Delusion-Elle

Today is a sad day in hockey history, and more prominently, Detroit Red Wings history. This morning, Nicklas Lidström announced his retirement, ending his 20-season-long career in the NHL, in which all 20 seasons were spent with the Detroit Red Wings organization. During his NHL career, Lidström won 4 Stanley Cups, 7 Norris Trophies, the Conn Smythe, and he even made 12 NHL All-Star Games appearances. To top this off, he also captained the team for the last 6 seasons of his career.

This is a man who is loved in the hockey community, this much is apparent in these messages from players all over the league:

— "He was a hard guy to coach against. I did it lots being in Chicago, then San Jose, Calgary. I coached against him a lot in big games, home, road, all those things. He was a frustrating guy to coach against because you could never get to Nicklas Lidstrom. Couldn't get to him. Didn't matter how you forechecked, what you set up, what you did. He was one of the few guys ever that could control a game from the defensive standpoint."— Kings coach Darryl Sutter
— "Lidstrom was a guy every player caught themselves watching in awe mid game. Game's not supposed to be that easy. Was an honor playing vs him." —Ryan Whitney, Edmonton Oilers defenseman
— "Sad to see Nick Lidstrom retire. One of the games all time greats on and off the ice. A guy that everyone can learn from."— John Carlson, Washington Capitals defenseman

The fact that Lidström is respected by players and fans even from opposing teams is a true testament to how fantastic a person he is.

He was always a fair player, and even as a captain in the twilight years of his career, he continued to be a great role model for the team. His nickname, "Mr. Perfect" certainly seems apt and it is a shame to see him go. Lidström started with the Red Wings in 1991 -- the year I was born. I grew up watching this man play, and he, along with Steve Yzerman contributed greatly to why I love the Red Wings. Even as I type this, I have tears in my eyes because I know that the Red Wings that I know and love will never be the same after this. With Lidström retiring, it's the end of an era. It happened with Stevie Y, and it's happened again, much sooner than I'd have liked. However, Lidström knows himself best and the fact that he wants to retire now before his ability has diminished is heart-breakingly wise. As the man himself said: "Retiring today allows me to walk away from the game with pride, rather than have the game walk away from me".

So thank you, Nicklas Lidström. Thank you for being an outstanding hockey player, an honourable man, and a shining example. If anyone deserves a happy retirement, then it is certainly Nick Lidström. Have a great one, you earned it, buddy!