OPINION

By Ted Kulfan

updated 5:02 a.m. ET May 20, 2008

Don't try to get Nicklas Lidstrom to talk about himself. Don't even try to tempt the Red Wings' ultra gifted defenseman with lavish praise about his numerous career accomplishments or testimonials about his subtly grand skills.

He won't have any part of it.

What Lidstrom feels when talking about his still-growing legacy is akin to the frustration opposing forwards must feel when they try to get past him for an assault on the Red Wings' net.

"That's for others to judge and speculate on," he says when asked about his place in NHL history. "That's for the media. It's not for me."

Lidstrom doesn't say it with an edge. He's respectful of the question. And always incredibly polite. In today's sports world, his humility and graciousness are unusual — and refreshing.

"As good a player as he is, and he's one of the best of all time, he's that good of a person," coach Mike Babcock says.

"You don't have to ask Nick Lidstrom to work. He does it. He does it every day. There's not a lot of guys as good as he is (who) are as zero-maintenance."

As the Red Wings move deeper into the playoffs, much of the focus has settled on emerging stars such as Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, the timeless grit of Chris Chelios and the veteran goalie Chris Osgood.

Lidstrom hasn't drawn a lot of attention, which seems strange because of what he means to this Red Wings team. Not only is he a defensive rock, he's a puck-moving wizard, the key to Detroit's lightning-quick transition game and an elite power-play quarterback. He's just not comfortable in the spotlight.

"That's not me," says Lidstrom, who recently turned 38 and has won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman five of the past six seasons. He led all defensemen with 70 points this season and likely will add to his Norris Trophy collection in June.

Lidstrom refuses to discuss his greatness, but others don't hesitate to gush.

"What a player," says veteran television analyst Bill Clement, who played 11 seasons in the NHL. "He's a pleasure to watch because he's so subtle, so fine. Always in the right place, always making the right play. Smooth, very smooth. The guy doesn't get rattled."

Predators coach Barry Trotz, who saw plenty of Lidstrom in the regular season and during his team's six-game first-round playoff loss to the Wings, also marvels at the ease with which Lidstrom plays the game. He, too, talks about his innate ability to slow things down, process what he sees and make the correct play — over and over.

"So efficient, he always makes the right decisions," says Trotz, who had the chance to coach Lidstrom in the 2007 All-Star Game. "He's what a star should be. He's a classy individual. When you consider all the awards and records and the type of person he is, what a credit to the game he is."

Lidstrom, who is finishing his 16th season with the Red Wings, signed a two-year extension in December. He never considered testing the free-agent market. His wife and four school-age sons are comfortable in Detroit, and his career is now woven intricately into the fabric of the Wings' organization.

"Playing for the Red Wings, you always have an opportunity to win the Stanley Cup," says Lidstrom, who has been part of the championship experience three times. "As a player, that's all you can ask for." Lidstrom briefly contemplated returning to his native Sweden about eight seasons ago, primarily because he wanted his kids to grow up in the Swedish culture. The family still spends its summers abroad.

But the possibility of moving back full time dissipated as the years passed and Lidstrom's stature grew in the NHL. And, of course, in Detroit, a sports city that has been blessed with numerous big-name sports stars. His presence among the city's icons might sometimes be overlooked because of his quiet efficiency, but he won't be forgotten. In addition to his Norris Trophy success, Lidstrom already ranks among the top 20 defensemen all-time in goals (212), assists (726), points (938) and power-play goals (106).

And he almost seamlessly replaced Steve Yzerman, another Red Wings icon, as team captain. Yzerman has called Lidstrom the best player he ever played with.

MORE FROM NHL

NHL Section Front

Khabublin among five prime trade candidates Stanley Cup used for baptism in Sweden Svatos agrees to deal with Avs, avoids arbitration Top remaining unrestricted free agents Rotoworld: Latest NHL player news, rumors, more Special section: NHL on NBC Latest NHL videos   Slide show: Stanley Cup finals Vote: Who will win Stanley Cup next season?   Sound off on NHL message boards NHL Section Front   Add NHL headlines to your news reader: