Lidstrom Keeps Red Wings Alive In Series
Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom does not look like a 41-year-old defenseman. Nor does he resemble someone who should be contemplating retirement.
But the fact remains, Lidstrom will not decide on his future until after the playoffs. So as long as his team is facing elimination, any game could be the last of Lidstrom's Hall-of-Fame career.
The Wings can only hope he returns for at least one more season because he remains one of the best defenseman in the NHL.
Lidstrom scored two more goals Friday in Detroit's 4-3 victory over San Jose in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals at Joe Louis Arena. He leads the team with four goals and seven points in this series. Detroit still trails 3-1, however, heading into Game 5 Sunday in San Jose.
"(Some people) were talking about retirement (for Lidstrom)," Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "I think he answered that pretty good."
Lidstrom logged only 22:42 in ice time. He is playing a few more minutes than he did in the first round against Phoenix, but still not as much as he has in the past because he isn't killing penalties. It is keeping him fresher. And his team is reaping the benefits.
RED WINGS 4, SHARKS 3: The Wings appeared on the verge of choking away their season after blowing a three-goal lead in the first period, allowing San Jose to tie it. But with their playoff lives at stake, the Wings turned up the pressure in the final five minutes of the third period. Darren Helm scored with 1:27 remaining to snap a tie, enabling his team to stave off elimination. After losing seven one-goal games to the Sharks over the last two playoffs, the Wings finally found a way to win a tight game. They trail the series 3-1 heading into Game 5 Sunday at HP Pavilion.
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