Lidstrom as captain: We can 'C' it now
Yup I cried! I'm a big baby! I sat there & cried when they gave Nick a big ovation during the intros last night. And cried some more when they did the ceremonial drop of the puck with Stevie. It was like the changing of the guard. From the old captain to the new. *sighs* I *heart* Nick! I miss Stevie!
Lidstrom as captain: We can 'C' it now
October 6, 2006
BY GEORGE SIPPLE
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER
The official wait was worth it.
The worst-kept secret in town was finally confirmed Thursday night, when the Red Wings formally announced Nicklas Lidstrom as their newest captain. The team waited until just before the start of the season-opening game against the Vancouver Canucks to make the announcement.
During Thursday's warm-ups, Lidstrom wore his familiar red No. 5 jersey, with an "A" sewn on. He was the only Wing with a letter on his sweater.
But when the pregame festivities began with the introduction of each of the players, the true alternate captains -- Kris Draper and Henrik Zetterberg -- were introduced.
Then, at 7:06 p.m., Lidstrom stepped onto the ice to a standing ovation as he was introduced as the captain.
The arena erupted a second time when Steve Yzerman walked onto the red carpet for the ceremonial puck drop with Lidstrom and Canucks captain Markus Naslund.
Lidstrom, 36, was the obvious successor to longtime captain Yzerman, who retired in July after 20 seasons as the Wings' leader. Lidstrom has played for the team since 1991, and is a four-time Norris Trophy winner as the league's best defenseman.
He also has won three Stanley Cups with the Wings, including a Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP in 2002.
Yzerman recently became the vice president of the Wings
