Ten of Our Favorite Detroit Red Wings Nicknames
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.
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