End of an era in Detroit

 by Brandt Corbin

 

            The Detroit Red Wings have had loads of experience for allot of years, after tonight they likely have become a little bit younger. Three veterans, a Swede, Canadian and an American have likely played their last NHL game as the Wings have been eliminated from the 2011 playoffs. Two of the three vets, both 41-years-old are sure shot hall of famers. In total these three players have played a total of 4250 regular season games, combing for 975 goals and 2846 points.

Nicklas Lindstrom

            Where would one start with Nicklas Lindstrom? Next to Bobby Orr, the Detroit captain has to be considered the best ever defenseman in NHL History. Reasoning why is so simple. Six Norris Trophy’s (best de-man), 4 Stanley Cups, 12 all star games, 1 Olympic Gold Medal, 1 Conn Smythe Trophy.

            In 20 years from now when having the discussion, its not far fetched to say he will be one of the top ten players of all time. The Sporting News & Sports Illustrated nominated him the “NHL player of the decade”. The crazy thing about Lindstrom is he was so smooth in his skating and passing, while being the strongest defensive player on the ice.

Kris Draper

            Draper was originally acquired by the Red Wings from Winnipeg for $1. We can now say 17 years later that it was a safe bet for the Wings. Almost since going to Detroit, Kris was on the grind line, mainly on a line with Kurt Malbty and Darren McCarty. That line was one of the main reasons why they won 3 Stanley Cups in a five year span.

            He was the victim of one of the games biggest cheap shots in league history. On May 29, 2006 Draper was hit from behind by Colorado’s Claude Lemieux. He suffered a concussion, a broken nose, cheekbone and jaw. That cheap shot created the best rivalry in the past 25 years, year in year out it was the Wings vs Av’s.

            While only scoring 20 goals one time, Draper was selected to Team Canada in the 2006 Olympics, that in itself tells you his value to the Wings since being acquired.

Mike Modano

            Modano was one of the greatest American born players of all time. All of his career with the exception  of one season was with the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Star organization and he make no mistake he was the face of the franchise. He came home to play one year with the Wings, and for both Modano and Detroit it was a forgettable season starting with a injury that kept him out for 3 months, then being a healthy scratch for almost the entire playoffs.     He will not be remembered for this season however, he was one of the top two way centers in his prime. A sure shot hall of famer without question.

When its all said and done

            Detroit must move on from Draper and Modano, both players have nothing more to prove, especially as role players which is was they’ve been subjected to. Lindstrom on the other hand is still one of the best defenseman around today, despite being 41 his game has not fallen off. For all three its been a long run of successful hockey and boat loads of Stanley Cups.