was in
Already drawing comparisons to Swedish legend Peter Forsberg, Zetterberg took the hype in stride, showing great poise and maturity.
"I don't think it's fair for me to be compared to the greatest player in the league."
He would need to be able to handle high expectations in
Who is Henrik Zetterberg? He is indeed an impact player who came in and cracked an NHL lineup that had Steve Yzerman, Sergei Fedorov, Brendan Shanahan, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille, Igor Larionov, and Pavel Datsyuk. Was he a reserve player? Did he take random shifts on the fourth line? No! His first shift was on a line with Fedorov and Shanahan. He was ready to prove himself amongst the leagues best.
Zetterberg spent much of the season on the extremely productive “Two Kids and a Goat” line with Datsyuk and
"They're wonderful, wonderful players. I am blessed to be able to play with these guys. I guess I'm smart enough to know what I'm doing. I get the puck; I try to get it to them; I get open. I'd like to think that I'm kind of integral, because I know where to go to make their hard work pay off. But they do a lot of the yeoman's work."
“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 Zetterberg) to my advantage, and they are a lot of fun to play with!”, Hull exclaimed.
Zetterberg finished the year with 22 goals and 22 assists, leading all NHL rookies in scoring and points, and was considered by most to be the leading candidate to win the Calder trophy for Rookie of the Year. Zetterberg was edged out by St. Louis Blues stay-at-home defenseman Barrett Jackman, but won the Sporting News Rookie of the Year award, as voted on by the players. Line mate Brett Hull, again, gave him a strong endorsement.
"If you can put up a case for someone who's better you go right ahead. I don't think you can,"
Despite not winning the award, Zetterberg had proved his worth to the league and the Detroit Red Wings. Captain Steve Yzerman had this to say about the young Swede:
"I didn't really know Henrik that well as a player before (last season), but after watching him for virtually the entire season, the guy's really a world-class player in all parts of the game."
"He's so good all over the ice. I just like to think I know where to go. You go to certain spots, and he's going to get the puck to you. Really, he's as good a young player as there is in the game. I don't know if we necessarily realize how good he is. He does make some great one-on-one moves, but he's just a tremendous all-around player."
The arrival of Henrik Zetterberg and the effects of him establishing himself on the team, marked the beginning of the transition of the Red Wings from a Stanley Cup winning dynasty to a team re-loading for the future. Following the 2002-2003 season, superstar center Sergei Fedorov left the team via free-agency. The change meant more ice time and even more of an offensive role for Zetterberg. After his impressive rookie season, he would be expected to deliver the following year. Once again, the rising star met the challenge.
Due to a wicked slash from
Who is Henrik Zetterberg? He is a player who faces adversity and overcomes it. Somehow, he dominates in a subtle way. It’s not until you sit back and think about it that you realize how much he controls the play when he is on the ice. Many people argue that Zetterberg benefits from playing with superstars, that he is a product of the Red Wings offensive powerhouse. While it is true that Zetterberg has played on lines with Shanahan,
Another example of why is when the NHL locked out its players for the 2004-2005 season. Zetterberg returned to his native
Following the re-structuring of the collective bargaining agreement and the end of the 2004-2005 NHL lock-out, the Red Wings found them selves struggling to cut payroll to get under the new 39 million dollar hard salary cap. Recent failings in the 2003 and 2004 playoffs as well as the new CBA had forced the Redwings to head in a new direction. The Wings had 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
It was believed that Datsyuk’s agent was 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 in 2007. This was severely impacting negotiations with both Datysuk and Zetterberg, and
When the two sides finally did talk, they agreed to a four year, 10.6 million dollar contract, paying Zetterberg 2.65 million a season and securing his services with the Redwings until 2009 when he will be 29 years old. It 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.
Who is Henrik Zetterberg? He is an honest man who, through contract negotiations and with his signing, displayed class and commitment. It showed a lot about what it means to Henrik to show gratitude to the franchise that gave him the opportunity when he wasn’t a highly scouted prospect. A team that treated him well and put him in a roster with the likes of Steve Yzerman, Brendan Shanahan, and Niklas Lidstrom. It was about doing what is beneficial for the club that needed him in the line-up, after all they have done for him, making his transition to a new country and a new way of life easier.
By signing this deal, and doing before training camp, especially with Datsyuk refusing to accept
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 bonafide star that could not be classified as an aging veteran. They needed someone to build there future around. Zetterberg is that player.
With the NHL’s new emphasis on opening the game up for more scoring, it was predicted by Zetterbergfan.com that Henrik would have his “breakout” season, tallying more than 30 goals and 40 assists, that he would emerge as a team leader both literally and statistically. That is exactly what he did!
In the 2005-2006, Zetterberg had his best NHL season ever, finishing the year with career highs: 39 goals, 46 assists, 85 points, and a +29 in 77 games. He surpassed his previous season marks of 22 goals (in 79 games of 2002-2003 rookie season), 28 assists (in 61 games of injury shortened 2003-2004 season), 44 total points (2002-2003), and +15 (2003-2004). With only three seasons in the NHL, Zetterberg already ranks 64th on the Detroit Redwing’s All-time scoring leaders list with 172 points (76 goals and 96 assists). With his outstanding season this year he has developed into a team leader and his skills are now known around the league.
Now a team leader in all areas, Zetterberg is getting strong consideration for being captain of the Detroit Red Wings, whether it be this season or in a few years when Niklas Lidstrom retires. He has demonstrated the skill, work ethic, and leadership qualities required. Ken Holland has already said,
“Zetterberg will be a captain on this team one day!"
So, who is Henrik Zetterberg? If the real question is; what does Henrik Zetterberg mean to the Detroit Red Wings? The answer is: everything.
It is Zetterberg’s time. With legendary Steve Yzerman retired, he is the new leader of the team, the new face of a franchise with a proud history. He is a new fan-favorite. He is expected to carry the load offensively on a new-look team missing Brendan Shanahan and his 40 goals. He leads players like countrymen Holmstrom, Samuelsson, and Franzen with hard-work and sacrifice. He sets an example for up and coming prospects like Jiri Hudler, Tomas Kopecky, Valteri Filppula, and Igor Grigorenko with effort, modesty, and respect to veterans and his team. Henrik Zetterberg is an idol.
Did Lidstrom, Zetterberg Get Cheated?
By Helene St. James, Free Press, August 28, 2006
Is Jarome Iginla vastly superior to Henrik Zetterberg? Is Chris Pronger a much better defenseman than Nick Lidstrom?
The two Red Wings don't fare especially well in the Hockey News magazine's 2006-07 rankings of the top 50 NHL players, out last week. Lidstrom was placed at 15, while Zetterberg was tucked away at No. 28.
Even more curious is how Iginla placed seventh while Zetterberg just cracked the top 30. While Iginla is talented, this past season he finished 51st overall among NHL forwards, with 35 goals, 67 points and a plus-5 rating in 82 games.
Zetterberg, on the other hand, had a breakout year that established him as one of the top two-way forwards in the game. He had 39 goals among 85 points and was plus-29 in 77 games, placing 20th among NHL forwards.
But the magazine has its reasons for ranking Iginla so high: "Don't be fooled by the numbers. Iginla was hung out to dry by an organization that believed it could get great results in the new NHL by playing the same old defense-first style. On top of that, the Flames never gave Iginla anybody to work with up front."
As for Zetterberg, he is called "a wonderful talent with a zest for the game ... look for him to join the 100-point club this season."
Zetterberg Forgoes Playing Twister
By Helene St. James, Free Press, August 31, 2006
Good fortune sure does shine upon Red Wings forward Henrik Zetterberg. A few weeks ago, he found out he doesn't need surgery on his injured wrist. Then he avoided getting swept up in a tornado.
Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported Wednesday that Zetterberg narrowly escaped what might have been a very wet and dangerous adventure. Zetterberg and a buddy were planning to go out on jet skis Monday near Zetterberg's off-season home in
The paper quotes Zetterberg as saying that if they'd gone out 15 minutes earlier, they would have been caught up in the winds. Instead, Zetterberg pulled out his cell phone and took some pictures.
Zetterberg reports that, otherwise, he's had a nice, easy summer break. The Wings return to the ice Sept. 15 for camp in
Zetterberg Says Wrist Has Improved
By Ted Kulfan, The
As training camp approaches, forward Henrik Zetterberg says his wrist is feeling better than it has in recent seasons.
Zetterberg had his left wrist checked out by Wings doctors this summer after it bothered him during a workout with his former club team, Timra, in
He received a cortisone shot and was told to rest it. Since beginning on ice workouts a few weeks ago, he says the wrist has felt much better.
"The wrist hasn't felt this good in a long time," said Zetterberg after an informal workout Wednesday with some Wings. "It feels even better than it did before."
Zetterberg said the injury has been bothering him for 3 years. He said it bothered him during the
"I just hope it stays like it is right now," Zetterberg said. "It feels a lot better. Since the first practice (in mid-August) I don't feel anything, so the doctor did a good job."
Zetterbergfan adds: If this is true, the Zetterberg has been playing with pain for his entire career. That is gritty. If playing pain free makes a difference, he could score over 50 goals this season.
Wings' Zetterberg is Now a Man of the Cloth
By Helen St. James, Free Press, September 6, 2006
Now we know what Henrik Zetterberg did this summer.
When he wasn't avoiding wrist surgery and tornadoes while Jet Skiing, he was working on the House of Zetterberg.
That's right: Dominik Hasek isn't the only designing man among the Red Wings.
According to a Tuesday article in the Swedish newspaper Expressen, Zetterberg is about to launch his very own clothing line. It's called Zatacollection, after Zetterberg's Swedish nickname, and features T-shirts, sweatshirts and caps. Zetterberg designs the clothes with the help of a company based in
Hasek, of course, is an old hat at this game: He's had his Dominator sportswear line since 1998.
Zetterberg, 25, won't make any money on the line its first three years, because he's donating the profits to the sports club in his hometown of Njurunda.
Zatacollection is set to debut in October, but an early test collection sold well, Zetterberg told the Swedish paper.
Zetterberg Healthy, Excited for Camp
By Ted Kulfan,
It's hockey season, or soon will be, and Zetterberg can't wait.
"I'm really excited every time this time of year," Zetterberg said after a workout Wednesday. "You always want to get back and get started."
What's exciting Zetterberg is the fact he might finally be over a troublesome left wrist injury that's been nagging him the last three seasons.
Zetterberg had his left wrist checked by Wings doctors this summer. He received a cortisone shot and was told to rest. Since returning to the ice a few weeks ago, his wrist has improved.
"The wrist hasn't felt this good in a long time," said Zetterberg, who shot the puck well Wednesday. "It feels even better than it did before."
Zetterberg said the injury has been bothering him since the playoff series against
Zetterberg said he missed one tournament in
"I just hope it stays like it is right now," Zetterberg said. "It feels a lot better. Since the first practice (in mid-August) I don't feel anything, so the doctor did a good job."
That's great news for Wings fans, who watched Zetterberg emerge as a star last season.
He had 39 goals and 46 assists (85 points) in 77 games, and added six goals in the playoffs.
Some preseason analysts have pegged Zetterberg as a potential Hart Trophy (most valuable player) candidate.
"I'm just going to try and play like last year and see how far it goes," Zetterberg said.
Although Nicklas Lidstrom likely will replace Steve Yzerman as the Wings' captain, Zetterberg has also been mentioned.
"Just to be mentioned around that kind of thing is special," Zetterberg said. "Nick is a natural pick. He's been a great leader for us for a long time. Just to be mentioned as a possibility is an honor."
Zetterberg Might Have to Wing it
By Helene St. James, Free Press, September 9, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg spent much of last season as coach Mike Babcock's answer to a slumping winger. It was an ideal situation for both men.
Zetterberg grew up playing center and thrives in that position. It is the one he would prefer to play this season.
"I think I played better last year as a center than I did as a wing," he said Friday after an informal workout at
There's just one problem: The Wings bulge in the middle. They've got three gifted centers in Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Robert Lang, and while that creates an enviable depth chart, it also creates a mathematical challenge.
All three are players who should average between 17 and 19 minutes a game, but that would mean one would be playing with mostly defensive wingers. Last season, Babcock resorted to a variety of solutions: Playing Lang with Steve Yzerman and Kris Draper, playing Lang on the wing, playing Zetterberg on the wing.
With camp less than a week away, Babcock is once again pondering what to do with Zetterberg, Lang and Datsyuk.
"That's a real good question, and I've asked myself that all summer long," Babcock said. "I'll figure it out in training camp."
Babcock said he would spread Zetterberg, Datsyuk and Lang across three groups and let them go head to head. Ditto for the three auditioning to center the defensive lines: Kris Draper, Valtteri Filppula and Greg Johnson.
"As exhibition goes on, we'll try a number of things," Babcock said. "I had no plans to play 'Z' at center last year, but then he played so well, I couldn't move him. But anytime you don't have the success you expect, you evaluate everything."
There's a limit to what Babcock can do, because it was clear last season that Lang really is not a winger, and neither is Datsyuk. Zetterberg is the only one with the versatility to play wing, but at the same time, he's much more at home in the middle.
"I think you get more into the game," he said. "You get to have the puck more. You skate a little bit more. But sometimes you have to play wing, and I'm not complaining to do that, either."
Playing Zetterberg with Datsyuk has worked well, and probably would again. But Zetterberg was so good at center last season that Babcock came to rely on him as a way to get any slumping winger jump-started; it worked exceedingly well with Mikael Samuelsson, for example.
Zetterberg 'hasn't proved anything'
By George Malik, Mlive.com, September 15, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg knows that he's well-respected in
September 15, Windsor Star (subscriber-only): "I don't think I've proved anything in the playoffs yet," said Zetterberg, who had six goals in the series against
"You have to win. That's why we are here.
"I still have a very important piece (Stanley Cup) to fill. Of course, it was nice to win the Olympics and world championship, that's big in
He was flattered by the suggestions that he's a captain in the making:
"When you hear stuff like that it's fun," said Zetterberg, who reports no problems with the tendonitis in his wrist. "It's nice to be considered a big part of this team. I'll be ready."
EXPECTATIONS…
September 2006.
"I don't think me and Pavel [Datsyuk] feel pressure," Zetterberg said. "Both me and Pavel have a lot of high expectations on ourselves. I don't think we care that much what other people think."
Zetterburg, Datsyuk will lead new era for Wings
By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, Wednesday, October 04, 2006
For years, the Detroit Red Wings dressing room was an awe-inspiring sight to young players. Everywhere they looked there was a future Hall of Famer. At least nine played for the club's last Stanley Cup-winning team in 2002.
Gradually, most of them left: Dominik Hasek, Luc Robitaille, Igor Larionov, Sergei Fedorov, Brett Hull. Then, during a six-day span in July, the two-most recognizable Wings of this generation departed, as Steve Yzerman retired after 22 seasons in Detroit, 19 as captain, and Brendan Shanahan signed with the New York Rangers.
Hasek is back, joining the estimable Nicklas Lidstrom and the ageless Chris Chelios, but the room no longer has that legendary feel.
The team is in transition. Now is the time for young stars Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk to emerge from the shadows of departed icons and usher in a new era for the Red Wings.
"Their roles will change significantly,'' Chelios said. "Now, they'll have to take charge and be the doers. They've had the best to learn from. I don't think they'll have any problem accepting that responsibility. It's going to be fun to watch them.''
Said Hasek: "These guys right now are key to the team. They are veterans and have become leaders here.''
The loss of Yzerman and Shanahan and three consecutive playoff flops have led many to forecast this club's fall. But, with 17 players back from last season's 124-point team, including the dynamic duo of Zetterberg and Datsyuk, the Wings believe they are still Stanley Cup championship contenders.
"Our organization is in great hands with Pavel and Hank,'' Wings center Kris Draper said. "Those guys stepped up offensively and really (shouldered) the load. That shows they're ready to take the next step. Night in and night out last year they were as good as any guy in the league.''
Datsyuk, with his amazing stick-handling ability and electrifying array of moves, has led the Wings in points in each of the last two seasons, recording a career-high 87 in 2005-06. Zetterberg emerged as a two-way force last season, his third in the NHL. His 39 goals were one less than club leader Shanahan scored, and he finished with 85 points, 41 more than his previous career high.
"I think a lot of guys have to step up, and of course, me and Pavel are two of them,'' Zetterberg said. "Stevie was such a big part of this team for a long time, everybody has to chip in to take it over.''
Beyond statistics, what impresses Yzerman about the pair is the way they conduct themselves. They have a little bit of the former captain in them.
"You combine the skill level with the attitude they have, that's why I really feel good about them,'' Yzerman, now a team vice president, said. "These guys set an example, much like Nick (Lidstrom), they compete hard, they train hard, they work, they play on the road, they play at home. So they really set the tone and guys will follow along.
"If your best players are floating around out there, it's not the right atmosphere to set for the rest of your team. Their work ethic is what elevates their status in the locker room.''
And, despite their quiet demeanor, they should feel more comfortable asserting themselves on the ice, in the locker room and in the coach's office.
"They're very bright guys with good attitudes, so they're natural leaders,'' Yzerman said. "You don't have to be a vocal guy to be a leader, it's more about how you conduct yourself and assume responsibility.''
During their three seasons together, Datsyuk and Zetterberg have excelled when paired on the same line and on separate units. Zetterberg prefers to be on a different line so he can play center, where he feels more comfortable. Wings coach Mike Babcock said he'll continue playing the two together and apart at various times.
"We enjoy playing together, but we're kind of similar players and we both want to have the puck, too, so we want to have our own lines,'' Zetterberg said.
Datsyuk's role will expand this season as Babcock plans to use him to kill penalties, paired with Zetterberg. Babcock also wouldn't mind if Datsyuk wasn't so unselfish and shot the puck more. He took only 145 shots last season -- about half the total of Shanahan (289), who led the team.
"He feels better when everybody is scoring; he got that from Larionov,'' Babcock said. "There's always things in your game you want to be improving on, but I don't tell a whole lot to Pavel, he's a hard-working guy.''
His work ethic hasn't translated into postseason success, however, as Datsyuk has failed to score a goal in his last 26 playoff games.
"I want to play good not only in the season, but I want to play good in the playoffs,'' Datsyuk said. "It's hard to remember why I didn't play like (he did) in the regular season.''
"Because he was injured going into the playoffs last year (charley horse) he's got a rap that he didn't bring it in the playoffs,'' Babcock said. "That's not true at all. He's a dominant NHL centerman, can play both sides of the puck.''
Zetterberg struggled in the playoffs during his first two seasons but was one of the team's few bright spots in last season's first-round loss to
"I don't think I've proved anything in the playoffs yet,'' Zetterberg said. "You have to win.''
The Wings have Zetterberg locked up for three more years at a bargain price of $2.6 million per season. Datsyuk is in the final year of his contract ($3.9 million) and is eligible for unrestricted free agency in July.
"I want to stay in
It's a good situation for Datsyuk and Zetterberg. They're surrounded by talented players, unlike other young stars on lousy teams, such as Sidney Crosby of
"The great thing about being here is the experience and depth, the leadership; they're not thrust into a situation where they're carrying everything on their shoulders,'' Wings defenseman Mathieu Schneider said. "They're not expected to do anything more than they've been doing here. It's not going to be as big a transition as it may appear to be from the outside.''
Their Time is Now
By John Niyo, The
Stop me if you've heard this one: Two Swedes walk into a car dealership, and the tall one says to the owner, "I want you to meet the next Steve Yzerman."
Henrik Zetterberg laughs.
Yes, it's an old joke. And yes, he knows the punch line.
He isthe punch line.
But the joke's on the tall one, Nicklas Lidstrom, as it turns out. For the next couple years, at least, he's being asked to fill Yzerman's role as captain, with Zetterberg waiting in the wings.
When the curtain goes up on the 2006-07 season Thursday, two of the lead actors in one of the NHL's longest-running shows won't be on the stage. Last summer, Yzerman called it quits on a legendary 23-year career, while Brendan Shanahan, another likely Hall of Famer, moved on to the bright lights of Broadway, citing as one of his reasons management's desire in Detroit to "give some of their younger players an opportunity to take over that leadership in the dressing room."
At the core of that youth movement is a trio of twenty-something talents -- forwards Zetterberg (25) and Pavel Datsyuk (28), and defenseman Niklas Kronwall (25). Together, they're the "foundation," as general manager Ken Holland puts it. And while other young players will be asked to play key supporting roles, there's little doubt where the star quality lies among the under-30 crowd.
"They're just great kids, extremely hard-working and obviously extremely talented -- all three of them," Mathieu Schneider said. "They have all the makings of being great players in this league for years to come and they can be the Yzermans and Shanahans of the next decade. Everything's in place for them right now."
Pressure to win
Right now, it's not just a team in transition, of course. The league has re-emerged from the shadows of the lockout with new rules, new stars and a new outlook.
"It's good hockey," Datsyuk said. "Good for the players, good for the fans. It's a fun game."
But the fun only lasts as long as the winning does. Three straight early-round playoff exits have left a sour taste in everyone's mouth, but particularly for Datsyuk, who tried to shake off a late-season injury last spring but was limited to three assists in five playoff games. The Wings' scoring leader in the regular season has gone 26 playoff games without a goal, and over the summer Holland tried in vain to dismiss trade rumors involving Datsyuk, who is due to become an unrestricted free agent next July.
"I don't think he cares that much what people say," said Zetterberg, who was one of the few bright spots in the first-round loss to
He'll start talking long-term contract with Kronwall's agent, too, trying to protect the Red Wings' young assets.
"We think he's one of the future leaders of this club," coach Mike Babcock said. "He's going to create offense for us and pace in our game. And if he can ever get back to, 'I don't have to worry about my knee, I don't have to worry about this, I can just play,' he's going to be a lot better player."
Kronwall, who made it back from a torn knee ligament last season, is eager to do just that.
"I'm ready to go out and play a full season, but I still have to prove it to everyone," he said. "Obviously, there's a big opportunity here (for me), but I don't think that's any different than any other year."
Extra attention
For Datsyuk and Zetterberg, who is signed through 2009, it's not so much a bigger role as it is a bigger target. The duo led the Wings in scoring last season (Datsyuk had 87, Zetterberg 85.)
"If they can post similar numbers as last year, I think we'd be pretty happy,"
So do their teammates
"I've never seen them take a night off," Schneider said. "Do they have off nights? Yeah. But it's not because of a lack of effort."
Added Lidstrom: "They've been our leaders on the ice already. Now we just need more leadership from them, too."
Leadership.
There's that word again.
"
Not even Zetterberg?
"Henrik Zetterberg's a great player,"
Lidstrom isn't ready to do that either. But someday
"I remember when I first came over and when I was at that stage these younger guys are at now," Lidstrom said. "It's when you start feeling trusted, you know?
"I think we saw that with Hank the last couple years. You just saw him getting better and better. He's always had the talent, but he has that drive, too. He's going to be the next leader of this team, and it shows."
A Bulkier Zetterberg Will Have Heftier Role
By Helene St. James, Free Press, October 5, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg is stronger than ever before, having added about 13 pounds of muscle after a rigorous weight-training program during the summer.
That has put him up near 195 pounds, strength he hopes to convert into a second spectacular season for the Red Wings. Zetterberg, who turns 26 on Monday, is coming off a career year with 39 goals and 85 points in 77 games, which he followed with six playoff goals.
With Steve Yzerman retired and Brendan Shanahan gone to
It has been pretty clear ever since Zetterberg's rookie season in 2002-03 that he's something special, and last year he emerged as one of the game's top two-way players.
He became coach Mike Babcock's answer to a slumping winger, and played in all situations, from power play to penalty killing to protecting a late lead. Now he's ready to build on that.
"You want to play better than your last season and of course there's always pressure on you, but I don't think it's any bad pressure," he said Wednesday. "I think I had a good year last year -- I scored more goals than I thought I would, so hopefully I can stay on the same pace as that, and just try to be a better player."
Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk -- who three years ago were nicknamed the Euro twins by teammates -- have quietly emerged as leaders both on and off the ice.
"Their skill level is obvious, but you combine the skill level with the attitude they have -- they come in and they work extremely hard," Yzerman, the former team captain, said. "That's what I really feel is good about them, that they set an example much like Nick because they compete hard, they train hard, they play on the road; they play at home. They really set the tone and guys follow along. If your best players are floating around out there, it's not the right atmosphere to set for the rest of your team. Their work ethic is what elevates their status in the locker room."
Babcock has gone back and forth on the issue, but at the moment, it appears Zetterberg will play at his natural center position, which suits him best. On Wednesday, he practiced on a line between Mikael Samuelsson and Kris Draper, and was on a power-play unit with Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom
Zetterberg Named Alternate Captain; Scores First Goal of Season
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 5, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg scored the only goal for the Detroit Red Wings in their opening night, 3-1 loss to the Vancouver Canucks, at the Joe Louis Arena.
Zetterberg scored his even strength goal from near the goal line, 15:55 into the second period, making the score 3-1 and giving the Wings hope of a late comeback. However,
The game was preceded by an opening ceremony in which Zetterberg’s fellow countryman, future Hall of Fame defenseman Niklas Lidstrom, was named the Red Wings Captain, the first following legendary Steve Yzerman. Yzerman took the ice in a business suit and dropped the ceremonial first puck between Lidstrom and Canuck’s Captain Markus Naslund, also a Swede. Zetterberg and Kris Draper were given the honor of being named
With the first goal of the year, Zetterberg now has 77 goals and 96 assists in 218 career games. He is 64th on the Red Wings all-time scoring list.
Cold Start
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 20, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg is off to the slowest start of his four year NHL career. The star forward and newly appointed alternate captain is expected to be an offensive leader for the Detroit Red Wings this season following the departures of future Hall-of-Famers Steve Yzerman (retirement) and Brendan Shanahan (to New York Rangers via free agency). So far, the phenom has not lived up to the expectations statistically. He has only two goals, one assist, and is a +2 (plus/minus) in seven games this season. Two of his three points came in the third game of the season against
Opposing teams seem to have focused their defensive efforts on stopping Hank and teammate Pavel Datsyuk, who has only one goal and two assists in seven games. Red Wings coach Mike Babcock has tried to alleviate having both forwards from facing top defensive pairings by splitting them on separate lines. So far, neither has been able to break through and produce points. The lack of scoring is not due to a lack of effort. Nobody is competing harder than Zetterberg. If you watch him play, he is driving into the offensive zone, grinding along the boards, moving his legs and fighting through checks on every shift. The puck seems to be attached to his stick. But, defensemen are trying to force Henrik outside along the boards, and he is getting attention from back-checking forwards.
Another reason for the dip in goals is the struggling Red Wings power play.
Zetterberg is on pace for 23 goals and just 12 assists for 35 total points this year. His previous career lows are 15 goals in 61 games in an injury shortened 2003-2004 season, in which he still managed to finish with 43 total points. Obviously, Henrik will not struggle all year, and his numbers will improve. He is still expected to match or surpass his career highs of 39 goals and 46 assists from last year, however he is going to need to go on a scoring streak to make up for his recent slump.
Next week they face
Where Has All the Offense Gone?
By Helene St. James, Free Press, October 21, 2006
Seven games into the season, Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk has one goal and three points -- all in the same game. His fellow star forward, Henrik Zetterberg, has two goals and three points.
Neither has a single point the past four games, which is a big reason why the Wings hover at .500 as they finish a four-game road trip tonight at
"Me and Pav want to put some numbers up and we just have to work hard," Zetterberg said after the Sharks loss. "It's early, but of course you want to produce more. Me and Pav play a lot of minutes and we play a lot of power play, so we want to give a lot more points-wise. Nothing else you can do but keep trying and keep believing in yourself."
Talking about Datsyuk and Zetterberg's lack of production Thursday night, coach Mike Babcock said, "We also have got to help them."
Much of the problem the past three games has been penalties: The Wings played shorthanded a combined 35:24 against the Sharks and Ducks and had to kill off eight penalties against the Kings.
While Zetterberg and Datsyuk highlight the Wings' offensive problems --
Datsyuk is averaging nearly 19 minutes a game and Zetterberg 20. It's hard to think they aren't going to break out of their slumps at some point.
"We're doing the same stuff as we did last year, but the puck hasn't gone in," Zetterberg said. "I think we just have to keep doing the stuff and we're going to score some goals. I'm not worried about him, and I don't think he's worried, either."
Sore Wrist May Attribute to Scoring Woes
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 21, 2006
On the eve of the Detroit Red Wings third straight loss on a four game road trip, and fifth straight game in which star forward and expected offensive leader Henrik Zetterberg has not contributed to the teams scoring, CBC’s Drew Remeda, on Hockey Night in Canada’s “Satellite Hotstove”, said that Zetterberg had been seen nursing his left wrist again at practice prior to Saturday’s match. Reports are that it was wrapped during practice and that trainers were tending to it after practice.
Zetterberg’s left wrist has been bothering him since the 2004 playoff series against
A few days later he had this to say,” The wrist hasn't felt this good in a long time. It feels even better than it did before. I just hope it stays like it is right now. I don't feel anything, so the doctor did a good job."
If the wrist has become aggravated again, it may need another cortisone shot to relieve the pain. But, it could be an indication that the problem is worse than earlier expected and might require surgery either after the season or when Henrik can no longer play in pain. If he can’t be productive with a nagging wrist, perhaps its best to opt with surgery early and have him back in the lineup for the playoff push. Either way, the organization needs to find a way to help Zetterberg improve his game. Without him equaling or surpassing last year’s 39 goals and 46 assists the Red Wings making the playoffs might be in jeopardy.
“OH” for the Last Seven!
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, October 28, 2006
When will Henrik Zetterberg get his next point? Quite possibly tonight on the road, against the St. Louis Blues, the team which Zetterberg has had the most success against in his three seasons in the NHL. He has ten goals, twelve assists, and a +19 in 17 games against the division rivals.
The Red Wings have won two games in a row against tough Western Conference leaders, the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars, but would still love to see their star forward get it going offensively. Zetterberg has gone pointless in seven straight games now, and has just two goals and an assist in ten games this year. He is third on the team in shots on goal with 28, just two behind team leader Johan Franzen. Eventually, a few more of the shots are going to go in. And for Henrik, they usually do against the Blues.
At his current scoring rate, Zetterberg will have just sixteen goals and eight assists in 82 games this year. However, he is likely to break out of his slump and go on a scoring streak soon. Expect to see him end this season around his career average of .78 points per game, which would still be a disappointment. Most are hoping that Zetterberg will perform at point-per-game pace.
Zetterberg Needs Shooter on his Line to Break Out of Scoring Slump
By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, October 31, 2006
When one of his forwards was in a scoring slump last season, Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock had a cure that usually worked: He'd put him on Henrik Zetterberg's line for a couple of games.
So what does Babcock do now, when his best forward, Zetterberg, has gone eight games without a point?
"Put Sammy on his line,'' Babcock said Monday, referring to winger Mikael Samuelsson, who's ready to return from his shoulder injury. "Hank's got to have a shooter on his line, someone's got to shoot it in the net.''
Zetterberg has been centering a line with skilled rookie Valtteri Filppula and defensive forward Kris Draper. Babcock is pleased with their performance, saying they've helped the team win three consecutive games, but he believes Zetterberg needs a finisher like Samuelsson flanking him.
Zetterberg didn't go more than three games without a point during his breakout 2005-06 season. The longest drought of his NHL career was an 11-game point-less streak during his rookie season in 2003-04.
"Last year was my best year, so this year when you're not scoring, it kind of gets into your head. Last year is in the past," Zetterberg said. "This year, I haven't started good. You just need to keep playing, do the right things out there and believe in yourself. You don't want to think about it too much because then it's going to be in your head.''
Zetterberg is determined to make sure his offensive struggles don't affect his defensive play.
"The worst thing to do is start cheating (on defense), you just have to keep playing well in all parts of your game and the goals will come,'' Zetterberg said.
Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom believes teams are defending Zetterberg more closely after his 39-goal, 85-point season.
"I think they're trying to not give him as much space with the puck, trying to get on him quicker,'' Lidstrom said. "We know if he gets time with the puck he can make plays for us.''
Said Babcock: "We love it when they focus on him because if they got their best guy playing against him, it's a great matchup for us.''
Only Johan Franzen and Mathieu Schneider have taken more shots (32 each) than Zetterberg (31).
"I think he can shoot a little bit more, not look for that extra pass,'' Lidstrom said. "But, I think he's playing well with the puck.''
Nobody is concerned about the slump. It's just a matter of time before Zetterberg breaks loose. His occasional linemate, Pavel Datsyuk, also got off to a slow start but has picked it up with two goals and four assists in the last four games.
"It's like anything, you start feeling good -- your legs and your hands -- and the puck starts going in,'' Babcock said.
Pointless Streak Ends at Nine Games with Late Goal and Assist.
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 2, 2006
It was just a matter of time for Henrik Zetterberg, who hadn’t scored a point in nine NHL games. Finally, Zetterberg broke his scoreless streak by putting a puck in the net on his fifth shot of the game in a 2-1 win over the Black Hawks Thursday night in
Zetterberg was noticeably one of the best skaters on the ice tonight, finishing the game with a career-high eight shots on goal, with five in the third period. He had several great scoring chances troughout the game, including hitting the post in the first period. Boucher made a couple of good saves on shots off of Zetterberg’s stick, keeping the Red Wings star forward from having a career game.
The goal is Zetterberg’s third of the season, the assist just his second, giving him only five points in thirteen games. That puts him on pace for just nineteen goals and thirteen assists and only 32 total points in 82 games this season. His previous career lows are fifteen goals in 61 games in an injury shortened 2003-2004 season, in which he still managed to finish with 43 total points. Hopefully, tonight’s multi-point game puts Henrik on a hot streak, in which he can bring his numbers up to closer to a point-per-game average.
Zetterberg ends drought, leads Wings to 2-1 win over Blackhawks
By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, Friday, November 03, 2006
For the number of scoring chances Henrik Zetterberg had Thursday, he could have easily picked up more than one goal and two points.
But, he's not greedy. He'll gladly take his third-period goal and assist and go home happy. And so will his Detroit Red Wings. Zetterberg not only ended his surprisingly lengthy nine-game scoring drought, he also helped the Red Wings extend their winning streak to five games with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the pesky Chicago Blackhawks at the
"I would be lying if I said it doesn't feel good to score again," Zetterberg said. "It's tough when you're not scoring, but just continue doing the right things and it'll come."
Zetterberg's last points (goal, assist) came during a 9-2 win over
"He doesn't have to score to be good, yet he wants to score and we need him to score," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "But, I really believe struggling doesn't kill you, struggling just makes you stronger. As long as you're winning, if a few guys are struggling it's not the end of the world. We'll fight through and be better people and players for it."
Babcock juggled his lines much of the final two periods, replacing Kris Draper on Zetterberg's line with more offensive-minded players like Robert Lang, Tomas Holmstrom and Jason Williams.
It paid off at 3:09 of the third period, when Zetterberg swooped into the slot and fired in a loose puck past goaltender Brian Boucher to tie the game at 1-1. Tomas Holmstrom's hard work and persistence around the net made it possible.
"I didn't want to miss that, kind of an open net," Zetterberg said. "Homer did a great job there, kept the guy away from the puck, and it was just laying there for me."
"I thought Homer stayed at the net and drew all the crowd and Hank fired it in," Babcock said. "We weren't as intense around their net as we should have been. You got to bear down. Boucher's a good goalie and he was battling like crazy."
Lang scored what proved to be the game-winner at 6:19, firing a shot between the skates of defenseman Adrian Aucoin and past Boucher. Brett Lebda's rush and drop pass to Lang made it possible. Zetterberg drew the second assist.
Zetterberg created some scoring chances the first two periods, none better than his wrist shot from the slot that rattled off the goal post with 3:07 to play in the first. He also broke in alone on Boucher during a power play midway through the third period but was denied.
Winning Despite Scoring Little
By Helene St. James, Free Press, November 4, 2006
The Red Wings have strung together five victories without producing much offense, a tribute to a defense that's establishing itself as one of the best in the NHL.
Henrik Zetterberg scored for the first time in 10 games against
Zetterberg, who took five shots in the third period, also had an assist. He didn't fail to score for lack of trying throughout his drought. Zetterberg's slump was noticeable because he set such a high standard last season, when he never went more than three games without a point. But in all fairness, slumps aren't unusual.
"It's going to happen again. In all likelihood, it might happen longer," Osgood said. "He's a great player. He’s leading our team good this year. He's going to be great. He was our best player in the playoffs last year. That's more important than if he's having a little drought right now early in the season. There’s not a burden on him. He’s not going to win by himself!"
Goal!
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 4, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg scored his second goal in as many games, 8:45 into the second period of tonights 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Joe Louis Arena in
Prior to the past two games, Zetterberg had gone nine consecutive games without recording a point. He now has four goals and two assists with a +5 and fourteen penalty minutes in fourteen games this season. He is on pace for 23 goals and 12 assists in 82 games this year.
Zetterberg Takes Three game Goal Scoring Streak Rivalry Game
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 10, 2006
After going nine points without a point, Henrik Zetterberg has now scored a goal in three straight games, giving him a team leading five goals in fifteen games so far this season. He got his latetst goal, a shorthanded tally, 2:57 into the third period of a 3-0 shutout over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. On an Oiler’s power-play, Zetterberg raced down center ice and took a pass from Niklas Lidstrom, fired on net, but his initial shot was blocked. He picked up the rebound, spun around in the left face-off circle and zipped a second shot past
The Redwing’s have a huge game against division their division rivals, the Nashville Predators tonight at the Joe Louis Arena in
Zetterberg now has five goals and two assists with a +6 this year. He is still only on pace for 27 goals and just 11 assists in 82 games this year.
Zetterberg’s longest career goal scoring streak was six goals in five consecutive games during March of last season.
Canucks Vs Wings:
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 14, 2006
It was touted as a battle of two defensive minded teams. It was also a matchup of two teams that rely on the success of their Swedish players for victory. The Vancouver Canucks count on scoring from their top offensive linemates Daniel and Henrik Sedin and perennial leading goal scorer, team captain, Markus Naslund. Coming into tonight’s game Henrik Sedin leads the Canucks with sixteen assists and eighteen points. Their top defenseman is fellow countryman Matthias Ohlund.
The Red Wings look to Captain Niklas Lidstrom, and leading goal scorer Henrik Zetterberg for leadership. Up to this point, Lidstrom leads
The Wing’s Swedes answered just 1:28 into the third period. Lidstrom held the puck in the offensive zone on a clearing attempt and made a perfect tape to tape pass from the blue line to Zetterberg, who was all alone down low and just to the right of Canucks goalkeeper Roberto Luongo. Realizing he had time, Zetterberg patiently held onto the puck and skated out in front of the net, forcing Luongo to dive across his crease out of desperation. After drawing the goalie to the ice, Zetterberg lifted a beautiful backhanded shot into the top corner of the net. The go-ahead-goal made it 2-1,
Zetterberg has two goals in two games against
The tally was yet another third period clutch goal. Zetterberg’s last four goals have come late in close games. The Red Wings went on to win 3-2 on a short-handed goal by yet another Swede, Johan Franzen.
Heads-up Play Results in Short-handed Goal for Wings
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 18, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg made a heads-up play and then made a good argument, resulting in a short-handed goal for the Detroit Red Wings in a 4-3 shoot-out loss to the Oilers tonight in
Early in the game, on an Oilers power-play, Zetterberg carried the puck into the offensive zone on a short-handed 2-on-1 with center Kris Draper. Zetterberg used some swift stick-handling to draw
Zetterberg later took a bad hooking penalty, down by a goal, late in the third period and was a -1 in the game. The match was tied after five minutes of overtime and went to a shoot-out where Zetterberg had a chance to win it for
“Just a couple of inches on the wrong side (of the post), It’s too bad,” said a frustrated Zetterberg after the game.
Raffe Torres scored the winning goal for
Through nineteen games, Zetterberg has six goals and three assists. His next assist will be the 100th in his career. He now has 181 career points, tying former Red Wings Captain Danny Gare for 62nd on the teams All-time scoring list.
Zetterberg Signs Autographs for Charity
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 21, 2006
Detroit Red Wings star forward Henrik Zetterberg was on hand at Hockeytown Authentics in
One fan in attendance was Heather Nodello (pictured with Henrik), who traveled to Troy from Canada for the chance to see Zetterberg, or “Zetta” as she calls him, who she has been a huge fan of since his second NHL season.
“He was super nice to everyone and very personable,” said Heather.
Hank Needs to Get the Blues
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 23, 2006
After having gone nine games without a point last month, Henrik Zetterberg rebounded early this month with four goals in five games. But, now Hank is back on a three-game goal-less streak and the Detroit Red Wings are win-less in the last three games as well. Zetterberg’s team leading six goals, is the tied for the lowest total by any of the 30 NHL teams scoring leaders. Rick Nash also leads the Columbus Blue Jackets with just six goals. Henrik is on pace to score only 25 goals and just 12 assists in 82 games this year, after compiling 39 goals and 46 assists in 77 games last season.
One way for the Swedish star forward to get it going would be to have a huge game Friday, at home in Detroit, against the division rival St. Louis Blues. Zetterberg has had good success against the Blues in his four-year NHL career, having tallied 10 goals and twelve assists for 22 points in 18 total games. He is also a +18 in those games. Zetterberg is due to have a breakout game this season, and especially against
The Blues sit at the bottom of the division and are 3-7 in their last ten games. The Red Wings and Zetterberg need to have a big game and get the Blues.
Zetterberg “Gets the Blues” with Goal and 100th Career Assist
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, November 24, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg usually has a productive game when he faces the St. Louis Blues. Tonight was no different. He had a game tying goal and his 100th career assist, his 4th of this season, on Niklas Lidstrom’s game tying power-play goal 11:43 into the third period of a 3-2 shoot-out loss tonight at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Lidstrom’s goal came on an across crease pass from Pavel Datsyuk, after he picked up a rebound of Zetterberg’s booming shot from the point.
Earlier in the game, Zetterberg got his team-leading 7th goal of the season, tying the match 1-1, at 4:03 of the second period, when Jason Williams made a nice pass down to Henrik, coming in front of the Blues net, in the midst of three
Henrik also helped kill a critical penalty late in the game, when Kris Draper was called for tripping with 1:43 left in the third period in a tie hockey game. He finished the penalty-kill in over-time as the only Red Wings forward for 16 seconds of 4-on-3 action, stealing the puck in
Zetterberg now has 11 goals and 13 assists for 24 total points and is +19 in 19 career games against the Blues. Tonight’s goal and assist give him 83 goals and 100 assists in 238 career games. He is now 61st on the Red Wings All-time scoring list, just three points behind Kirk Maltby.
Wing’s Corner, Eurotwins Unite
By Helene St. James, Free Press, December 5th, 2006
Forwards Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk practiced with Mikael Samuelsson. Zetterberg and Datsyuk have in previous seasons played together to great success, but aside from a few sparse shifts here and there, this season they've only been paired on special teams.
"We understand each other so well," Datsyuk said.
Both are producing below the standards they set last season, with Datsyuk at 15 points and Zetterberg 14. "I think we can help each other out," Zetterberg said. "Pavel is the guy I've played with the most with in my career over here, so I think that's going to be a little bit easier to play with him again."
The two are close friends off the ice and are known to teammates as the Eurotwins. Apparently, Zetterberg the Swede and Datsyuk the Russian have a special way to communicate. "We understand each other so well. We speak in a hockey language," Datsyuk said.
Struggling Zetterberg, Datsyuk on Same Line
Ted Kulfan, The
In an attempt to get Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk going offensively, they'll be on the same line tonight when the Red Wings face the St. Louis Blues.
Datsyuk, in particular, has struggled this season with only 15 points (three goals, 12 assists) in 25 games. Zetterberg leads the team with eight goals, but his 14 points ranks only fifth on the team.
Wings coach Mike Babcock put Zetterberg and Datsyuk on the ice together during Friday's 3-0 victory over
Zetterberg, Datsyuk nets goals in 5-1 win
By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, December 6, 2006
Before Tuesday's game, Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock expressed some frustration over the lack of production this season from his two star forwards, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.
"You see how many minutes they play?'' Babcock said. "The power play hasn't been as good, but they're on it, aren't they?''
Both are well off their scoring pace from last season. And Babcock can't explain why.
"I don't know the answer to that,'' Babcock said. "But, I know to be successful in this league, your best players have to be your best players. You have to find a way for them to be the best players and help them do that. And yet, they have to take some onus on themselves to do it as well.''
When Babcock paired them together Tuesday for one of the few times this season other than special teams, they responded. Zetterberg scored his team-leading ninth goal and Datsyuk ended a 15-game goal-scoring drought with just his fourth goal as the Wings defeated the St. Louis Blues 5-1 on a night when Brett Hull had his No. 16 raised to the rafters at the
Zetterberg opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 2:34 on a pass from Datsyuk. Datsyuk made it 2-0 at 4:22 with his first goal since Oct. 27 in
"Pavel is the guy I played with the most in my career, so it's a little bit easier to play with him,'' Zetterberg said. "We play the same kind of style. When it works, it works good.''
After 26 games, Zetterberg still has only 15 points and Datsyuk just 17. And they won't necessarily be together long.
"Why don't we just play them together all the time? Because they both want to play center,'' Babcock said. "Tonight, they worked it out on their own. I don't know who was playing center most of the time.''
Now that Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk are back on the same line, at least temporarily, Babcock said it's up to them to decide who plays center and who's at left wing, opposite Mikael Samuelsson. Usually Datsyuk plays center, but on Tuesday, it was mostly Zetterberg.
"It's not that big a deal for us," Zetterberg said. "The guy who's first in your own end plays center."
Datsyuk said he's perfectly willing to let Zetterberg play center.
"Now I don't need to back-check, Hank back-check," Datsyuk said. "That's very nice."
Hank Scores Two in Classic Rivalry
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, December 9th, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg played over twenty minutes (20:40) and had a career-high nine shots on goal, allowing him to score two of the Detroit Red Wing’s power-play goals, in a 5-1 victory over “Original Six” rival Toronto Maple Leafs, at the Joe Louis Arena on Saturday night.
Hank scored what ended up being the game-winning goal on the power play with 2:44 remaining in the first period. Coming in from the left face-off circle, Zetterberg beat Maple Leaf’s defenseman Ian White to the loose puck and banged it in off of the right pad of
Henrik’s 2nd goal also happened with the man-advantage when he circled from behind the net, around to the left side of the crease, picked up a rebound off of Tomas Holmstrom’s attempt from in front of the crease, and lifted a back-hander over the legs of Raycroft. This tally came with only two seconds remaining in the second period, giving
After two goals on six shots in two periods, Zetterberg had three shots on goal in the third, and may have had more chances to get his first career hat-trick had the contest not started to get a little nasty. Coach Mike Babcock decided to keep his star player off the ice towards the end of the game.
“The way the game went, a lot of hacking and whacking at the end. Sammy had two and Z had two and you would like to get them three, but I just didn’t think it was worth it to have them out there,” said Babcock.
Despite not getting the third goal, Zetterberg was named the 1st star of the game, with his two- goals, including the game winner, on a personal-best nine shots. This was one of his top ten best career games to date.
Due to the NHL’s scheduling system, the old school rivals don’t get to see each other more than once every year or two. Many long-time fans and players would like to see the sechedule re-adjusted to allow for classic rivals to face each other more frequently. It certainly wouldn’t bother Zetterberg. He has only played three games against
Zetterberg leads the Red Wings with 11 goals. He has just six assists in 28 games so far this year, and is on pace for 50 points this season, with 32 goals and only 18 assists. Currently, he ranks 60th on
“The Enforcer”- Zetterberg is leading the team in another statistical category you would not be expecting him to be: penalty minutes. With the Wings lack of grit, Zetterberg’s non-stop effort style of play and tenacious back checking has drawn him 28 PIM in 28 games, four more than Kris Draper and Mathieu Schneider. He is only one minor penalty away from his career high 30 PIM, and it is only two months into the season. At this rate, he will have 82 PIM this year.
Zetterberg Scores Game Winner Against
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, December 27, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg scored the game-winning goal and the Detroit Red Wings took five of six possible points in a three game regular-season “series” against the Minnesota Wild. Zetterberg had two goals and an assist in the three consecutive games against
Henrik’s game-winning goal came 4:03 into the second period, giving
With tonight’s goal, Zetterberg is now tied with Daniel Cleary for the team lead with 14. He is on pace to score 32 goals. However, he has only 9 assists, nearly half-way through the season, and at the current rate would have a career-low 21 assists and only 52 points this year.
Goal, Assist, a Penalty, and +4 for Henrik as Wings Defeat Jackets
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, December 28th, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg had a career high +4 (plus/minus) while scoring a goal and an assist on the road tonight, in the Detroit Red Wings 7-4 come-from-behind victory in a see-saw battle with thier divisional rivals, the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Zetterberg was on the ice for four of
Zetterberg Extends Point Streak to Six Games with a Heads-Up Play
By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, December 31st, 2006
Henrik Zetterberg extended his point streak to six games and the Detroit Red Wings defeated the Los Angeles Kings 6-2 at the Joe Louis Arena on this New Years Eve in
In tonight’s game, Zetterberg had the first assist on fellow countryman Tomas Holmstrom’s first period goal, giving the Red Wings a 1-0 lead. On the play, Pavel Datsyuk stole
Zetterberg was a +3 (plus/minus) in the game and is a +7 in the last two games, giving him a +15 so far this season.
Henrik Zetterberg Feature
Fox Sports West, December 31st, 2006
Fox Sports West ran a second intermission feature on the Red Wing’s Swedish Sensation during the King’s game. Here is the transcript:
Back in 1999 the Detroit Red Wings made Henrik Zetterberg of
He has looked smooth on the ice since he made it into the NHL. But now in his fifth year, Henrik Zetterberg is more comfortable than ever before, which is not a good sign for goaltenders around the league.
“I think I am more calm now than I was when I got over here the first time, you know. So, to come here from
It also helps to have Pavel Datsyuk on your team:
“Well, I think we like to play the same kind of style. We like to pass the puck. We kind of have the same thinking when we are on the ice. It’s fun.”
His on-ice moves can be dazzling, and Zetterberg credits that to another sport he has played his entire life:
“In the summer I played soccer and in the winter I played hockey. And it’s almost like it was the same team, you just have the puck in the winter and you have the ball in the summer. We had a lot of fun.” Says Zetterberg. “I think soccer, you have to be really quick on your feet, and I think that’s true in hockey, you have to be quick. In hockey, it’s a faster game, but if you look at a really good soccer game, they are really fast too. The movement of the ball and the movement of the puck, I think it is something there, but I don’t know what.” “Most of the team, they play two-touch before the game. We always have battles. You can warm-up your body and also you hve fun.”
Along with fun, Henrik provides leadership this season in a new role.
“It’s an honor to be an Assistant Captain in the Detroit Red Wings. You can’t say no to that, you know. It’s unbelievable. And hopefully I can be the leader too, that they want me to be, and just learn from that too. It’s not east to come in and just be a leader. You just get used to being one, and hopefully be here for a long time.
