AP The Detroit Red Wings are going to have to get used to some significant changes this season, but at least they’ll still have a gifted Swedish captain.
The team confirmed rumors that Henrik Zetterberg will wear the “C” vacated by retired future Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom on Tuesday.
Fellow forward Dan Cleary (note: not Swedish) gave the decision his seal of approval.
“It’s a great choice,” Cleary said. “The biggest thing for me is that he’s so unselfish. He’s such a personable guy. He’s a star. He’s got great talent on the ice, but he’s very respectful off the ice and he’s vocal when he needs to be and he leads by example.”
Here’s a photo of Zetterberg donning the “C” via the team’s Twitter page.
The Red Wings’ Web site points out that he’s the 36th captain in team history, but most interestingly, just the third in the last 26 years (Lidstrom and Steve Yzerman being the others). Coach Mike Babcock points to a possible key to his longevity: not making Mike Babcock angry.
“He and I have a relationship where he doesn’t mind getting mad at me and I don’t mind getting mad at him,” Babcock said. “I don’t have any problem with that. He doesn’t mind standing up for the guys and telling you want he thinks. And I think that’s so important for us.”
Indeed, Zetterberg & Co. would do well to avoid this face (via the AP):
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He’s missed the entire series with a broken hand.
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Craig MacTavish has a few things he’d like in return.
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“Hopefully, we’ll find that chemistry,” says Spezza.
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Just a few days after turfing assistant coach Peter Horachek.
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Aside from, you know, facing elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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Chin up, rookie.
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Say hello to Curtis McElhinney.
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Torts not expected to make any lineup changes.
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Rangers’ blueliner saw plenty of action in Game 4, though.
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Lightning say Lacroix won’t return as assistant coach next season
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He was Guy Boucher’s right-hand man, so no huge surprise.
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Pens’ Dupuis on Alfredsson remarks: I don’t see Crosby talking like that
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The postgame comment that just won’t go away.
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The Red Wings’ star may go back to Russia after next season.
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Back in Vegas next year.
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Rare criticism for the Blackhawks’ captain.
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SKA Saint Petersburg would be the club.
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“(He’s) a hell of a hockey player.”
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He’s excited about the Avalanche’s future, but he also has other considerations.
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The match will start at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Friday’s collection of links.
