April 2008 Zetterberg Fan.com

“It was an all-world goal”

www.cbc.ca, April 30, 2008

It should be played on a loop at hockey camps all this summer. Any two hockey players out there who want to be in the NHL some day should get the tape of the Detroit Red Wings' fourth goal in Game 3 on Monday against the Colorado Avalanche.

They should put the tape in the machine, watch and learn. What happened on the tape won the Red Wings another game against the Avs, putting them up 3-0 in the Western Conference semifinals.

It was a highly unique goal, scored by Red Wings sensation Henrik Zetterberg. On the power play, Zetterberg started off near the blue line and fed a pass to Pavel Datsyuk along the boards. Zetterberg moved behind the net and accepted another pass from Datsyuk, then quickly gave it back.

Then, Zetterberg moved to the other side of the net and accepted another, longer pass from Datsyuk in the left corner.

This time, Zetterberg passed the puck into the net behind Jose Theodore. 4-2 Wings at that point, and Detroit holds on to take the game 4-3.

"It was an all-world goal," Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville admitted.

Wings One Away from Sweep after Picking Up Road Win

By Helene St. James, Free Press, April 30, 2008

Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg teamed up to bring the Red Wings within a victory of a second consecutive trip to the Western Conference Finals.

Datsyuk scored twice and Zetterberg once and the two combined for five points to lift the Wings over the Avs, 4-3 Tuesday night at Pepsi Center to give Detroit a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinal.

“They’re so good at finding each other,” captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. “They’re both have good speed when they’re coming, too, so they’re backing their D off, and even one-on-one they’re so good, too. The way they’re able to find each other with passes, I think Pav found Hank in that back-door play on the power play, just a tremendous pass. They’re able to find each other all the time out there. They’re really tough to defend when they play like that.”

The Avs, feeding off a strong start, managed to kill off one Detroit power play, but Zetterberg and Datsyuk struck on the second, with Datsyuk grabbing Zetterberg’s pass even as the Avs tried to break it up and firing it past Jose Theodore, at 12:14.

“We’ve been playing together many games and you run a few plays during the year and sometimes it works and it did today,” Zetterberg said.

With 1:09 left on that juicy power play (2^nd period, four minute double minor on Peter Forsberg), Zetterberg and Datsyuk struck again; Zetterberg passed out to Datsyuk from behind the net, then snuck back out front and angled Datsyuk’s return pass into the far corner, demonstrating yet again how intuitively the two stars read each other.

“They’re elite players coming into the prime of their careers,” Babcock said. “They have great will and determination and that to me is what separates you from being a regular player to being a star, is how much drive you have, and how much heart and how much passion you have. They’re elite in that way. I thought they were magic throughout the game but even better in the third period – every time something went wrong, they went out and turned the game in the right direction for us.”

Zetterberg Leads Wings to Game 3 Win Over the Avalanche

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 29, 2008

Game three of the second round match up between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche was supposed to be about Avalanche forward Peter Forsberg’s series debut after missing the first two games with a sore groin. Instead of the home-team’s Swedish superstar shining, it was one of the Wing’s super-Swedes that came up big. Henrik Zetterberg had the game-winning power-play goal and an assist in Detroit’s 4-3 victory in Colorado, giving them a 3-0 series lead.

Zetterberg’s game-winner came at 12:24 of the second period with Forsberg off the ice with a four minute high-sticking double minor. From behind the net, Henrik sent a pass to linemate Pavel Datsyuk along the right-wing boards. After dishing the puck, Zetterberg slipped around the net, left unguarded on the open side of the crease. Datsyuk returned the puck with a crisp and precise cross-ice pass that Henrik buried behind Av’s goalie Jose Theodore from a sharp angle. The goal made it a 4-2 game and was Zetterberg’s third tally in three straight games against Theodore, giving him three goals and two assists for five points in the series. It was also Hank’s 20^th career playoff goal.

Earlier in the game, Zetterberg had assisted on a power-play goal by Datsyuk. Zetterberg now has five goals and four assists for nine total points and is a +7 (plus/minus) in nine games this post-season.

Henrik’s twenty career playoff goals and fourteen total assists place him one point shy of tying Doug Brown for 25^th place on the Red Wings all-time playoff scoring leaders list.

Zetterberg, Datsyuk earn Selke Trophy nods, but who has a better shot?

By Helene St. James, Free Press, April 26, 2008

That comfort stems from how strongly Datsyuk and Zetterberg play in their own end, a skill that now has achieved wide-spread recognition: The two, along with New Jersey's John Madden, are finalists for the Selke Trophy as the league's top defensive forward, the NHL announced Friday. The winner will be announced June 12.

Teammates wouldn't declare one better than the other.

"Pick a night," said Kris Draper, who took the trophy home in 2004. "With what they do at both ends of the rink is, to me, something so impressive. I think that's something that we're fortunate that our best players are our best players night in and night out. That's what makes us such a good hockey club. They almost will this team to victory with the way they play."

Datsyuk and Zetterberg combined on a dazzling goal in Game 1 to help the Wings take a 1-0 lead into today's Western Conference semifinal game against Colorado. Datsyuk didn't practice Friday because he said he was still recovering from illness; Tomas Holmstrom also didn't practice. Coach Mike Babcock said there were no injuries and the only lineup change would be putting Brad Stuart in for Andreas Lilja.

Zetterberg has been known as a defensive player since he entered the NHL, but Datsyuk always has drawn more notice for his offensive prowess -- until this season. Though Datsyuk's 66 assists (second in the NHL only to Sharks forward Joe Thornton's 67) speak to his skill in the offensive zone, his NHL-best 144 takeaways trumped the runner-up by 58. Datsyuk also topped the NHL with a plus-41 rating.

"It's a little bit more easy to concentrate on defense when you play with defense like we have," Datsyuk said. "But this year, I think I have good season playing left wing. It's good to be nominated. I'm happy."

Datsyuk credited hard work and lessons learned from hockey savants like former Wing Igor Larionov for his success. He also laughingly explained he likes being Zetterberg's left winger because it means less back-checking -- something Zetterberg confirmed.

"That's my middle name, back check," Zetterberg said. "Every time the other guy has to back check a little more, he always mentions that to the other guy."

It's easy for Zetterberg to understand why Datsyuk led the league in takeaways.

"I think he's good on his skates, is strong and has good balance," Zetterberg said. "He waits (until) the right second all the time, too. I think players don't realize that he is that close to them. He's really sneaky."

The versatility of the two stars is why they log the most minutes among the forwards.

"I like it when your best players are great defensively because you can play them against anyone," Babcock said. "When you're hiding your best players offensively because you're scared of them in defensive situations, they don't get to play the minutes that they should."

Babcock said he "wouldn't vote for either one of them myself, because I'd be scared to. I couldn't pick that."

Zetterberg said "it's going to be fun to see how it will all end up" but also said he's rooting for Datsyuk.

Wings' Datsyuk, Zetterberg recognized for defense

By Ansar Khan, Mlive.com, April 26, 2008

Mike Babcock is relieved that writers, not coaches, vote for the Selke Trophy. It spared the Detroit Red Wings coach the quandary of having to choose between Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.

"I wouldn't vote for either one of them myself because I'd be scared to, I couldn't pick,'' Babcock said. "They're both real good players.''

Their offensive wizardry gets them on highlight shows. Now, Datsyuk and Zetterberg are finally getting some league-wide acknowledgment for their play without the puck. For the first time in their careers, both were named finalists Friday for the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward.

"It's a lot of demand on them, to come back and play defense, but they're in such good shape and they're such great skaters, they manage to find a way to do it offensively and defensively,'' teammate Chris Chelios said. "It was just a matter of time before they got the recognition.''

The Colorado Avalanche is facing, in this second-round playoff series, the same dilemma all Detroit opponents deal with: Datsyuk and Zetterberg's defensive abilities allow Babcock to match their line against the other team's top line without any worries. With Peter Forsberg (groin) highly questionable for Game 2 today at Joe Louis Arena, and Wojtek Wolski (upper body) likely out for the series, Colorado's new top line of Ryan Smyth, Paul Stastny and Milan Hejduk will be seeing a lot of Zetterberg and Datsyuk, whose club leads 1-0.

"The most underrated part of the game is how people play away from the puck,'' Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote said. "They'll come back on the back-check hard, they'll strip guys, that's a strength of theirs.''

There is no better puck thief in the league than the sneaky quick Datsyuk, whose 144 takeaways were 58 more than Dallas' Mike Modano, who was second in the NHL.

"I don't have explanation, I think it's just hard work,'' Datsyuk said.

"He's so good at reading when to strip the player from the puck, not letting the player know he's there,'' Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "Some players will slash or try to get the puck before they have the chance to get it, but he'll wait until he knows he can lift the stick and get the puck. He's so quick with his hands.''

Zetterberg was already a strong defensive player when he entered the league in 2002-03. It took Datsyuk a few years to develop that part of his game. He credited Igor Larionov's tutelage, and Lidstrom's leadership. And just being stronger physically.

"It's more confidence, more experience, more learn from Nick every time in practice,'' Datsyuk said. "Never stop, never give up, just lots of hard work. If you play more offense you don't have to play (as much) defense.''

Kris Draper is a workout addict. But he said nobody can compare to Datsyuk.

"He's probably the only guy in this dressing room you have to tell to back off a little bit, that's how hard he works,'' Draper said. "His takeaways are ridiculous, how he does it at such a high speed. Not only does he get the puck, but the next thing you know he's going the other way. Not too many players can do that.''

Zetterberg comes close. Many are surprised it has taken voters this long to realize it.

"I always thought it was fun to play good defense. I really take a lot of pride in it,'' Zetterberg said. "To be recognized as a nominee for the Selke is a great honor.''

Playing center most of the time on the line with Dastyuk and Tomas Holmstrom, it's Zetterberg's responsibility to be the first player back on defense. Zetterberg was told Datsyuk said he enjoys watching his linemate have to back-check harder.

"I know he does. That's my middle name, Back-check,'' Zetterberg said. "He always mentions to the other guys I have to back-check more.''

Datsyuk said he was "surprised'' to be a Selke finalist. New Jersey's John Madden, who won it in 2000-01, is the other nominee. The winner will be revealed at the NHL Awards Show in Toronto on June 12.

"It doesn't matter who wins, I'll be happy just by nomination,'' Datsyuk said.

Babcock echoed those sentiments.

"What makes them special is they believe they can out-will you,'' Babcock said. "To me, that's what the playoffs are all about.''

Two of a kind

By Ted Kulfan, Detroit News, April 26, 2008

Basic arithmetic dictates it's rare any one of the 30 teams in the NHL will have one of the three finalists named for any of the major post-season awards. Well, the Wings have two finalists for one award. Furthermore, they're linemates.

The last time teammates were finalists for the award was the 1995-96 season, with Red Wings Sergei Fedorov and Steve Yzerman . Fedorov won that year.

"Both me and Pavel take pride in that (defensive play), and to be recognized for it, it's a great honor," Zetterberg said. "We're real proud of it."

Said Datsyuk, who also has been named a finalist for the Lady Byng Trophy: "It's fun. I'm happy for both of us."

And that's just how Wings coach Mike Babcock views them: as a tandem.

"I couldn't pick (between the two)," Babcock said.

It's not often an excellent offensive player can be trusted on defense. But Datsyuk and Zetterberg, who led the Wings in scoring with 97 and 92 points, respectively, are exceptions.

"You can play both of the guys in any situation and feel good about it," said Kris Draper , himself a former Selke winner.

Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Madden Named Selke Finalists

By TSN.CA Staff, April 25, 2008

Detroit Red Wings' forward Pavel Datsyuk has a chance to pull off a rare double on NHL Awards when the league revealed that he, along with teammate Henrik Zetterberg and the Devils' John Madden are the three finalists for the Frank Selke trophy.

The award is handed out annually to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. Datsyuk was also nominated for the Lady Byng trophy awarded for sportsmanship and gentlemanly play.

This is Datsyuk's first Selke nomination, the Russian led all NHL players in plus-minus with a career-best +41 rating, topped all NHL forwards with 144 takeaways, 67% more than his nearest rival (Dallas' Mike Modano, 86) and ranked first among Red Wings forwards in blocked shots (42). The Red Wings posted the top defensive record in the NHL with 184 goals-against.

Teammate Zetterberg also received his first nomination for the Selke. The Swede led Red Wings forwards in average ice time per game (22:04) and ranked second to Datsyuk among Detroit forwards in plus-minus with a +30 rating. Zetterberg led the Red Wings in face-offs taken (1,210) and was second on the club to Kris Draper in face-off winning percentage (55.0%).

This is John Madden' fourth Selke nomination; he captured the award in 2000-01 and was runner-up in 2002-03 and 2003-04. Madden led Devils forwards in shorthanded goals (three), average ice time per game (19:26) and average shorthanded minutes per game (3:35). He ranked
seventh among NHL forwards in face-offs taken with 1,463 and posted a 53.7% face-off winning percentage. The Devils posted the top defensive record in the Eastern Conference and fourth in the NHL overall with 197
goals-against.

The winner will be announced Thursday, June 12 during the 2008 NHL Awards Television Special in Toronto.

Zetterberg Scores Twice, Lifting Red Wings to 3-1 Win Over Predators in Game 1

The Canadian Press, April 10, 2008

The Detroit Red Wings called it a fortunate play. The Nashville Predators claimed it was questionable call.

The end result was a tiebreaking goal by Henrik Zetterberg at 6:54 of the third period that helped Detroit to a 3-1 victory over Nashville on Thursday night in Game 1 of their first-round series.

Officials ruled Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk prevented Shea Weber from clearing the puck, setting up the goal that made it 2-1.

The Predators said the play should've been negated by an offsides call.

Datsyuk made a cross-ice pass from the left circle to perfectly set up Zetterberg's one-timer that hit the back of the net before Dan Ellis could slide over or get his glove on it.

"We cleared the puck and it look like it hit the linesman and came back in," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said. "I looked at it again on replay and from my judgment, it looked fairly clear.

"Usually in that situation, the linesmen or the referee blow that to not give an unfair advantage."

Zetterberg said the puck stayed in the Nashville zone, but did acknowledge getting a break.

"I think it was a lucky bounce," said Zetterberg, who added an empty-net goal with 19 seconds left. "I think it hit the ref and went straight to my stick.

"That's the kind of bounces you need in the playoffs. We had them with us tonight."

Zetterberg has Career Year with New Personal Best Marks;

Helps Lead Redwings to President’s Trophy

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 8th, 2008

The Detroit Redwings finished the regular season on Sunday with a 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks giving the Wings 115 points for the season. The Wings won the Presidents Trophy for best record in the league with a 54-21-7 record. They will face the 8th seeded Nashville Predators on April 10th, in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Red Wings star forward Henrik Zetterberg had his best NHL season ever, finishing the year with career highs: a team-leading 43 goals, 49 assists, 92 points, and a +30 in 75 games. He surpassed his previous season marks of 39 goals, 46 assists, 85 total points, and +29 in 77 games of the 2005-2006 season.

Zetterberg finished fifth place in the league with 43 goals; Washington's Alex Ovechkin was the runaway leader with 65. Zetterberg's 92 points ranked sixth and his plus-minus of 30 is fourth. Zetterberg also had a team-high 16 power-play goals, good for seventh in the NHL, and 358 total shots, second only to Ovechkin's 446. All five of the players who scored more points than Henrik this season played in all 82 games.

With his career high 43^rd goal of the season, Henrik Zetterberg passed Bruce McGregor for 20^th place on the Red Wing’s All-time goal-scoring leaders list.

With five complete seasons and 355 regular season games played in the NHL, Zetterberg now ranks 24th on Detroit’s All-time scoring leaders list with 332 points (152 goals and 180 assists).

Zetterberg’s linemate Pavel Datsyuk had a team best 66 assists and led all Redwings with 97 points in 82 games.

With President’s Trophy Clinching Goal,

Zetterberg 20^th on Detroit’s All-time Goal Scoring List

By Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com, April 4, 2008

Henrik Zetterberg scored his career high 43^rd goal of the season, passing Bruce McGregor for 20^th place on the Red Wing’s All-time goal-scoring leaders list, with the game-winning tally ,as time was winding down in Detroit’s President’s Trophy clinching victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Zetterberg’s 7^th game-winning goal of the season came with just 12 seconds remaining in a 2-2 game. From behind the net, Henrik put a back-handed shot off of the back of Columbus’s goalie Pascal Leclaire. The net-minder was scrambling to get back in his crease after being unable to play the puck just outside of the trapezoid behind the net. Zetterberg recognized that Leclaire was out of position and made a smart play, shooting it into the back of the goalie’s legs.

"He had trouble getting back and I just tried to hit him and it hit his behind and went in," Zetterberg said.

The goal ensured the Wing’s of at least their 112^th point of the season, guaranteeing them of the top seed in the NHL throughout the playoffs.

Henrik’s team-leading and career best 43rd goal this season is the most by a Red Wing since Brendan Shanahan had 46 in 1996-97. Zetterberg is now tied for sixth in league scoring with 92 total points. (43 goals and 49 assists).

Hank’s point in last night’s match gives him a nine game point-scoring streak with seven goals and seven assists since March 16th against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Five of the goals and two assists are in the last four games against Columbus during that stretch including a third period “natural” hat-trick on March 19^th.

With just one regular season game remaining, Z is still on pace to finish with 43 goals, 50 assists, 93 points and a +30 (plus/minus). His previous career highs are 39 goals, 46 assists, 85 points and a +29 in 2005-06.

If he scores one more goal in the final game of the season, Sunday versus Chicago, Zetterberg will pass Ray Sheppard for 19^th place in Detroit franchise history.