“He’s playing aggressive, he’s getting in there and taking over the play right now. He’s carrying the puck, he’s got his room, he’s skating well. When you got him and Pavel (Datsyuk), a one-two punch going that fast and that good, it’s unbeatable.’’
-Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi (on Zetterberg’s play and statistics improving late in the season). March 22nd, 2010
“Z’s played way better here of late, does way more battling, skating way better.is that due to (new linemate Valtteri Filppula), or is that just the determination of Z?’’
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg’s play and statistics improving late in the season). March 22nd, 2010
"It was like a playoff game,"
-Henrik Zetterberg (On going head-to-head and shutting down Penguins Star Sidney Crosby.) March 22nd, 2010 after
"I knew it was him without turning around. I think the puck was there somewhere. We were battling. I don’t know if (
“He was a bit (pissed) and gave me seven or eight cross-checks in the back in the final seconds of the game. When the final whistle happened, I had enough and had a little scrap with him. But then, of course, (Jimmy Howard) came in and rescued me. (laughing) I saw Jimmy coming in with his glove and
-Henrik Zetterberg (on Sidney Crosby cross-checking and slashing at Zetterberg’s back, and then getting face-washed by Wing’s Goaltender Jimmy Howard after the buzzer sounded to end the game.) March 22nd, 2010 after
“He does that stuff all the time. Somehow he gets away with it. Z doesn’t take any of that. He went right back at him, and I stepped in there, too.’’
-Red Wings Goalie Jimmy Howard (on Sidney Crosby cross-checking and slashing Zetterberg several times in front of the Red Wings net.) March 22nd, 2010 after
“Always when you play against a good player, it’s fun, because it’s not just defense, you play a lot of offense, too. It’s a good battle, and I think we both enjoy it.’’
-Henrik Zetterberg (On going head-to-head with Penguins Star Sidney Crosby.) March 22nd, 2010 after
"We're doing a good job as a five-man unit. We have to minimize his ice, be on him all the time. He’s a good player when he has the puck. The more you play against him, the more you get used to playing against him.’’
-Henrik Zetterberg (deflecting credit for containing Sidney Crosby) March 22nd, 2010 after
"He competes hard. We both do. We have pride in our games. A lot of guys play you tough. There are a lot of guys who don't have Rafalski and Lidstrom back there."
-
“This is the way we like it. It’s loud. Every time we go on the ice, the crowd is with you and helping a lot. It was like a playoff game and it was fun to play.’’
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the playoff type atmosphere at the Joe Louis Arena in
"Hopefully that will happen."
-Red Wings star Henrik Zetterberg said with a grin. (On the Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins only chance to play again this season being in a third straight Stanley Cup final between the teams.) March 22nd, 2010 after
-Henrik Zetterberg (on scoring game-winning goal against
-Nicklas Lidstrom (on Zetterberg’s nine shots and +3 effort against Canucks) March 20th, 2010.
"No one is challenging himself more than Z is. These are proud guys. They know how good they're capable of being. He wants to be that good every night. We tried to give him as much help as we could tonight with linemates. (Filppula’s) a good passer, we just felt that might be a good situation for him. Good for him. He's got to feel good about himself, and that's real important.''
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg contributing a goal and two assists in a 5-1 victory against the
"You always want to contribute and help the team win. I haven't really been doing that like I have the last few years. When you're going through a slump, you just have to keep going, shoot the puck a little more and work a little harder, do the little things right and, hopefully, it will turn. I always put pressure on myself. I try not to care what other people are saying. You just have to believe in yourself and keep going and do the best you can.''
-Henrik Zetterberg (on having just 18 goals and 53 points, and being tied for 42nd in the league in scoring this late in the season.) March 12th, 2010
"After getting back from the shoulder injury, it's been better. After the Olympic break I felt good. I just have to get more points on the board to help the team win. I don't really count chances, but I've had enough to where I should be able to score some goals. I've had my chances. I haven't been executing, haven't been scoring the way I can. There is nothing I can redo. It's a lot easier when you're scoring goals. When things aren't going well, you start thinking. You wonder why nothing is going the way it should."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on having just 18 goals and 53 points, and being tied for 42nd in the league in scoring this late in the season.) March 11th, 2010
"If it was that easy I would be playing better."
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked if he can get back to his old level of production before the Wings run out of time.) March 11th, 2010
“It's not been a fantastic season, for sure. It's something that I'm not happy about. You can't look back, you just have to keep going. I got 16 games left. Just got to work hard and do things right."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on having just 18 goals and 53 points, and being tied for 42nd in the league in scoring this late in the season.) March 11th, 2010
“There's been a number of things, injuries and all those things, but I can't deal with that now. All I can deal with is what we got right here in front of us, and we need (Zetterberg) to be better. In saying all that, that doesn't mean carry the weight of the world around on your back. It just means dig in and find a way to do better and compete harder. And hopefully as a coach I'm giving him the players he needs to help him out. We know (Filppula) is not going to shoot it. Maybe Z will shoot it (with) Cleary at the net."
- Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg needing to improve offensively to help the team make the palyoffs.) March 11th, 2010.
"Lilja made the pass and it was just a race for the puck between me and the 'D. I had Luongo bite on the fake and then I me and the 'D,' just tried to hit the net.”
“It (200th goal) should have come earlier with the kind of players I play with and the team I'm on. I don't think it's that big of an achievement to get 200 goals at this point."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on scoring career goal Number 200 in his 487th career game in a 6-3 loss to the
"So all of the sudden, Jayna (Hefford) has this weird look on her face. I'm like, 'What?' She said, 'He just walked in.' I turned around and he was there. I was pretty shy to ask because I don't want to bother those guys."
-Team
“It’s pretty awesome just to be among everyone here tonight. It’s been a great night seeing everyone…pretty good players! Mats Näslund was from the same town as me, and obviously Peter (Forsberg) was a big idol, too, and to have been able to play with him in a few tournaments has been great.”
“The Russian players were my big idols and to be here and see them all is very special. It’s been great to meet them and shake their hands. Of course, I’ve also played with Igor (Larionov). I didn’t know who all the members of the Triple Gold Club were, but now that I see them, I’ve realized how special it is to be a part of it.”
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on having exclusive membership in the Triple Gold Club and meeting with former idols at the induction ceremony in
“The
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the difference between winning the
“It’s special both winning the
“It is fantastic, and I still have a chance to win more.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on winning both with Swedish/ Detroit Red Wings teammates Nicklas Lidstrom, Tomas Holmstrom, Niklas Kronwall, and Mikael Samuelsson.) February 22nd, 2010.
"I think this is when the tournament really started. We wanted to have a good game, a 60-minute game and we did. We're looking forward to the quarterfinal now."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on
"For us this rivalry is bigger than
–Henrik Zetterberg (on
“He still has the magic in his stick and really good eyes. It’s a pleasure to play with him.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing on a line with Swedish Legend Peter Forsberg, in
“I feel I can play better. I know I have to do more. I think both me and Pav feel pressure. It's real important we get on a good streak here and get some points, because we need them to get into the playoffs. Me and Pav know we have to step up."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on both Pavel Datsyuk and himself struggling offensively) February 6th, 2010.
“The assistance we receive from fire departments throughout the state and the work they do is tremendous. I am proud to, once again, be part of such a worthwhile cause. Our fans have been very supportive of this program and with all of us working together, we can help get smoke detectors into the homes of those in need.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on, for the fourth year, serving as the Spokesman for Smoke Detector Awareness) January 22nd, 2010.
"That's who's been coming through all year (role players). We wouldn't have any wins if it wasn't for those guys. It's not like our big guys are scoring like crazy. It's been a team thing all year long. Because our power play's been like it was tonight again, just stagnant and standing around a lot, we need those guys.
- Red Wings coach Mike Babcock (on Datsyuk and Zetterberg not producing as expected.) January 21, 2010.
"It's not just Pav, it's the same for me. But there's no excuses. It doesn't matter if we have players injured or not, we should be able to create chances and score some goals. We just got to be more assertive when we get the chances."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on slumping despite being reunited with Pavel Datsyuk on the top line since returning to the lineup after missing eight games with a separated shoulder) January 20th, 2010
"Being back with Pav and Tommy, they're two guys I've been playing most games in this uniform, so of course it will help a little bit. I'm going to do my best to do everything tomorrow."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being reunited with his old linemates Pavel Datysuk and Tomas Holmstrom upon his return from missing eight games with a separated shoulder) January 7th, 2010
"It's really tough. It's never fun to be injured, especially when the team is losing. That makes it a lot tougher."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on missing eight games with a separated shoulder) December 30th, 2009.
“I never been through this many injuries on one team in one year. Nothing you can do, just have to battle through it. When we call come back we’ll have a strong team.’’
-Henrik Zetterberg (on all of the games missed by key players due to injuries this season.) December 18th, 2009.
“It was a clean hit. I reached for the puck instead of going for his body, and he made a good hit. Next time I won’t do the same thing.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on a hard shoulder-to-shoulder open-ice check by Tampa Bay Lightning Defenseman and fellow Swede Matthias Ohlund that knocked Zetterberg out of the game.) December 16th, 2009.
"That was unfortunate. I'm not trying to hurt anybody. I like to play hard."
-Tampa Bay Lightning Defenseman Matthias Ohlund (on a hard shoulder-to-shoulder open-ice check that knocked fellow Swede Henrik Zetterberg out of the game.) December 16th, 2009.
“He’s got a shoulder problem. He got hit and then he fell on his shoulder. He’s probably upset with himself. He shouldn’t have got hit like that. But, what do you do?’’
-Red Wing’s Head Coach Mike Babcock (on a hard shoulder-to-shoulder open-ice check by Tampa Bay Lightning Defenseman Matthias Ohlund that knocked Henrik Zetterberg out of the game.) December 16th, 2009.
"In those situations, there's always a lot of bodies in front of the net, and if you shoot from behind the net, most of the time it will hit someone. I just was hoping it would hit somebody and one of our guys would put it in, but it went straight in off (Blues defenseman Barret) Jackman.''
-Henrik Zetterberg (on flipping the puck in front of the net on his backhand from behind the goal line to tie the game with less than a minute remaining.) November 29th, 2009
“When no one can figure out what’s going on, they say put Pav and Z back together. I’ve talked to Pav and Z, we’ve gone through it. We think this is the best way to allow our team to win. We’ve talked a ton about (mixing up lines), because you say to yourself, ‘Why would you stay (the same). What we do is go through the scoring chances, go through the game. Z said to me, '(Ville) Leino’s giving me so many opportunities, we got to put one in the net.’ We just got to break the bubble and stay with it. If we weren't playing, if we weren’t working, we’d change everything. But we don’t feel that’s the case. We just got to keep our attitude good and keep banging away. If you start forcing stuff, that erodes your structure. You don’t want that. Just keep playing.’’
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock (on not re-uniting Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg on the top line when the team in struggling to produce offense.) November 28th, 2009
“(I) know what (Thanksgiving) all about now. It’s a big holiday here. I like the atmosphere, watching the parade. And the turkey is getting better and better.”
“I’ll pick (father) up at the airport. He’ll probably be pretty tired, so we’re going to stay home and watch some football. I didn’t know anything about football the first time I came here, but now it’s fun. I watch football every Sunday, especially the Thanksgiving games.’’
-Swede Henrik Zetterberg (on Thanksgiving traditions) November 25th, 2009
"I had a lot of chances. I think I had five shots in the first (period) on one shift," he said. "I've just to keep going. I got two nice passes from Clears (linemate Dan Cleary) and they ended up in the net. It was nice to finally get some."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his three goals and two assists in a 7-4 win over the
""He's playing as good as he ever has right now. Shift after shift he's out there against the other team's top line. Z just kind of took it over tonight. He's been playing really strong for us of late and he had some chances early. He stuck with it and he really came through when we needed him the most."
-
“Any time we're playing the players in the League who are dominant players, whether it's (
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg’s three goals and two assists in a 7-4 win over the
“Obviously a clean (hit). (Smiles.) Just in the heat of battle, whichever guy is deserving at that point. There's not really one guy. I'd most like to get a good lick on every one of those skilled players, the slimy ones you think you have lined up but they get out of it somehow. I've never seen Pavel Datsyuk or Henrik Zetterberg get hit hard. I want to know how to get one of those guys.
-Manny Malhotra,
“You have to be confident, otherwise you might as well not shoot. That’s a new move. I haven’t really tried it before. Just sometimes you have to try something different and it worked tonight.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on emulating Pavel Datsyuk's backhand-to-forehand deke to score on Shark’s netminder Evgeni Nabokov in the shoot-out) November 6th, 2009
“It was a huge honor to have a chance to play with him, especially in (his) last few years. I sat next to him in the locker room. I learned a lot from him on and off the ice. He always gave it his all, he was a huge inspiration for me and I will always remember him. I think he always showed (leadership) on the ice. He was never big on speaking, but when he said something, everybody listened, and it was always the right words. He always stepped up when we needed him in big games, whether the situation was defense or offense, he was always able to come through.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on Steve Yzerman’s induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame) November 5th, 2009
“I'm not saying Datsyuk and Zetterberg are Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden and will never win another
- John Buccigross, ESPN, (on Datsyuk and Zetterberg not being considered amongst the NHL’s elite players.) October 22nd, 2009.
"That's a pretty huge honor. That's something I will remember forever. It's a great feeling. It's huge. No one deserves it more than him. As I've said before, he's our best player night in and night out. It's a lot of fun to be able to play with him for a few years."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on deflecting in a shot-pass by Red Wings Captain Nicklas Lidstrom, giving Lidstrom his 1000th career point.) October 16th, 2009
“I was looking to make a shot-pass to Hank and it was a perfect deflection by him.”
-Red Wings Captain Nicklas Lidstrom (on getting his 1000th career point by assisting on a goal by fellow Swede Henrik Zetterberg.) October 15th, 2009
“I thought it was good, he answered the challenge and I thought he got stronger as the game went on. When you miss training camp, you have no legs. It doesn’t matter what you do or how much you rode the bike. So, it’s very important for them to get their legs. They can’t contribute offensively like they will once they get their legs. Now Z’s got to get to another level. That’s just the bottom line.”
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg’s play to start the season.) October 15th, 2009
"We've got to score some goals. We had a few chances. I should have had at least one or two today. It's not just finishing off, you have to be a little more desperate when you have your chances. You've got to put them in. Otherwise, you will not score now. I had a few chances I should have put in. Just have to go back to work again and make sure we score next time."
"It's early. The first two games we didn't play well. The last two we were better and tonight (a 6-2 loss to
-Henrik Zetterberg. (on not scoring a goal in the first six games of the season) October 14th, 2009
"It's tough when you miss training camp. Missing training camp makes great players good and good players average."
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock. (On Zetterberg missing nearly the entire pre-season due to a strained groin) October 3rd, 2009
“It was cool! It was the first time the fans have cheered me so much in (Lofbergs Lilja Arena in
-Henrik Zetterberg. (on scoring a goal and an assist in an exhibition game against the Swedish Elite League Chamlions) September 30th, 2009
"It's not going to be a vacation, that's for sure. We are going to have to do a lot of things while we are there. At the same time a lot of family and friends are going to be coming to the game and you want to spend some time with them. You also want to spend some time with teammates, too. We don't have time to do it all."
-Henrik Zetterberg. (on opening the 2009 season with two games at
"I would say the Red Wings could be the second national team back home. People are really fired up for this. We have a lot of fans back in
"A lot of people back in
-Henrik Zetterberg. (on opening the 2009 season with two games at
"He gets back to
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock. (on Zetterberg’s sore groin healing in time for the season opener at
"It's Zetterberg who is probably the most famous of the Wings in
“In our city, and in our county, he is more than a rock star. People here just call him Zata. That's all. He is very, very famous. Hank is the king there and Emma the queen."
-Christer Jonasson of Swedish Radio, (on Zetterberg’s celebrity status in
"You learn to live with it, but sometimes, yeah, you wish you had a little more privacy."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on his celebrity status in
"Yeah, when Homer was growing up it was the '60s. I was able to watch NHL games on television."
-Henrik Zetterberg (joking about veteran teammate Tomas Holmstrom, who couldn't watch NHL hockey games on TV when he was a kid growing up in Pieta, Sweden. The only hockey games shown in those days were Swedish National team games. September 25th, 2009
"When you are in a game you want to play as much as possible. If a coach wants you to play less minutes, he knows it's not popular with the player but it might be good in the long run. Players want to play as much as possible."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on Coach Mike Babcock wanting to reduce top line players minutes.) September 24th, 2009
“Depth is going to be key. I can’t be playing (Henrik) Zetterberg and (Pavel) Datsyuk 22 minutes a night. I’m going to have to play them 18 minutes a night. You can’t continue to play that amount of hockey and ask your guys to play as hard with this kind of schedule.”
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock. (On top line players minutes in a compacted schedule due to the season opener in
"Now I'll probably be the setup guy a little bit more. That's what happened last year when I didn't play with Pav (Datsyuk) as much."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing with new linemates this season.) September 18th, 2009
"I think we've been doing it in other ways in
- Henrik Zetterberg, (on the need to jump into Twitter to connect with his fans.) September 10th, 2009
"I don't think the summer is short. I would rather play hockey than work out in the gym. It would be tougher if summer was longer. You have your two or three weeks to take off. You have plenty of time to go back and see family and friends. I don't want summer to be any longer."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on shortened summers after making the Stanley Cup Finals two years in a row) September 3rd, 2009
"Everyone has to do their job. You are always going to lose some players and you are going to get some new ones. The good thing with this organization is that we lose guys but we find guys that replace them. There won't be any problem with production."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on making up for the lost production of Marian Hossa, Jiri Hudler and Mikael Samuelsson.) September 3rd, 2009
“Both, I have won two and you can not choose between them.”
-Henrik Zetterberg, (when asked if he would rather win the gold medal at the Olympics or the Stanley Cup this season.) August 5nd, 2009
“Few countries have won the Olympics back to back. It will be tough, every country will have their best players there. It will be a real challenge, all players will have to perform at their best and be injury-free, of course."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (On
"As long as I play away from (
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on his 12 year contract to play the remainder of his career in
"I don't think it makes me more responsible, maybe because I already have great responsibilities, I've had more and more as each year has passed. So I don't think it will be much of a change as to how many responsibilities I had last year."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on the responsibilities of his new contract). August 2nd, 2009
“Yes, I have done it, ha ha. It was tough afterward but you have to try to take away the unfortunate parts and still remember the positives, that we went all the way there and played well. Now it's also closer to the season than that, so it's a little easier."
"We had been going on and played so long and fought so hard, so when you fall on the finishing line, it's clear that you [came up] empty. And now I've been on both sides, so I know how it is to win a final and how it is to lose, and the last is nothing I ever want to experience again.
-Henrik Zetterberg, (On recovering from the difficult Stanley Cup Final loss in the decisive seventh game) August 2nd, 2009
"Everyone sat mostly by himself, then left, mostly going home to their families and friends. But exactly what was said and what we did, I won't say. It should stay there."
_Henrik Zetterberg, (on what the players did in the dressing room after the Stanley Cup Finals loss) August 2nd, 2009
"Lidstrom’s goal, I remember the most. Then the last 30-40 seconds, when we get the puck from our own zone, I look up and realize, hell, we have won the Olympics. And I see the guys in the stands get up and rejoice. Look I get goose bumps still. It was a thing you want to experience again."
-Henrik Zetterberg. (On what he remembers about winning the Olympic Gold Medal in 2006.) July 2009
"Well, it's nothing that bothers me. It is a role I am used to playing in
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on stepping forward and leading the Swedish Olympic team.), July 30th, 2009
"I know it means a lot to (the Swedish players). It's a unique experience."
-Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland. (on opening the 2009 season with two games at
"It's going to be a great atmosphere, especially after (2008’s
--Henrik Zetterberg, (on opening the 2009 season with two games at
“Yeah, in Timra they talk about Zetterberg. He’s like a big role model for all of those young guys.”
- Red Wing’s Swedish prospect Jesper Samuelsson who plays for Zetterberg’s old team Timra in
"I think that's one thing you should do.”
"I think you should do it after a series, shaking hands. I think it's disrespectful. I don't know the reason he didn't do it, but I hope he has a really good one."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on Pittsburgh Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby snubbing Red Wings Captain Nicklas Lidstrom in the traditional hand shake line after the Stanley Cup Finals). June 15th, 2009
"It's tough, that's the way our lives are. You don't have that certainty. You don't know really what's going to happen next year. With the cap world now, you can't keep everyone you want. Players have to find their spots to play in too. It's sad, but you will always remember the players you played with. You'll always bring that with you."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on roster changes following Stanley Cup loss) June 15th, 2009
"I'm disappointed! But we still have a good team. It's going to make us stronger. We've got a great group of guys here that are going to be around for a number of years. The future looks good."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on losing the Stanley Cup Finals) June 15th, 2009
"You'd rather not look. It's tough. We've been in both situations. I'd rather be out there celebrating. It's a long year. You focus so long. You go this far and you can't win it. This is a new situation for me. You always learn. Last year we made it. This year we came real close. We just have to refocus and come back next year."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on losing Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals on home ice) June 12th, 2009
“It’s great for fans to get Game 7. We know they will be behind us all the way and it’s going to be an exciting night.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on
"Sid is going to get his points, but it's just a matter of limiting the damage and Henrik has done just that. The thing I love about Henrik is that he not only has talent but incredible will. Will is what is driving Henrik Zetterberg against Sidney Crosby and will is what gets our defense going against their top players. The Zetterberg-Crosby battle has been a tremendous matchup and Henrik continues to show why he's one of the best two-way players in the League. In Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, I think we have two, if not the best two, two-way forwards in the game," he said. "And that's why we're able to do what we do."
-Detroit Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland (on Zetterberg winning his match-up with
"He comes back at you shift after shift. He's not going to back down or let you take over. That's one of the things that makes him so hard to play against, because he'll play like that defensively. But when he has the puck, he's going to hang onto it and make plays. He's one of those guys that's going to show up every night."
-Future Hall of Fame defensman Nicklas Lidstrom (on Zetterberg’s tenacity) June 1st, 2009
"He's one of the best all-around players in the league, the way he can play at both ends of the ice. He's hard to play against. He's not going to give up. He's going to be close to you all the time."
-Future Hall of Fame defensman Nicklas Lidstrom (on Zetterberg’s tenacity) June 1st, 2009
"He is always competitive. You see that every time he is out there. He's trying to stay calm out there, but he keeps coming at you shift after shift. He's not going to let you take over."
-Future Hall of Fame defensman Nicklas Lidstrom (on Zetterberg’s tenacity) June 1st, 2009
"Z always does everything. He's our leader and will be for years to come.
-Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood (on Zetterberg’s game) June 1st, 2009
"Z is one of the best both-ways in the league. He's doing tremendous job this series. He's a smart player, always in the right position."
-Red Wings forward Marian Hossa (on Zetterberg’s play in the
"I believe he has a will tank deeper than anybody I've ever been associated with. As much as all the other attributes he has, to me, that's his greatest one. His drive train is fantastic.”
"Z didn't have a big-time year (regular season). But this is his standard right now."
- Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg’s will) June 1st, 2009
"You see when he's dead tired, he's still working to get back defensively. I just look at that and try to take a piece of it, how hard he works. I definitely respect what he does, putting up points and shutting down top lines as well."
-Detroit Red Wings rookie Darren Helm (on Zetterberg leading by example) June 1st, 2009
"There was something special with him, silent, looking down, but there was just hockey in his eyes. He was a step further even (compared) to the players that had a lot more experience."
-Christer Jonasson, Swedish Radio, who has covered Zetterberg since he was 18. (on his early days playing for Timra IK in
"Well, you know, we've been able to get more goals than them."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on why the Red Wings are won games 1 and 2 against
"I think (Maxim)Talbot goes after Ozzie (Chris Osgood). I saw (Evgeni) Malkin come around the net and we started scrumming. I think in the playoffs and finals like this, there is a lot of emotions, a lot of feelings. When you get scrums that's the way it is. It should be a lot of feelings, and nothing more than that."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on his first ever NHL fight, versus Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins.) May 31st, 2009
"Great athletic ability, great anticipation, great timing; that's why, for me, he's as MVP as anybody in this league. Zetterberg's just so smart, his ability to anticipate where the puck is going...because he is not a great skater. He's just too intelligent for anybody else trying to fool him in this league."
-Mike Milbury, NBC Analyst, (on Zetterberg's ability to shut down
"Usually when you're playing a matchup, for me personally, you see a more defensive guy who's not quite as dangerous offensively, but he's proven he's strong at both ends.”
-Pittsburgh Penguins star forward Sidney Crosby (a backhanded complement, on going head-to-head with Zetterberg) May 30th, 2009
“Last year, we played a lot of minutes against each other, and it was for sure a challenge. If it's going to end up being that this year, I'm looking forward to it. I think he has the complete package now. He's scoring goals, making plays and he's working hard on both ends of the ice. You know, he's their leader. If you watch the highlights, he's been scoring some goals."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on facing Sidney Crosby for the 2nd straight Stanley Cup Finals) May 30th, 2009
"I think Hank is the best two-way player in the game. He was last year, too. It's not like he's done it once or twice. He keeps doing it over and over again, regardless who he matches up against. For him to try to eliminate the other team's best player is the key matchup."
-Detroit Defenseman Niklas Kronwall (on the way Zetterberg matches up with opponents) May 30th, 2009
"If they go head-to-head for a long time, if it goes six or seven games, you know there's going to be some bad blood."
-
"I was so proud. He went toe-to-toe with Sidney Crosby and showed the grit and toughness of European players."
-Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch (on Zetterberg’s performance in 2008 Stanley Cup Finals) May 30th, 2009
"
-Head Coach Mike Babcock, (on comparing Zetterberg and Sidney Crosby) May 30th, 2009
"I've always believed that when you line him up against a guy in a series, he'll wear him out. And, to me, that's leadership! I'm proud to be his coach. He's made me a better coach and he's made his teammates better as well."
-Head Coach Mike Babcock, (on Zetterberg’s performance in 2008 Stanley Cup Finals) May 30th, 2009
"They are two of the best players in the world. Strong. Skilled. Very productive. I think they'll be extra excited about trying to face us again. They'll be a handful the way they've been playing. I'm more confident, definitely. I'm ready, no matter what assignment my line gets. I look forward to the challenge."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on facing off with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin of the
"The first thing on my mind is that great players aren't judged on one play, one series or even one full season or career performance. It's all about lifting the
-Henrik Zetterberg (on what it means to win a
"Yeah, I think I said, 'I've won a gold medal and a
-Henrik Zetterberg (on a quote he made after winning the Cup in 2008) May 29th, 2009
"The fact that Z relishes shutting down the other teams' top lines, when almost every other team in the league will put a defensive centerman in that role, that says a lot about him. He's not concerned about numbers. He loves the challenge, and we have to follow. I mean, if Pavs and Z do it, who is anyone else not to do it?"
-Linemate Dan Cleary (on Zetterberg’s dedication to playing defense) May 19th, 2009
"You don't pay that much attention to what the critics say. You can contribute so much more than just scoring goals. When you play against a really good offensive line, you will create turnovers and get your chances too. The key is playing your defense first. As for goals, it doesn't really matter individually."
"It comes from the top, and Stevie (Yzerman) was the perfect example. He always took care of his own end first. The first year here, you don't get an opportunity to play offense. You start on the defense and earn your minutes that way."
"Scoring goals is probably a little bit more fun, but the chance to play against good players and keep them from scoring is fun, too."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on a defense-first mentality) May 19th, 2009
"I was more shocked having two of them (5-on-3s) in a Game 7. Hank was great on it and Pavel is snake-bit, but he was great defensively. Hank must have had five, six blocks and he's our star player. We kind of built off that.''
-Goalie Chris Osgood, (on Zetterberg’s ability to kill 5-on-3 penalties against the Anaheim Ducks in game 7) May 14th, 2009
"I said to Z on the bench, 'That's why you're the best!' What can you say,
-Red Wings forward Dan Cleary (on Zetterberg’s ability to kill 5-on-3 penalties against the Anaheim Ducks in game 7) May 14th, 2009
"We worked hard. We did that all seven games. Small things are going to decide if you win or lose. You will deserve your luck and we had it on our side today.''
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on defeating the Anaheim Ducks in game 7) May 14th, 2009
"He seems to get better as the intensity picks up and the importance of the games (increase). He's tireless out there. He'll have a long shift and come off the ice but be right back out there the next shift and have the legs again. He's very strong on his feet."
-Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom, (on Zetterberg’s endurance) May 12th, 2009
"He's a relentless player, he's coming at you full-force every shift and he's working hard in the offensive zone and defensive zone. He's the poster child of how we want our forwards to play, work hard at both ends of he rink. And when you combine the amount of skill he has with that, you're going to have a lot of success.''
"It's special types of players that can accept those challenges. I think he sees it as a personal challenge to want to outplay and outwork whoever it is he's faced off against. He works hard and battles hard. You don't see that a lot from guys with his amount of skill."
-Detroit Defenseman Brad Stuart (on the play of Henrik Zetterberg) May 12th, 2009
"Z got tremendous puck control. Maybe he's not the heaviest or biggest player in the league, but he knows how to protect the puck. It's extremely hard to take the puck from him because he's always leaning and it's hard to reach and steal the puck from him. What he does best is he goes by the wing and he can take the D and the forward with him, so he's got two players on him and he still can make the play and (find) somebody open, which is unbelievable. He outsmarts an opponent."
-Red Wings forward Marian Hossa (on Zetterberg’s offensive talents) May 12th, 2009
"It is a challenge, but that's been my natural role ever since I was young; play good defense and it leads to offense. Five-on-five, maybe I'm more defensive-minded, but then I still get a lot of minutes on the power play, so you have time to play offense, too."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing a two-waya game) May 12th, 2009
"It's always fun to play against the other team's best players. It's something that is a challenge for me and I enjoy doing it. (Getzlaf) brings it to another level because he's so strong and so good with the puck. The reach he has, especially when they're in your end, it's real good. He can shoot it, pass it, deke you, too. So you have to be ready for it."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing against Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks) May 12th, 2009
"That's what makes them the players they are; their desire and determination. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don't want to push yourself, if you don't want to play better, if you don't want to lead, then you're not going to be as good a player as you could be. I think you're seeing with these two players that they want to win, they want to produce and when they don't they're upset with themselves.''
-Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger (On Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk) April 30, 2009
“Zetterberg is the son of a coach. He’s got a mind like that. He leads like that. In timeouts, when you are going for a power-play; he’s he guy talking. When you got a five-on-three penalty-kill; he’s the guy talking. He sees the game differently than a lot of people. “(Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk) are confident people. They know how the game is supposed to be played. They are always looking for new and better ways. They can teach you a lot if you are willing to listen. Zetterberg, over the years here, has done that!
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock, April 29, 2009 (NHL Live interview)
“The arena is four minutes from my mom and dad’s house. Me and Freddie (Modin) always go to the summer hockey school and skate with the kids. We’re there pretty often. I looked up to him growing up, didn’t know him that much.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the recently renamed “Modin and Zetterberg Hall” in
“Hard to believe, watching now, that folks once questioned the toughness of European players. Here is Henrik Zetterberg, digging in the corners, smashing opponents into the boards, frustrating defenders with his uncanny ability to hold onto the puck.”
-Shawn Windsor, Detroit Free Press, April 18th, 2009 (Game 2 vs
"Not as great a cheater as ... we have better ones out there.''
-Henrik Zetterberg (referring to Kris Draper, when asked how good he was at cheating on face-offs) April 18th, 2009
"I'm surprised (Zetterberg) can read! Pavel (Datsyuk) probably read it to him.''
-Teammate Kris Draper (on being surprised that Zetterberg had read a book, by former linesman Ray Scapinello, that called Draper “the biggest faceoff cheater he had ever seen.”) April 18th, 2009
“I understood him, but some of my friends here in the dressing room didn’t. So I had to translate, English into English.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on teammate Pavel Datsyuk’s poor English on a TV Commercial) – April 2009
"It amazes me to see a professional athlete like Henrik Zetterberg being so committed to the safety of his local community members year after year. I have personally seen the difference these smoke detectors can make and I am proud to associate the Southfield Fire Department with the Detroit Red Wings and Henrik Zetterberg once again."
- Fire Inspector and Investigator Michael Albo. (on Zetterberg serving as the Red Wings spokesman for the team's annual smoke detector collection, which provides life-saving smoke detectors to low income families throughout Metro Detroit.) April 8th, 2009
"I am happy to again be part of such an important and worthwhile program. House fires are tragedies, but in many cases they can be prevented. My hope is that we can bring increased awareness to the need for everyone to have working smoke detectors installed in their homes."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on serving as the Red Wings spokesman for the team's annual smoke detector collection, which provides life-saving smoke detectors to low income families throughout Metro Detroit.) April 8th, 2009
"They're quiet, soft-spoken, humble guys that just go about their business."
-Future Hall-of-Fame Defenseman Chris Chelios (referring to teammates Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Niklas Lidstrom.) March 31, 2009
"I can't understand it… Zetterberg, last year, should have been a candidate.”
-General Manager Ken Holland (on Zetterberg for league MVP.) March 31, 2009
"It's starting to get a little rugged. We're playing these guys hard. Right now, that's the team to beat. It's tough games against them. Looking forward to the playoffs, to see if maybe we go head-to-head.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on going head-to-head against the league-leading San Jose Sharks) February 25th, 2009
"It’s nice to be able to afford things if you want and to be able to help loved ones if necessary. But in general, I try to live as I did previously."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being a millionaire, translated from Swedish) February 24th, 2009
"Of course I eat fries and candy. It's nothing I'm saintly about. So long as one eats properly, it is not a big deal eating crappy stuff sometimes. It's probably worse when you add it up, then you have to stop eating crappy stuff or you're going to go up a few pounds."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on eating junk food, translated from Swedish) February 24th, 2009
"It is a little vague. You can interpret that as you wish. (laughing) You're not exposing yourself to excessive risks outside the rink. But it is clear I have been on the ski slope at some point."
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked if he is allowed to ski, after being seen on the slopes, translated from Swedish) February 24th, 2009
"We spend an unbelievable amount time away from home. That is the worst part of this life. Birthdays and Christmas Eve with the family, that is what I miss most!"
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the hardest part of being a professional athlete) February 24th, 2009
"I would not like to switch places with anyone. I am incredibly grateful for everything I got through hockey and the life I live. It is clear that we live very well, have great fun, and are privileged. The (Red Wings) take excellent care of us. There are never any problems. We travel well. We live well and eat good food. But in short, the (Red Wings) demand very much from us.
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing for
“Of course, it's a lot of pressure. Playing in
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the pressure to win) February 5th, 2009
“You can't just turn it on. You have to prepare yourself. I think you do that in the games before the playoffs start. It gets tighter and tighter in the standings. Games get kind of more and more intense. So I think you automatically prepare yourself for the playoffs because the games are more like playoff games.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being able to “turn it on” for the playoffs) February 5th, 2009
“He's been a tremendous addition for us. He's one of those guys that really can turn nothing into a goal. He's a really strong skater, really fast, has a great shot. He's a great guy, too. He's been a great fit for us. Hopefully we can find a way to keep him a little bit longer.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the Red Wings signing free agent Marian Hossa) February 5th, 2009
“I like the weekends. I like the afternoon games. It’s nice to play then. I think the fans enjoy it, too. In the weekends, I think you should have more afternoon games than late night games.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his favorite time to play hockey) February 5th, 2009
"Michigan sort of reminds me of Sweden, especially today," Zetterberg said on a cloudy, 23-degree day. "I never had any thoughts of moving and I wanted to stay here, and that's what I told my agent (Marc Levine) from the start.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on considering
"I'm glad I'll be spending the rest of my career here. Since the start, the Red Wings have always taken good care of me. There are good players here and they all want to win and that's a big reason why I wanted to stay."
"That’s one of the reasons I decided to stay. I know that we’ve got good owners; that we always have a good team on the ice.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on yet another reason to play his entire career in
“Well, I think I made my decision a long time ago. When we started talking July 1st, I told my agent, Mark Levine, that I want to stay. You don't have to tell Ken (
“I wanted to find a way to make it forever and we did. I believe I still have 12 years left in me, and I don't want to play anywhere else. I also wanted to make sure these were the last negotiations taking place."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on why he didn’t test the free agent market before signing a 12-year deal with
"I came into the League and looked around the locker room and saw Hall of Famers all over. Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull, Brendan Shanahan, Nicklas Lidstrom, Chris Chelios, Dominik Hasek…You learn to keep your mouth shut and your ears open and just wait for your chance to show off your skills."
-Henrik Zetterberg, January 27th, 2009
"He's a guy we want to build around…He's in his prime, he's won a
"We watched him grow from prospect to one of the best two-way players in the game. Henrik wanted to be a Red Wing for life and we wanted to keep him."
-Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland, (on signing Zetterberg to a 12-year contract) January 27th, 2009
"I had the good fortune to play with Henrik, and from Day 1 we've had a chance to watch him play and watch him develop, really got to know him as a person. "Being in the locker room and playing alongside him, watching his work ethic and seeing his character, I knew he had what it took to be a good hockey player and a player you'd want to structure your team around. He's the type of person that we want representing our organization. Our goal has always been to keep our best players and it's very important to Henrik, who wanted to remain a Red Wing for life. That's a great reflection on our organization and our city that a player of his stature wants to remain here. We're so pleased he's going to be a Wing for the rest of his life."
-Steve Yzerman, former Red Wings Captain/ current team vice president (on Zetterberg signing a 12-year contract to remain in
"There’s more money out there if you want to chase it. You can get more money from a different organization, but you have to move and maybe you’re not in as good a situation. If you want to stay with your team and you want to remain a good team, everybody has to give in a little bit. Our players recognize it. I think the majority of players are willing to do anything they can to remain with the club."
"What I wanted to stress to him, and Niklas (Lidstrom) has gone through it as well, is that they've had great success," Yzerman said. "They've won the
-Steve Yzerman, former Red Wings Captain/ current team vice president (on Zetterberg signing a 12-year contract to remain in
"I'm real happy I don't have to do it again (negotiate another contract). I'm going to be here for the rest of my career and I'm looking forward to spending 12 more years here.”…“I’m very, very happy!”
-Henrik Zetterberg (his initial reaction to signing a 12-year, 73 million dollar deal to stay with the Red Wings) January 27th, 2009
"If Henrik played in
-Gunnar Svensson, Zetterberg's Swedish agent. (on Zetterberg’s long-term contract negotiations with the Red Wings) January 22nd, 2009
"They have to pick one guy from each team. You look at other teams that had other guys that maybe should be there. You don't have someone like Zetterberg in the all-star game, a guy that won the Cup and had success and he's having a great season again and just because they're allowed to take so many guys and every team has to be represented - not always the best players are there."
-Patrik Elias, New Jersey Devils, January 8th, 2009 (on the All-Star selection process)
"It's a pretty awesome arena here. When you come in, you run up the stairs to see how the rink looked… Of all the outdoor classics, I think this is the best setup. I think the fans are real close… It was a little different. It was nice to have fresh air in your face all the time."
-Henrik Zetterberg, January 1st, 2009 (on playing outdoors in the 2009 Winter Classic at historic Wrigley Field in
"He just has kept improving on his role and being a really good net-presence guy. He’s got really good skills and he sees the ice very, very well. It's fun to play with him because, if you're open, he'll get you the puck."
-Henrik Zetterberg, December 25th, 2008 (on team mate and fellow Swede Tomas Holmstrom)
"We know we have good players on (the power-play)...It gives us confidence to go in and do what we want and make the right plays. When you score goals, the confidence keeps growing."
-Henrik Zetterberg, November 13th, 2008
“We were a little too nice to them in our own end. We can play a little tougher there."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on blowing a three goal lead and losing 7-6 to
"I have looked forward to this day a long time, to come here and show the trophy. It feels really, really cool!" –Henrik Zetterberg (on bringing the Stanley Cup home to Njurunda and Timra
"It is true that we are engaged ... and we are pleased and happy for this.'' -Henrik Zetterberg (on his engagement to Swedish actress/singer/model Emma Andersson) August 1st, 2008
"Zetterberg and Datsyuk are extremely entertaining with the puck and their ability to score goals. They're not a rough type of hockey player. They might get the lumber up a little bit to save themselves. But as playmakers, there's none better that I've seen." –Gordie Howe, July 27th, 2008
"You want to develop, you want to be better every year, and you want to find different stuff that you become better at, and, of course scoring 50 would be awesome, I think the only Swedish player who's done it is Hakan Loob, and for sure, it would be a milestone"
-Henrik Zetterberg (on trying to improve on his career high 43 goals and possibly scoring 50) June 12th, 2008
"I think sports bring everyone together. Seeing everyone here, it's a great feeling. Great to be a part of it. Time of my life right now! This is unbelievable!"
-Henrik Zetterberg (at the
"He had a lot of pressure on his shoulders and he's a great player. He will be a great player for many years. It's a challenge to be out there against him basically every shift. It's something you will tell your grandkids when you're a little bit older."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on outplaying Pittsburgh Penguins Star, Sidney Crosby in the Stanley Cup Finals) June 5th, 2008
"Hank winning the
-Red Wing Veteran Grinder Darren McCarty (on Henrik Zetterberg) June 5th, 2008
"When I saw the puck behind the net and I looked up and it was 00:00 on the game clock, I was a pretty happy man! …It's been a long way, and it's been a long season. Especially a few nights ago at Joe Louis Arena was devastating .And we found a way to battle back.”
“It’s an unbelievable feeling you have inside right now. It’s been a long battle but we finally did it, and it was close all the way to the end. They had a real good chance with just a few seconds left. It’s unbelievable!”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on finally winning the Stanley Cup) June 4th, 2008
“The guys pushed me to it (the
-Henrik Zetterberg (his reaction on becoming just the second European ever to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Stanley Cup play-offs MVP) June 4th, 2008
"He certainly deserved it! There's no doubt he was an important player for that group."
-Pittsburgh Penguins coach Michel Therrien (on Henrik Zetterberg winning the
"He's a complete player. He played well. Obviously this series he was a big player."
-Dejected Pittsburgh Penguins superstar captain Sidney Crosby (after losing in the
"Hank and Yzie are very similar in how they play at both ends."
-Red Wings future Hall-of-Fame defenseman Chris Chelios (comparing superstar Henrik Zetterberg to the legendary captain, Steve Yzerman) June 4th, 2008
Hank's willingness to backcheck was there from the day we got him. The only thing that developed is, he shoots more and he's improved a lot offensively.”
-Future Hall-of-Famer Steve Yzerman (on Zetterberg’s development) June 4th, 2008
“(Steve) Yzerman and (Ron) Francis are the first two names that come to mind, thinking of guys I ever saw play that remind me of Zetterberg. When I played with those guys, they refused to sacrifice defense for offense. That's a trait Zetterberg has, too.”
-Former Red Wing, Hall-of-Fame defensman, and NHL analyst Larry Murphy (comparing Zetterberg’s drive and determination) June 4th, 2008
“He brings it every night. He's good in all three zones. The job he did on Sidney Crosby and Malkin, that was a key. And (Marian) Hossa. Coming into the series we knew we had to do a great job on those guys, and it really came down to our top four defensemen, Pav and Z. Z is a special player. He brings it every shift, every day, every practice, and our team follows him.”
-Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland (on Zetterberg’s play in the Stanley Cup Finals) June 4th, 2008
“It's huge to have your best defensive player be your best guy offensively, too! He's such a smart player and is always in the right spot. He doesn't get too excited. He keeps the noise down and just does his job. He’s one of a kind!”
-Red Wings teammate and fellow Swede Johan Franzen (on Zetterberg’s role on the Stanley Cup winning team) June 4th, 2008
“The last face-off, he's out on the ice, and really just taking charge. He kind of came up to me and said, 'You're taking the draw, here's how it's gonna be.' He's a true leader. What he did on both ends of the ice is unbelievable! Obviously I'm very biased toward our guys. There was a lot of talk, Crosby and Malkin ... those guys are great hockey players, and this city (
-Red Wings veteran center Kris Draper (on Zetterberg’s leadership and play in the
“Guys that are a little bit more quiet, they lead by example. That's what (Zetterberg) does.”
-Veteran Red Wing Darren McCarty (on Zetterberg’s leadership) June 4th, 2008
"Someone said to me here earlier, 'You turned your best offensive players into checkers,' I never did that. They're just very good both ways. Zetterberg and Pavel (Datsyuk) are two of the best players in the world."
-Red Wings Head coach Mike Babcock (on the play of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg in the
"He's been our best player, I think, on both ends of the ice. You see him out there killing penalties 5-on-3, and you see him at the other end setting plays from the power play. He's just that impact player. He's really excelled and got better and better as the playoffs went along."
-Countryman and Detroit Red Wings Captain Nicklas Lidstrom (on Zetterberg’s play in the Stanley Cup Finals) June 4th, 2008
"It's great to see him lifting the Cup and with the 'C' on his chest. It means so much for the team and the organization. He's bringing it every night. He's probably our best player every night.''
-Henrik Zetterberg (on future Hall-of-Fame defenseman Niklas Lidstrom, the first European born team Captain to ever lead his team to win the Stanley Cup.) June 4th, 2008
"He's meant a deal to our team. I think everybody's starting to see that. He's our best defensive guy, but at the same time, he plays in all situations. We're lucky to have him. There are not a lot of guys like him in the league."
-Red Wings defenseman and countryman Niklas Kronwall (on Zetterberg) June 1st, 2008
"Back then I didn't think too much about it. When I was 17 and he was 18, it was all about the Sedin twins (
- Red Wings defenceman Niklas Kronwall (on playing with Zetterberg on
“He acts like you can count on him every day. Just the way he carries himself in the dressing room. We look to him.He's been growing every year. He's always been a really good two-way player but now I think he's the best out there."
-Red Wings forward and countryman Mikael Samuelsson (on Zetterberg’s play) May 31st, 2008
"They're just gifted players, and when they compete as hard as they did tonight, they win a lot of battles. But, you know, I've been telling people for three years how good Zetterberg is. And so this isn't a surprise to me. He’s conscientious and a great two-way player.”
-Red Wings Head coach Mike Babcock (on the play of Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg in the
"I just put the best players out there, and Zetterberg was unbelievable. Those guys are fantastic players, obviously, and they drive the bus for us. But they're like everybody else. All of us gotta be good. Zetterberg was fantastic...”
--Red Wings Head coach Mike Babcock (on the short-handed play of Henrik Zetterberg on killing the Pittsburgh Penguins 1:26 of 5-on-3 power-play with under ten minutes remaining to preserve a 2-1 lead in game four, giving Detroit a 3-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup finals) May 31st, 2008
"Some people were saying the game before that (Pens defencemen Brooks) Orpik had one of the greatest shifts (four hits) they'd ever seen. But Z's shift on the five-on-three, if there was a defensive hat trick, you could give it to Z for that shift: he blocks a shot, takes one of the most dangerous forwards (Sidney Crosby), who's got a back-door tap-in, and ties up his stick and then he carries the puck down the ice and gets a shot 5-on-3 and kills the penalty basically by himself. He took it under control and said, ‘they're not going to score.’ And he made sure of it. The thing about Z is he may be the one guy in this league, besides Nick (Lidstrom), who can probably play a 60-minute game and keep coming at you and wear you down."
-Red Wings defenseman Brett Lebda (on the short-handed play of Henrik Zetterberg on killing the Pittsburgh Penguins 1:26 of 5-on-3 power-play with under ten minutes remaining to preserve a 2-1 lead in game four, giving Detroit a 3-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup finals) May 31st, 2008
“That’s where he stands out from other superstars in this league. He can play so well in his own end he can play on a three-on-five. You don’t see other superstars do that, not a lot of them, anyway. That’s what makes him real special.”
-Red Wings forward and fellow Swede Johan Franzen (on the short-handed play of Henrik Zetterberg on killing the Pittsburgh Penguins 1:26 of 5-on-3 power-play with under ten minutes remaining to preserve a 2-1 lead in game four, giving Detroit a 3-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup finals) May 31st, 2008
"We played good and tried to keep them to the outside and tried to be in the shooting lanes. They had a great opportunity to tie it up, and it's a challenge to play against such good players (Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Marian Hossa), especially when you're down two guys, they have a lot of room. You practice a lot on it during the year, and it's fun to have a chance to do it in a game. It was huge!"
-Henrik Zetterberg (on killing the Pittsburgh Penguins 1:26 of 5-on-3 power-play with under ten minutes remaining to preserve a 2-1 lead in game four, giving Detroit a 3-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup finals) May 31st, 2008
"It was a
-NBC's commentator Mike Emerick (on Zetterberg’s short-handed play, killing the Pittsburgh Penguins 1:26 of 5-on-3 power-play with under ten minutes remaining to preserve a 2-1 lead in game four, giving Detroit a 3-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup finals) May 31st, 2008
"I don't think he did anything out of the ordinary, besides any other guy would do on a 5-on-3.”
-Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby (on getting shut-down by Zetterberg’s short-handed play, killing the Pittsburgh Penguins 1:26 of 5-on-3 power-play with under ten minutes remaining to preserve a 2-1 lead in game four, giving Detroit a 3-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup finals) May 31st, 2008
“He knows what he wants and he knows what buttons to push. Sometimes you get real mad at him but it turns out it's the right decision. He knows how to get me mad. It doesn't happen that often, but I think I play better when I'm a little bit feisty."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing for Red Wings Head Coach, Mike Babcock) May 30th, 2008
"We are from different worlds, but it all started our first training camp. Back then we didn't have that many young players on the team. I was the youngest and he was the next youngest, and he took me under his wing. We kind of followed each other on the ice and continued off the ice.
We live about five minutes from each other…I would say I understand him pretty well. We have good conversations, let's put it that way. I think it's a little easier if it's just me and him or guys on the team. It's pretty intimidating to talk to the media sometimes, because if you say something wrong it could be all over the news."
-Henrik Zetterberg (about his friendship with Russian linemate Pavel Datsyuk) May 2008
"It was a sick (awesome) team!"
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings roster in 2002-03 when Zetterberg came into the NHL, which had future Hall-of-Famers: Steve Yzerman, Niklas Lidstrom, Brendan Shanahan, Sergei Fedorov, Luc Robitaille, Brett Hull, Chris Chelios, Igor Larionov, Dominik Hasek.) May 24th, 2008
"Who wears a suit at a hockey game?...It was fast, so, so fast, and I was like, 'Am I gonna play this type of hockey next year? I better get home and work out a little bit.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked what he thought as he watched his first NHL playoff game live at the Joe Louis Arena in 2002.)
"I had him in my Nintendo hockey game when I was a kid."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on how he first knew about Dallas Drake, his current teammate) May 24th, 2008
"You have to win to become a star, and I haven't won yet."
- Henrik Zetterberg (When asked if he ever could approach Gretzky, Sundin or
"There isn't a stronger player on his skates than Zetterberg. No one knocks him off his feet, and no forward has the kind of stamina that he has. He could still thrive playing two-minute shifts and playing the kind of 28- to 30-minute games defensemen like Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer and Nicklas Lidstrom play."
-St. Louis Blues coach Andy Murray.
"You're never going to outwork Hank, that's for sure!"
-Red Wings Head coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg’s work ethic) May 22nd 2008
"He can pass and he can shoot at an elite level. That's what makes him so difficult to stop, because you don't know what he's going to do. Seeing that kind of skill coming at you again and again makes defenders back off and creates openings for his teammates."
-Future Hall-of-Fame defenseman and team Captain Niklas Lidstrom (on fellow Swede Henrik Zetterberg’s style of play) May 22nd, 2008
"I just missed the Red Wings'
On the other hand, when I first got here we had that great team, and we lost in the first round. The next year we lost in the second round. That feeling you have after the last game of the year when you're not on the winning side, it's like, 'My god.' It's so mentally tough. So I don't know what the feeling would be like to win a Cup. But I know I don't want to have the feeling you have when you lose. It's the worst."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on what it would mean to win the Stanley Cup) May 22nd, 2008
"No offense to Sidney Crosby or Vinny Lecavalier or anyone else, but there is no better player in the NHL now than Hank. It's the fire in Hank's eyes and the passion in his belly. I've seen bigger players try to take liberties with him and he'll just stand there face-to-face and give the other guy the look.”
-St. Louis Blues goaltender and former teammate Manny Legace (on Henrik Zetterberg) May 22nd, 2008
"Henrik, he's a complete player. He's got great hands, great instincts, he's great in traffic and he really sees the ice well. Over the years I've seen a lot of great players who don't work hard enough to be better. I always tell our scouts, 'Tell me when a smaller guy shows you he can do it and when a bigger guy shows you he can't.' It's clear Henrik always plays bigger than his size."
-Red Wings General Manager Ken Holland (on Henrik Zetterberg) May 22nd, 2008
"I remember going on the ice for the first time to take a face-off at the Olympics in
-Henrik Zetterberg (on coming into the NHL) May 22nd, 2008
"Well, you know, Hank is a star…”
-Red Wings teammate and fellow Swede Andreas Lilja (joking about Zetterberg not living in the same neighborhood as most of the other Swedes) May 20th, 2008
"Hank is a bigger target of the media because of his girlfriend (Swedish TV actress). They're the Swedish version of (Soccer Star, David) Beckham and Posh (Spice Girls, Victoria Beckham).”
-Red Wings teammate and fellow Swede Johan Franzen (on Zetterberg being a star in
"We don't get followed like crazy here or back home. But she's had her own TV show, so she's known in public, too. We like being normal people. I don't go out and try and get attention. I have been handling the media in
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his and his girlfriend’s popularity in
"I don't know how to explain it. Some players just seem to be on the same wavelength a lot. Sometimes Pavel will give me a wink or nod his head ... and I usually know what he means."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the magic he and fellow ‘Eurotwin’ Pavel Datsyuk create on the ice) May 13th, 2008
“I would say, for me coming from
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his shots and goals totals increasing this year) May 12th, 2008
“It’s a unique situation for us to have this many Swedes. We know it’s not going to last forever. We have to take advantage of it.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the possibility of winning a Stanley Cup with seven Swedish teammates: Niklas Lidstrom, Tomas Holmstrom, Johan Franzen, Mikael Samuelsson, Niklas Kronwall, Andreas Lilja, and Jonathan Eriksson.) May 12th, 2008
“I have miles to go! He has brought so much to this club and to this organization, I’m not even close.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being compared to the great Steve Yzerman) May 12th, 2008
“They have the skill and they both have that determination that Stevie (Yzerman) could take to the next level. I see that in Hank, too.”
-Future Hall-of-Fame defenseman and team Captain Niklas Lidstrom (on Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg) May 12th, 2008
“He’s probably the most complete player in the league.”
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"It's just one of those things we believe in here. Your best players have to be good (all-around). You can't be hiding them. I want my best players on the ice. Partway through last year we made a point of making sure Z had the (key) matchup some nights, then Pavel had the matchups some nights and (Kris) Draper did. We said they all had to be responsible. They all had to be able to kill penalties five-on-three and they all had to take big face-offs. We just think that's the way to go. You have to be able to play against the best people. That will continue to be our philosophy."
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock (on his top players being his top defensive players) May 7th, 2008
I think ever since the start, we enjoying playing with each other. You know, from our first year, I played with Pavel and Brett Hull basically the whole year. Ever since from then, I’ve been playing with Pavel most of my games here. It’s been working great. We like to play the same style of hockey. I think Homer, you know, it’s a real great mix for us because he creates a lot of room for us and gives us that extra second to make the right play. And also he’s always in front of the goalie to screen the goalie for us. Both me and Pavel doesn’t have the greatest shot, but it makes it easier when Homer is in front.
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his chemistry with linemates Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom) May 6th, 2008
I think it’s always been part of my game. Growing up as a centerman in
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being a top offensive and top defensive player) May 6th, 2008
I would say it all started last year. We had a really good playoff run last year, and we kept the core guys. We made some great additions for this year. We’ve been playing great all the way from the start. You know, we just kept going here in the playoffs. I think the depth, you know, is a key part for the success with all the four lines. We’re playing good. But to keep doing that, we have to make the right decisions out there and play smart.
We’ve got good depth in our team. All of our lines can play against basically anyone, so it makes it a lot easier for coach to make his decision.
-Henrik Zetterberg (on having success and needing team depth in the playoffs) May 6th, 2008
“I’m playing hockey, and that’s my job. I like doing that here. It’s a great town to do that. I think I get the recognition that I deserve.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on Q. having a ‘rock star persona’ back in
“I was 5-11, but I was only about 165 pounds when I was drafted. I’m not the biggest guy now. But I was even smaller the time on my draft year. You know, I was happy that I got drafted. I didn’t speak to a lot of teams. I think it was the Red Wings and maybe one other team that showed interest. I was really surprised and happy when (Red Wings European scout) Hakan Andersson called me and told me that I was drafted. I was on vacation on the
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being a seventh-round draft pick) May 6th, 2008
"Hakan (Andersson) was trying to show me another player, but there was this little Zetterberg guy who always seemed to have the puck. He was a skinny little kid when I saw him, but I really liked his instincts."
- Red Wings Assistant General Manager Jim Nill (when asked about his first reaction to seeing Zetterberg) May 2008
“I was a small kid. But I wasn't the last kid chosen in a pickup game. I had skills and I really worked at making them better and better. I remember as a kid I always tried to not get hit and to hold onto the puck until I spotted an open teammate."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on developing his hockey skills growing up) May 2008
I don’t think we pay that much attention of what other media says or what, you know, the experts are saying. We know we have a good team and we know we got, you know, a good chance of going deep. You know, we’ve been showing that the first two rounds, that we’re a good hockey club. We just have to keep going here next round and, you know, keep playing good hockey. If we do that, we gonna succeed.
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the Red Wings being under-estimated every season) May 6th, 2008
You know what, I think he’s trusting us a little bit more this year than last year. I think he knows what kind of players we are and how we can play hockey. You know, he’s really intense. He really wants to win. And I think the coaching staff is really well-prepared. To have that as a player, it makes it a lot easier for us to get ready for games.
It’s pretty constant. He’s tough on us. You know, maybe when we’re playing good, he knows that we can play good. But if we’re playing bad, he really lets us know. It’s been some tough skating this year in the practices when we’ve been playing bad. And, you know, the expectation’s really high here. I think that’s the way it’s supposed to be. We got a good team. And I think Babcock is a good fit for our club.
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing for Head Coach Mike Babcock) May 6th, 2008
It’s been fun for us. It’s been fun for the fans.
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the tremendous run in the playoffs and the route towards the Cup final) May 6th, 2008
We’re going for the Cup. You know, that’s the same as every year. If you don’t go all the way, we will not be happy. That’s the expectations that are in this town. As a player, you know that and you like it. You rather have that than, you know, the fans are happy just to make the playoffs.
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the expectations and pressure to win in
"I took a shot. I saw the rebound come out. I kind of lost my balance. I turned around and hoped for the best and I had a pretty good whack on it. I didn't see it go in."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on scoring a spectacular highlight-reel goal in game four of a four game sweep of the Colorado Avalanche, spinning around as he was upended by Colorado defenseman Adam Foote, finding the rebound with his peripheral vision, and roofing a no-look back-handed shot into the net as he fell to the ice.) May 1st, 2008
"It was an all-world goal!"
-Colorado Avalanche Head Coach Joel Quenneville (on Henrik Zetterberg's highlight-reel goal in game 3 of the semi-finals.) April 30th, 2008
“They’re so good at finding each other. 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.”
-Red Wings Captain and future Hall-of-Fame defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom (on Henrik Zetterberg's and Pavel Datsyuk's play in game 3 of the semi-finals against the Colorado Avalanche.) April 30th, 2008
“We’ve been playing together many games and you run a few plays during the year and sometimes it works and it did today,”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his and Pavel Datsyuk's play in game 3 of the semi-finals against the Colorado Avalanche.) April 30th, 2008
“They’re elite players coming into the prime of their careers. 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.”
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock (on Henrik Zetterberg's and Pavel Datsyuk's play in game 3 of the semi-finals against the Colorado Avalanche.) April 30th, 2008
"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."
-Red Wings Former Selke Trophy Winner Kris Draper (on linemates Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk being two of the NHL's three finalists for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the leagues best defensive forward.) April 26th, 2008
"I like it when your best players are great defensively because you can play them against anyone. 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."
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"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. It was just a matter of time before they got the recognition.''
-Red Wings Future Hall-of-Fame defenseman Chris Chelios (on linemates Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk being two of the NHL's three finalists for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the leagues best defensive forward.) April 26th, 2008
"The most underrated part of the game is how people play away from the puck. They'll come back on the back-check hard, they'll strip guys, that's a strength of theirs.''
-Colorado Avalanche defenseman Adam Foote (on playing against Selke Trophy finalists Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk.) April 26th, 2008
"I know he does. That's my middle name, Back-check. He always mentions to the other guys I have to back-check more.''
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being told that linemate Pavel Datsyuk said he enjoys watching Zetterberg have to back-check harder. April 26th, 2008.
"What makes them special is they believe they can out-will you. To me, that's what the playoffs are all about.''
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"I always thought it was fun to play good defense. Both me and Pavel take pride in that, and to be recognized for it, it's a great honor. We're real proud of it. It's going to be fun to see how it will all end up"
-Henrik Zetterberg (on himself and linemate Pavel Datsyuk being two of the NHL's three finalists for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the leagues best defensive forward.) April 26th, 2008
"Forty by 40, it's good for him! I just made sure he got the puck.”
-Line-mate Pavel Datsyuk (on Zetterberg’s career-high 40th goal) March 22nd, 2008
"We can't be giving the puck up to that guy!"
-Columbus Blue Jackets Captain Rick Nash (on Zetterberg’s third goal of a third-period “natural hat-trick” in a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets) March 19th, 2008
"It was a drop pass, and the other guy wasn't really ready for it, so I picked it up and the goalie didn't really think I had control of the puck and came out. I just took a step on the side and put it in the net."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his third goal of a third-period “natural hat-trick” in a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets) March 19th, 2008
"He hasn't been scoring at the same rate he usually does. He's had a lot of chances and shots and didn't score. You knew it was going to come."
-Detroit Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg breaking out of a seven game goal-less streak with a third-period “natural hat-trick” in a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets) March 19th, 2008
"He had two defensemen against him, but he went right through them. Great individual effort to get the team going!”
-Detroit Red Wings Captain and future Hall-of-Famer Niklas Lidstrom
(on Zetterberg’s 1st goal of a third-period “natural hat-trick” in a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets) March 19th, 2008
"The first one, I had a lot of speed coming and I got a great pass from (Brian) Rafalski and their (defensemen) were kind of standing still. I got through them and put it five-hole on the goalie. It was a good feeling to see it go in. It was a while ago since the puck went in. There were a lot of chances, but the puck hasn't really gone in. It was nice to get that one out of the way."
-Henrik Zetterberg on breaking out of a seven game goal-less streak with a third-period “natural hat-trick” in a 3-1 come-from-behind victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets) March 19th, 2008
"Everybody likes to play with Hank!"
-Teammate and “Eurotwin” Pavel Datsyuk (on being asked if he enjoys being on Zetterberg's line.) March 19th, 2008
“This is good news for the Wings. Zetterberg should be in the Game, but he's showing once again that his priority is the team rather than personal accolades.”
-Matt Saler, Bleacherreport.com (on Zetterberg missing second consecutive All-Star game due to minor injury.) January 22, 2008
"When he stepped on the ice for the first time in the NHL, he was already one of the more skilled players in the League. No offense to Sidney Crosby or Vinny Lecavalier or anyone else, but there is no better player in the NHL now than Hank. He does everything
-St. Louis Blues Goaltender and former Red Wings teammate Manny Legace, January 2008
"I don’t consider myself scary. Would you be afraid of me?"
-Henrik Zetterberg (on giving opposing players “the look”) January 2008
"He can pass and he can shoot at an elite level. That’s what makes him so difficult to stop, because you don’t know what he’s going to do. Seeing that kind of skill coming at you again and again makes defenders back off and creates openings for his teammates."
- Red Wings captain and future Hall-of-famer Nicklas Lidstrom. January 2008
"You’re never going to outwork Hank, that’s for sure,"
-Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock, January 2008
"You play with whoever the coach puts you on a line with. It doesn't matter who that is. For the media it's a big thing whether Pavel or I play together or not, but I don't think it's a big deal for the Red Wings. I don't think about it at all. You just go out there and play with whoever you're out there with."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on Head Coach Mike Babcock putting him on a line with Pavel Datsyuk or not) January 4th, 2008
"Some nights you win ugly. Tonight, was one of those games."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on
"I got a chance to score three, and that's always fun to do that."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on scoring his second career hat trick against the Minnesota Wild) December 7th, 2007
"Forsberg and Sundin are popular, but they're forwards, so a lot of people know those names. But people who know hockey rank Nick at the top and that's the way it should be. I'm not surprised because of all the years that I've played with him. He's our best player night in and night out.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on Red Wings Captain and future Hall-of-Famer Niklas Lidstrom being named "The Best European-Trained Player in NHL History by The Hockey News) December 2nd, 2007
“I just don’t know how they got that guy in the seventh round. There’s not a flaw in Zetterberg’s game. Zetterberg is the centerman version of Steve Larmer. He is the kind of guy you want on the ice for every single situation. The fact that he is a centerman and not a winger makes him more valuable. But it’s amazing how they got him 210th overall.”
-Ex Red Wing Brendan Shanahan (
“Zetterberg was a little bit of a late bloomer. He always had great talent and great vision and now he is getting stronger. He is put in those situations where he is the go-to guy and he is getting used to that. Zetterberg is definitely one of the biggest up-and-coming stars in the League.”
-Fellow Swede Daniel Alfredsson (
"I knew it was going to end sometime."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on career-high 24 game point streak ending) November 13th, 2007
“It’s fun to break records, easier to do it when you’re winning and playing with good players.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (referring to Pavel Datsyuk and Tomas Holmstrom, after a 15 game points streak to start the season, breaking a Red Wings record set by Norm Ullman in 1960) November 7, 2007
"He's a genius the way he uses the ice. Every time he moves the puck he's moving it to a teammate with more space. That's what the great players do, they make other players better. He opens things up and he's a handful."
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"Just with his sister.”
-Kirk Maltby (when overhearing Zetterberg being asked if he had ever been in a fight) October 19, 2007
"World Championship, with Malts. I kicked his ass."
-Henrik Zetterberg (answering the above question after comment by Maltby) October 19, 2007
“Z plays against the best people and shuts them down. I think he’s the best two-way player in the game, bar none.”
-Head Coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg's defensive skills) October 19th, 2007
“I think he’s been getting better every season he’s been over here and he’s getting more responsibilities, more ice time. He’s playing in all situations, so he’s just getting better and better. He’s just an overall really good player. He was that talented coming into the league, and now he’s just getting better.”
-Wings Captain Niklas Lidstrom (on Zetterberg's play this season) October 19th, 2007
"Those guys, it's like they're on another planet right now, the way they're seeing each other, the way they see the ice. The thing they do, which a lot of people don't really talk about, is how well they play at both ends of the rink. They're so responsible offensively and defensively, they have it going on right now. It's unbelievable, just to be a part of it and watch it night in and night out. They're just dominating hockey games right now."
-Veteran forward Kris Draper (on the top line of Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, and Tomas Holmstrom) October 10th, 2007
"It was against
-Henrik Zetterberg (reflecting on his first NHL game) October, 2007
"It was about time! I had a few chances in the past. The puck went in today. So it was fun. We had some ugly goals today. But it’s nice when the puck goes into the net."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his first career HAT TRICK) February 17th, 2007
“He doesn't get enough credit for being the elite player that he is. He's definitely in that (elite)group of players.”
-Wayne Gretzky, Phoenix Coyotes Head Coach (after Zetterberg scored 2 goals and an assist in
"He's the best player we've ever had and when he says stuff like that, it makes you happy."
-Henrik Zetterberg (in response to Phoenix Coyotes Head Coach Wayne Gretzky's quote above) February 7th, 2007
"Yeah, and I don't like big cities, so I don't know why that is."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on scoring late game-winners in his last two games in
"I saw Clears was on the right wing and knew he had 19 goals. It's always fun to reach 20, and he got an opportunity to do it there."
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked why he passed up a chance to score an empty netter and instead passed to Dan Cleary. Zetterberg had just scored his 21st goal of the season and is just one ahead of Cleary for the team lead.) February 2nd, 2007
"I found out this morning…kind of surprised. It's an honor."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being selected to his first All-Star Game) January 13th, 2007
“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
-Henrik Zetterberg (on adjusting to life in
“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.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing with line-mate Pavel Datsyuk) December 31st, 2006
“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. 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.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (comparing hockey with soccer) December 31st, 2006
“It’s an honor to be an Assistant Captain in the
-Henrik Zetterber (on becoming a leader on the Red Wings) December 31st, 2006
"The puck goes in. That's the biggest thing."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on the difference bewteen the power-play struggling and being successful.) December 9th, 2006
"We understand each other so well. We speak in a hockey language."
-Pavel Datsyuk (on being re-united on a line with Zetterberg.) December 5th, 2006
"We stopped making the easy play. We started trying to make the hardest play."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (after a blown 2-1 lead in the 3rd period of a 3-2 loss to
"I would be lying if I said it doesn't feel good to score again. It's tough when you're not scoring, but just continue doing the right things and it'll come."
-Henrik Zetterberg, (on ending his nine game pointless streak) November 2nd, 2006
"It's (scoring slumps) going to happen again (in his career). In all likelihood, it might happen longer. 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!"
-Red Wings goalie Chris Osgood (on Zetterberg's nine game pointless streak) November 2nd, 2006
“Playing with those guys, it makes everything a little easier. It’s fun playing with those guys.”
-Rookie, Valtteri Filppula, (On playing on the first line with Henrik Zetterberg and veteran Kris Draper, after scoring his first NHL goal against St. Louis) October 2006
"I don't think me and Pavel (Datsyuk) feel pressure. Both me and Pavel have a lot of high expectations on ourselves. I don't think we care that much what other people think."
-Henrik Zetterberg, September 2006
"I don't think I've proved anything in the playoffs yet. You have to win. That's why we are here. I still have a very important piece (
-Henrik Zetterberg (on proving himself as a leader) September 2006
"When you hear stuff like that it's fun! It's nice to be considered a big part of this team. I'll be ready."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being a candidate for Captain of the Red Wings) September 2006.
"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."
-Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com August 2006
"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."
-Head Coach Mike Babcock (on Zetterberg's role after Yzerman's retirement.) July 2006.
"Zetterberg will be a captain on this team one day,"
-General Manager Ken Holland. July 3rd, 2006
“It feels good to get a playoff goal, but I’d rather have the win instead.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on scoring in a 4-2 loss to
"It's real heavy, but it looks good...real good."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his 2006 Olympic Gold Medal) March 2006
"The thing about elite players is you see what they do and the numbers they put up, but the next sign is the intensity they play with every shift. The next time you see them play, just look at the intensity on their faces and in their eyes. That's what impresses me most about Datsyuk and Zetterberg."
-Hall of Fame Legend Wayne Gretzky 2006
"Sometimes Pavel will give me a wink or nod his head ... and I usually know what he means. I don't know how to describe it. I guess it's just instincts. I see him make a move and think, 'Where would I want my line-mate to go if I was making the same kind of move he's making?'"
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing on the same line as Russian Pavel Datsyuk). December 2006.
“(Henrik Zetterberg) went and led the Swedish League is scoring…a very competitive league with some of the top Swedish stars from the NHL (ie: Peter Forsberg, Markus Naslund). I think that gave him a lot of confidence. And Pavel Datsyuk has emerged as a star as well. They’re our #1 line and they’ve been great! They’re great five-on-five, on the powerplay, and also killing penalties. Mike Babcock’s been challenging them and they’re responding.”
–Future Hall-of-Famer Brendan Shanahan on Redwings teammates.November 2005
"He's going to be a great player in this league for a lot of years. Hank has such great hands around the net. The puck just follows him around like a magnet."
-Redwings Goalie Manny Legace. October 2005.
"Look who's here!"
"He was one of the last guys to get in town. It's going to be nice. We got a four-hour bus ride and Hank's probably going to take the most abuse, and rightfully so! We're going to ride him as hard as we can for the next week. I'm really looking forward to that. We're just happy to have him back. He's such a great kid and such a great hockey player. He's going to play a huge role for the
-Veteran Kris Draper (on Zetterberg showing up to 2005 training camp after signing a four-year contract with Detroit) September 2005
"Henrik Zetterberg, we salute you. Thank you for coming back to our beloved Redwings...your beloved Redwings. You are a hero in the
-Chris Turner, Zetterbergfan.com (on Henrik Zetterberg signing four year deal with Redwings) September 2005
"Those two kids can do a lot of magic."He's (Zetterberg) one of our better players, so for sure we want him back! He had 50 points last year in the Swedish Elite League, a great season. He's going to one of the top players in the NHL, so having one of those guys on your team is a huge plus."
-Swede Tomas Holmstrom (on restricted free agents Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg) September 2005
"I saw a few of his games over in
-Detroit General Manager Ken Holland (on restricted free agent Henrik Zetterberg) September 2005
"I was lucky ! I wasn't sure if it was the puck that hit my stick. But it was something…and it was a goal!"
-Henrik Zetterberg (on defelecting a shot by Daniel Sedin for game winning goal over Russia in opening game of Karjala Cup Tournament) Novemeber 2004
"I'm just being lazy at times but it'll probably disappear again soon."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on why he sometimes grows a beard and sometimes shaves his face) October 2004
“I was not prepared for this. It was excellent! I was inspired, as a matter of fact. It was a fantastic crowd!”
-Henrik Zetterberg (emotionally moved by crowd's response to his return to Timra of the Swedish Elite League) September 2004
“Zäta is our King”
-Banner at Sydkraft Arena in Timra
“For sure you want to play in the NHL, and you hope things work out. But playing in
-Henrik Zetterberg (on returning home to
"I thought they worked extremely hard, competed extremely hard. They were relentless in their effort but got worn down."
-Redwings Head Coach Dave Lewis (on Pavel Datsyuk's and Henrik Zetterberg's effort during the playoffs when
"Those kids, those two, there is not one guy in here that would question any effort they had. They had some tough times, they weren't able to score goals, but credit to
-Redwing's veteran grinder Kirk Maltby (on Pavel Datsyuk's and Henrik Zetterberg's effort during the playoffs when
"For sure I hoped I could contribute a little bit more, produce a little bit more than I did. We couldn't battle through their defense. But even if they were hard, we have to battle through it. You can't say that that was the reason. We didn't produce enough. We know the two of us (Pavel Datsyuk)did not produce enough! We talked about it, and then you try to make little, small changes every game. It wasn't good enough!
-Henrik Zetterberg (on losing to the Flames in the playoffs) May 2004
“There’s tremendous chemistry there. They like being on the ice together, and they’re very creative. There’s just something there with them, an intangible.”
-Redwings Head Coach Dave Lewis (on combination of Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk) April 2004
"You see?" "I'm good guy. He play joke on me. He try lots of jokes. Sometimes, they're not good jokes."
-Russian Pavel Datsyuk (during locker-room interview while line-mate Henrik Zetterberg is spraying him with water) April 2004
“I just try to forget about last year! I don’t even want to think about it, really.” “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done in the regular season, you have to do it in the playoffs. This is when it counts.”
–Henrik Zetterberg (when asked about last years early playoff exit and this years successful regular season.) April 2004
“He’s got the potential to do that. He has got all the talent. He has got the heart and determination as well.”
-Future Hall of Fame Defenseman Niklas Lidstrom (on Henrik Zetterberg's potential to be captain of the Redwings after Steve Yzerman retires) April 2004
"There's a lot of tradition and we've had a good team for a lot of years...Then, we bring in new guys like Pavel Datsyuk and (Henrik) Zetterberg and get them playing really well and becoming leaders of our teams. They've done really well."
-Future Hall of Fame Defenseman Niklas Lidstrom (on
“I’m not worried. He’s a great player who has been in the league a long time. Of course he’ll take some ice time from other centers, but I’m not angry about it because it’s going to help our team. It’s up to the coaches who gets the ice time, and there’s nothing you can do about it. You try to play better and hope they keep putting you out there.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on Redwings acquiring center Robert Lang at the trade deadline and its affect on his playing time.) March 2004
"He likes playing center, and he is good at the position, but I know that he can play left wing, and he also can play right wing, so he adds to the flexibility of our team. He can play either position. Like Steve Yzerman and Kris Draper...he has that type of flexibility. It's nice to have those kind of options!"
-Redwings Head Coach Dave Lewis (on versatility of Henrik Zetterberg) April 2004
"We've got a good run going with me, Homer and Shanny. We've played together for a while now, that helps. You don't have to look all the time to know where everyone is, you just kind of know that Homer is around the boards or in front of the net and Shanny is high in the slot. It's kind of easier to play."
"...Now, most of the time I'm the one with the puck trying to find the other guys. Homer helps me a lot because he gets in the corner and gets me the puck. He does all the dirty work."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on recent success centering a line with veteran wingers Brendan Shanahan and fellow Swede Tomas Holmstrom) March 2004
-Henrik Zetterberg (when handed a color copy of zetterbergfan.com homepage to autograph. February 2004
"Once in a while you've got to have the luck."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on scoring two goals after a recent slump) February 2004
"I think he makes the other players better. I think if he plays guys that can score it makes him a little better. But for sure, every guy here that plays with him takes another level. (He's) just one of those players that can make everything look so easy when you go out there. He’s one of the best players in the league right now. He’s going to stay at that level for the rest of his career."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on teammate Pavel Datsyuk) February 2004
“The puck didn’t want to be friends with me.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his recent scoring slump) February 2004
“It’s amazing just to have him around! I had heard so much about him, but I hadn’t really had a chance to see it like this, you know? He’s a great leader. It’s an honor to play with him, and it’s honor to sit here next to him. It doesn’t take long when you come into this (dressing) room to see how things are supposed to be done. You learn by watching the guys around you. It's a great opportunity for me to be on the same team with a player like that. He's been in the league 21 years, I was 2 when he started. It's a great experience. I don't think I'll have 21 seasons. Hopefully I'll have half of that."
-Henrik Zetterberg (speaking about Detroit Redwings legendary leader Steve Yzerman scoring 1700 career points) January 2004
"I have to think. ... Wow. ... I’ve never done anything brave. I’ve never needed to. I play hockey!"
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked by a reporter, what is the bravest thing you've ever done?) January 2004
“OK..."
"Yeah, it’s too early to say something about that...but it’s an honor that he says that about me. But I have a long way to go.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (responding to Mickey Redmonds previous comment) January 2004
“They are going to be superstars known all over the world!”
-Redwings hockey legend and announcer Mickey Redmond (on Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk) January 2004
“They’re exciting! Datsyuk and Zetterberg, they have the ability to, I guess, entertain our own players. Zetterberg, he’s learning every night. He’s got a bright future. He’s a different player than Pavel. But he’s very good offensively and he’s very good defensively. It’s exciting to watch that.”
-Redwings Head Coach Dave Lewis (on talent of Henrik Zetterberg and pavel Datsyuk) January 2004
"I played with him a lot in
-Henrik Zetterberg (on fellow Swedish prospect Niklas Kronwall) December 2003
“We are good friends. We’re kind of the same age (Zetterberg is 23, Datsyuk 25), and we are sort of the same kind of people. On the road, we were roommates early in the season. We spent a lot of time together doing things, all sort of things, mostly movies. We go to the movies a lot, just hang around.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked about his relationship with fellow Redwing's future star, Pavel Datsyuk) December 2003
“It would have been nice, but it’s not something that was going to make me a better player by having it."
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked about not winning the Calder Trophy, for Rookie of the Year, last season) December 2003
“Forsberg was kind of that first big Swedish player. He was one of the guys I definitely looked up to when I was growing up. It really was fun to play with him. He’s a great player and it’s something I’ll always remember, having the chance to play on the (Swedish) team with him.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked if he emulated Peter Forsberg coming up, and what it is like to play with him now) December 2003
"Zetterberg is just getting better and better and better. The players of
-ESPN Commentator Darren Pang, December 2003
“These two guys, combine the both, they have the inate skill that makes them head and shoulders above everybody, but then their passion, their work, and their love of the game and dedication makes them extremely good…superstars. They’re gonna be stars for many years in this league and their numbers will be in the rafters and in the Hall of Fame when they are done, knock on wood, barring injuries.”
-Future Hall of Famer Brett
"I was aiming for the net but I missed it completely, but it went in. I don't think it will happen again."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on his bad shot being tipped in by Minnesota Wild's Sergei Zholtok's stick) December 2003
“He’s such a talented player, you’d think the intention was to work him in slowly, but as it turns out, he plays close to 20 minutes and has a hand in every goal we scored tonight.”
“...that’s just great instincts on his part! We criss-crossed and he knows I'm going to open up and he's got the option of either taking it to the net himself or sliding it across to me. I was open and he just laid the puck in there and I skated into it. Players like Hank are so good they don't necessarily have to look."
-Future Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan (commenting on Henrik Zetterberg returning from missing 21 games with a broken leg and assisting on the game winning overtime goal with a great back-handed pass) December 2003
"This is the first time. Sooner or later, it was going to happen. You can't go through your whole career without any injuries! This is not so bad. I've been pretty lucky so far." There's nothing you can do. You wait for it to get better. It's not really painful unless I put weight on it. (When it happened) I felt a little pain, but I didn't think it was so bad...but it was pretty swollen."
-Henrik Zetterberg (about fracturing his leg on a slash from Vancouver Canucks Defenseman Bryan Allen.) November 2003
"The best story about Zetterberg is Nick Lidstrom brought him in to see a friend of mine in the car business and he told him, 'I want you to meet the next Steve Yzerman.' That was in September, after training camp, before he'd played a game. Pretty good scout, that Nick Lidstrom!"
-Legendary Redwings Head Coach and advisor Scotty Bowman, November 2003
"Obviously, he's a guy that we're going to build around going forward. I mean, he's a complete player. He's got great hands, great instincts, he's great in traffic and he really sees the ice well. And he's a good person. He's really grounded. He comes to the rink everyday, he works hard..."
-
"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. I'm lucky to be on his line right now."
-Legendary Detroit Redwings Captain and future Hall of Famer, Steve Yzerman, October 2003
"I didn't know if (the puck) was ever going to come, Hank made so many moves, he deked everybody out! He might have been able to score himself but he tapped it to me. He blocked the shot in our zone and carried the puck up and pretty much did everything. I had the easy part."
-Teammate Ray Whitney (about Henrik Zetterberg assisting on his short-handed goal against
"I'm more comfortable coming into this year, having been around my teammates for a year and knowing the league a little bit. Of course, I feel more pressure, too. But it's not a negative thing. I'm playing a little bit more, and with that comes more pressure, but I want that."
-Henrik Zetterberg (about expectations coming into his Sophomore NHL season.) October 2003
"Brett is such a great player! He finds the open (space) on the ice and all you have to do is get him the puck. He has such a great shot. Brett is one of the best players of all-time. To score that many goals, I can't even imagine. There are so many great players on this team. For a young player, you just watch them and how they practice and work (off the ice), and it's really something!"
-Henrik Zetterberg (on playing with line mate and future Hall-of-Famer Brett Hull.) February 2003.
“It was Gretzky. He was not as big in
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked by Zetterbergfan.com who his favorite player growing up was) November 2002
“Playing with two players like that, it's incredible. Both of them are such smart players, all you have to do is find an open space on the ice. They make it very easy for a young player.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (commenting on starting his rookie season playing with star forwards Sergei Fedorov and Brendan Shanahan) October 2002
"The sauce you put on your pasta. It's different.”
-Henrik Zetterberg (when asked by a reporter how he is adjusting to life in
“First game I saw him play, I wrote my report and said 'Rookie of the Year!'"
-Craig Muni, a pro scout with the Tampa Bay Lightning. September 2002
"He's strong on his skates, he's got a great shot. He's a complete player. Watching him kill penalties, he did a good job position-wise. He's always moving, made a couple of good plays deep in our end, tying somebody up, driving to the net, getting back in the play. The kid knows how to play the game. He's going to be good."
-Redwings Veteran Enforcer Darren McCarty (accessing Henrik Zetterberg’s play in NHL pre-season games) September 2002
"He's still getting used to the smaller ice rink. I've thrown him around with different linemates but every line that he plays with he has a good chemistry because he looks like a smart player."
-Detroit Redwing’s Head Coach Dave Lewis (on Zetterberg’s performance in NHL pre-season games) September 2002
"I was very surprised that they picked me, but it was a great honor to be there on the team. I learned a lot…some great players to play against and play with some new players, too. It was a fun time."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being on
"I don't think it's fair for me to be compared to the greatest player in the league."
-Henrik Zetterberg (referring to be compared to countryman and NHL superstar Peter Forsberg by fellow Swede and Toronto Maple Leafs captain, Mats Sundin) September 2002
"I had a lot of pressure when I was in
-Henrik Zetterberg (of all the hype about him going into his rookie season training camp.) September 2002
"When I was first drafted, I was just happy that any team wanted to take me, but it was the Red Wings, and that made it better."
-Henrik Zetterberg (about being drafted by the 1998 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Redwings) September 2002
"I didn't know the draft was in alphabetical order."
-Henrik Zetterberg (on being the 210th pick in the 1999 draft) June 1999