Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame

Photo by Tom Turrill/MiHockey
Photo by Tom Turrill/MiHockey

 

By @StefanKubus –

It was his first time on the ballot, and it seemed all but certain that it would happen.

Nicklas Lidstrom is officially headed to the Hockey Hall of Fame, as a member of the class of 2015. He will be joined by teammate Sergei Fedorov, as well.

The Vasteras, Sweden native wrapped up an illustrious 1,564-game, 20-year career in 2012, finishing with 264 goals and 878 assists for 1,142 points. Lidstrom began his career in 1991 after being selected 53rd overall in round three of the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. In his rookie season, he amassed an overwhelming 60 points in 80 games, a precursor to the hall-of-fame career that was ready to blossom.

“During my hockey career I was always focused on the next game or the next season, so I never allowed myself to imagine I’d be hearing from the Hockey Hall of Fame” Lidstrom said, via the HHOF. “I took a lot of pride in being dedicated to the game, so it means a great deal to me to be recognized by those who know the game the best.”

Perhaps most impressive of all his career statistics, Lidstrom finished with a plus-minus rating of plus-450. He recorded 264 goals and 878 assists for 1142 career points in 1,564 NHL contests.

In addition to winning four Stanley Cups with Detroit in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008, the 12-time NHL all-star was also a seven-time Norris Trophy winner and won the award three straight years on two separate occasions (2001-03, 2006-08). Only Doug Harvey (seven) and Bobby Orr (eight) won as many Norris Trophies as Lidstrom. He was also awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2002.