Ten of Our Favorite Detroit Red Wings Nicknames

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We all have favorite players and many of those players come with nicknames that make them even more embraced by the fanbase. Octopus Thrower goes over ten of its favorite Detroit Red Wings players nicknames.

Dec 23, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar (21) celebrates his goal in the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

#10: Tomas Tatar- Tatar Sauce

It’s obvious why he is called this his name. Tatar’s name is similar to tartar. Tatar was drafted by the Wings in 2009. He made his debut in the 2010-2011 season, but didn’t have a consistent spot on the team until the 2013-2014 season. As of 2015 Tatar has 53 goals 50 assists in 182 games. He was one of the key players who helped carry the Wings to the playoffs the past two seasons.

#9: Paul Ysebaert- Rocket Man

A journeyman left winger, Ysebaert was a fan favorite in the early 90’s. At his peak, he had 35 goals and 40 assists in 1991-92 season. That same year he became the first Red Wing to win the NHL Plus-Minus Award.

Next: A Little Ball of Hate and Demolition Man

Nov 16, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Montreal Canadiens goalie Dustin Tokarski (35) makes the save on Detroit Red Wings left wing Tomas Tatar (21) in the third period at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

#8: Pat Verbeek- Little Ball of Hate

The nickname was given to him by Ray Ferraro. (Ferraro’s nickname was Big Ball of Hate) while playing for the New York Rangers and the name stuck. While he was with the Red Wings in 1999-00 and 2000-01 seasons, he had 37 goals and 41 assists. Verbeek was a scrappy forward who absolutely irritated the opposing players. He quickly became a fan of Red Wings Nation with his willingness to go into the corner for pucks and never back away from physical play.

#7 Tomas Holmstrom- Demolition Man

Many know Holmstrom as “Homer.” However, the Swedes called him Demolition Man. He was known for screening the goalie and perfecting the art of redirecting goals while being a deterrent at the front of the net . Holmstrom first played for the Red Wings in the 1996-1997 season and ended his Red Wings career the winner of four Stanley Cups.

Holmstrom was like a human piñata in front of the net–taking abuse from goaltenders and defensemen alike. This never deterred him as his primary goal was to antagonize and provide scoring opportunities with his uncanny ability to screen. Holmstrom was the best at his craft, and there will probably never be another like him.

He retired after the 2011-2012 season. In 1026 games, Holmstrom scored 243 goals and had 287 assists over the course of his NHL career.

Next: Siri loves #6

Apr 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA;Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

#6: Pavel Datsyuk- The Magic Man

Drafted 171st overall in the 1998 NHL Draft, Pavel Datsyuk is one of the fanbase’s favorite players of all time. Datsyuk is known for his skills on and off the puck. He has led the Red Wings to two Stanley Cups in his 14 years with the Wings. As of the the 2014-2015 season Datsyuk has 298 goals and NHL 571 assists. But he earned his nickname from his magical plays on the ice that have left opponents befuddled and made them victims of a “Datsyukian” play. His nickname became lore when iPhone owners could ask Siri about the “Magic Man” and she would respond with Datsyuk’s hockey profile. It goes to show that Datsyuk’s best plays are not reserved to just the ice.

#5: Johan Franzen- The Mule

Johan Franzen’s nickname originated from Steve Yzerman. Yzerman was outskated by Franzen in a practice, and “The Mule” all but barreled through the Captain–earning him the nickname he’s known for. Franzen is a hard worker and is notorious for getting hot in the playoffs. Franzen debuted for the Wings in the 2005-2006 season and has 187 goals and 182 assists.

But it was the 2008 playoffs where Franzen cemented his nickname. While his stature and skating strength birthed his nickname, it was the phrase “Feed the Mule” that solidified it. Franzen shattered the Red Wings record for most goals in a series when he notched nine in just four games against the Colorado Avalanche. His torrid scoring helped pace the Wings to their fourth Stanley Cup in eleven years. Franzen would memorably score four goals in a single game against the San Jose Sharks during Game 4 of the 2010 Western Conference Semi-Finals.

Next: The Professor and The Perfect Human

Mar 6, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings former player Nicklas Erik Lidstrom during a ceremony retiring his number before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at Joe Louis Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

#4: Igor Larionov- The Professor

Laironov was the final piece of the Russian 5 puzzle. The oldest and most experienced, Larionov was a member of the great Red Army Team from the Soviet Union. But it was his calm demeanor and calculated thinking that earned him his nickname.

The other Russians looked up to him as a father figure and with the addition of his circular glasses the nickname was born. Larionov won three Cups with the Red Wings. While playing for the Red Wings he scored 122 goals and had 308 assists. Larionov is probably best remembered for his game winning triple overtime goal against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 3 of the 2002 Stanley Cup Final. When you watch the replay, you can see the patience and smarts of Larionov pay off–giving credence to his professor nickname.

He waits for goalie Arturs Irbe to commit first before roofing the puck into the waiting net. For the Professor, it was a play that personified his smarts and patience–where a younger player may have rushed the shot and missed the opportunity. Instead, the Professor added to his legend by becoming the older player to ever score a game winning overtime goal.

#3: Niklas Lidstrom- The Perfect Human

Lidstrom was known for his durability. He played for the Red Wings for 20 years and won four Stanley Cups with the Wings. Lidstrom notched three Norris trophies in a row for the first time since Bobby Orr, and had seven total in his career. His nickname harkens to his mistake free hockey that was seen day in and day out during his long career.

Whether it was a clutch and grab league or a speedier game, Lidstrom was able to play his game and remain a top defenseman in the league. Lidstrom rarely–if ever–made mistakes in his established career. Named captain after Yzerman’s retirement, Lidstrom calmly led the Wings to their fourth Stanley Cup in eleven years and presided over a roster turn over that could have upset the chemistry of many teams. Instead, the Red Wings flourished under his leadership and nearly won back to back titles. Lidstrom also has the distinguished honor of being the first European Captain in the NHL.

Next: Two of the Best of All-Time Round Out The Final Two

Dec 31, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings former forward Steve Yzerman (19) during the Alumni Showdown against the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of the Winter Classic at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

#2: Steve Yzerman- The Captain

Yzerman was drafted by the Red Wings in 1983 as the fourth overall selection. He would forever become the face of a franchise during his long and successful tenure as a Detroit Red Wing.

Yzerman was named the Captain of the Red Wings at the tender age of 21. Then coach Jacque Demers picked him for the ideal that he embodied the Winged Wheel. Looking back nearly three decades, there’s no doubt it was absolutely the right choice and would set a precedent for the greatest organization in professional hockey. Only two captains have followed since–Nick Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg.

At that time, he was the youngest captain in Detroit’s storied history. Yzerman played for the Wings for 23 years and he lead the Wings to three Stanley Cups. He is 6th in the NHL history all time points, 9th in goals and 7th in assists. He has won countless individual trophies including the Selke, Conn Smythe and Lester B. Pearson awards. But it was in leadership where Yzerman persevered.

The Captain was revered for his willingness to criticize his play before his teammates, and it was a rousing speech during the 1997 NHL playoffs that Yzerman was credited for changing the tide of their run. While dogged earlier in his career for not being able to win, Yzerman embraced Scotty Bowman’s advice to become a two-way forward. The once prolific scorer became a responsible two-way player whose example set the tone for the rest of the team.

The power of his nickname still resonates to this day. When you speak of “The Captain”, you speak of Yzerman. Not one Red Wings fan ever asks who you’re talking about.

#1: Gordie Howe- Mr. Hockey

Gordie Howe is synonymous with the Detroit Red Wings. His tough play and scoring touch made him one of the best players in the league–and one of the best players of all time. Howe is known as Mr. Hockey because he absolutely personified the game. While many argue Wayne Gretzky to be the best player the NHL ever saw, he lacked the physical presence that Howe brought to the game.

Howe still holds many Detroit Red Wings records–including games player, goals, points, and goals created. But it was his contribution to hockey that punctuated his legacy. Howe and his late wife, Colleen, were ambassadors for the game and made themselves accessible to fans and the league to grow the sport. Howe is immortalized at the Joe Louis Arena with not only an entrance bearing his name, but a statue inside the Joe. His legend only grew when the new bridge to Canada in Detroit was decided to be named in his honor. All of this made possible because his mother bought a pair of rusty, second hand skates for her son when he was just five years old.

Mr. Hockey indeed.

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