WTFchris
09-20-2007, 12:45 PM
Lidstrom adjusting to latest partner
by Ansar KhanThursday September 20, 2007, 12:08 AM
GRAND RAPIDS -- Getting accustomed to a new defense partner has become an old habit for Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom.
He has had many over the years, from skilled players to gritty, stay-at-home types, and he has excelled with each one. So it shouldn't take long for Lidstrom and his newest partner, Brian Rafalski, to develop some chemistry.
"When you get a read of how he's moving out there, how he's thinking the game, how he's reacting to different situations, it doesn't take that long to really get to know your partner," Lidstrom said.
Aside from one intrasquad scrimmage in training camp, Lidstrom and Rafalski have not played or practiced together much. They will get ample opportunity during the exhibition season.
Coming off their 6-1 victory against Minnesota in Tuesday's preseason opener, the Red Wings play the first of five home exhibition games tonight at Joe Louis Arena in a rematch with the Wild. It was supposed to be the preseason debut for Rafalski, the Dearborn native who signed a five-year, $30 million free-agent deal with Detroit on July 1. But Rafalski sustained a hip flexor Wednesday during the "Wings for Lunch" practice event at Van Andel Arena and is questionable for the game. Rafalski said it's nothing serious.
After spending his first seven NHL seasons with the New Jersey Devils, Rafalski is still trying to get used to his new surroundings.
"There's a lot of things I have to adjust to and those are coming slowly," Rafalski said. "I'm still thinking a little bit too much out there, what I'm supposed to do here, what I'm supposed to do there. Eventually, it'll come a little more naturally."
Lidstrom anticipates a smooth transition. After playing with defensive-minded partners the past two seasons, Danny Markov and Andreas Lilja, Lidstrom is preparing for a faster pace with Rafalski, a good skater who moves the puck quickly.
"He's so good with the puck that he can play with pretty much anyone," Lidstrom said. "Especially him being a right-handed (shot), on the power play it's going to work out well. That's a piece we've been missing."
The left-handed shooting Lidstrom has been paired with lefties most of his career.
"Finally, Nick's got a right-handed guy on the point," Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios said. "I think you're going to see the difference there, us moving the puck, Nick getting the puck a lot more. That's what we want. Watching (Rafalski) and Nick on the power play is going to be pretty exciting."
by Ansar KhanThursday September 20, 2007, 12:08 AM
GRAND RAPIDS -- Getting accustomed to a new defense partner has become an old habit for Detroit Red Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom.
He has had many over the years, from skilled players to gritty, stay-at-home types, and he has excelled with each one. So it shouldn't take long for Lidstrom and his newest partner, Brian Rafalski, to develop some chemistry.
"When you get a read of how he's moving out there, how he's thinking the game, how he's reacting to different situations, it doesn't take that long to really get to know your partner," Lidstrom said.
Aside from one intrasquad scrimmage in training camp, Lidstrom and Rafalski have not played or practiced together much. They will get ample opportunity during the exhibition season.
Coming off their 6-1 victory against Minnesota in Tuesday's preseason opener, the Red Wings play the first of five home exhibition games tonight at Joe Louis Arena in a rematch with the Wild. It was supposed to be the preseason debut for Rafalski, the Dearborn native who signed a five-year, $30 million free-agent deal with Detroit on July 1. But Rafalski sustained a hip flexor Wednesday during the "Wings for Lunch" practice event at Van Andel Arena and is questionable for the game. Rafalski said it's nothing serious.
After spending his first seven NHL seasons with the New Jersey Devils, Rafalski is still trying to get used to his new surroundings.
"There's a lot of things I have to adjust to and those are coming slowly," Rafalski said. "I'm still thinking a little bit too much out there, what I'm supposed to do here, what I'm supposed to do there. Eventually, it'll come a little more naturally."
Lidstrom anticipates a smooth transition. After playing with defensive-minded partners the past two seasons, Danny Markov and Andreas Lilja, Lidstrom is preparing for a faster pace with Rafalski, a good skater who moves the puck quickly.
"He's so good with the puck that he can play with pretty much anyone," Lidstrom said. "Especially him being a right-handed (shot), on the power play it's going to work out well. That's a piece we've been missing."
The left-handed shooting Lidstrom has been paired with lefties most of his career.
"Finally, Nick's got a right-handed guy on the point," Red Wings defenseman Chris Chelios said. "I think you're going to see the difference there, us moving the puck, Nick getting the puck a lot more. That's what we want. Watching (Rafalski) and Nick on the power play is going to be pretty exciting."