From The Archives: Playoff Winner: Nicklas Lidstrom

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Detroit Red Wings defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom became the first European to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The 11th-year rear-guard from Vasteras, Sweden was a force on the Red Wings’ blueline averaging more than 30 minutes during 23 playoff games.

Detroit beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 in the Stanley Cup final after earlier series victories over Vancouver, St. Louis and Colorado.The post-series announcement by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman that Lidstrom had won the Smythe caught some observers by surprise.

Detroit captain Steve Yzerman was expected to win. (The award is voted upon by 15 members of the media.)Whether the award was expected or not, Lidstrom was full value for the honor. His soft-spoken nature and often unassuming controlled play on the ice doesn’t always cast him in the spotlight.But it’s his quiet effectiveness and on-ice poise that prompted coach Scotty Bowman to have him on the ice more than half the game.

“He was just about a perfect player,” Bowman said. “It’s really a wonderful tribute to him.”

One reason why the Hurricanes were unable to generate an attack was the presence of Lidstrom on the Detroit defense.

He’s equally distributing and shooting the puck as he is neutralizing the opposition.

“Nick is quiet,” said Yzerman during the Stanley Cup celebration, “but he’s also the best player I’ve ever played with.”

The Wings’ third-round draft choice in 1989, Lidstrom has been a part of all three Detroit Cup victories - one of 10 players to have sipped from the Cup during the six-year period.

03 Lidstrom could win his second consecutive Norris Trophy this season, but he’ll have to beat out teammate Chris Chelios and Colorado Rob Blake for the honor.

And Lidstrom is sure to add to his resume of having been named an NHL first team all-star four times.

“1 think it makes it even sweeter being named the first European,” Lidstrom said. “We have lots of Europeans on our team that could have won it, but it’s nice to be the first.“

"I was really surprised. I wasn’t even thinking about it, really. I’m more happy about winning another Cup, but winning the Conn Smythe is really an honor I’ll never forget.”