How good was Nicklas Lidstrom really?
This tribute from the greatest running back of all time, Bobby Orr, says it all.
Not many hockey players in history have been nicknamed “The Perfect Man”, but Nicklas Lidstrom wasn’t all other hockey players either. “Lidas” was the leader who carried the Detroit Red Wings through a period of tremendous success, and who won the Norris Trophy, the award for the NHL’s best defenseman, a total of seven times.
The super tribute from Orr
Lidström spent 20 seasons in Detroit and won four Stanley Cup titles. He is also tied for first in the number of consecutive playoff seasons, and it has also been Olympic and World Cup gold. In the autumn, Lidström was named the second best defender ever by the reputable The Athletic, only after Bobby Orr. But how good is Lidas really? This tribute from Bobby Orr himself, considered one of the greatest players of all time behind only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, says it all.
According to Bobby Orr himself, there is no doubt that Lidström belongs on a top two list of all time among backs. When Lidas was nearing the end of his career, Orr came up with the most powerful tribute.
– There is no doubt about it. Look how long he lasted. He is 40 years old and still dominates. The success that Detroit has had is mostly due to him; it has been incredible. He is class. I have never heard a negative word about him. And he plays the way he does. What more could you ask for?, Orr said.
Pointing out the detail
At the same time, Orr hit back against the image of Lidström as an “unsexy” player, who rarely excelled.
– But just look at the numbers he shows. He plays a different way than I did, but I’ve seen a lot of replays of his shots from the blue line – he always gets the shots through. He always hits the mark. He never tries to just dump the puck,” Orr said.
Orr also highlights Lidström’s hockey IQ as a reason for his total dominance in the NHL.
– He doesn’t really take anyone by surprise, he’s just so smart. An incredible IQ. He is intelligent, patient. He does everything. He really does everything.
In conclusion, Orr also sends a greeting to Lidas.
– Do me a favor and tell him how much I love watching him. He has represented us defenders so well.
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