"He doesn't change," says Yzerman, who works in the Red Wings' front office. "From 10 years ago, he hasn't changed. He comes in and works hard, practices hard, and he's very professional. He's a great representative for the organization."

Which Babcock and general manager Ken Holland appreciate in so many different ways.

There have never been worries about finding Lidstrom's name in the police blotter or in stories about him disparaging an opponent or opposing team. And his durability is legendary.

In his 16 seasons, Lidstrom has played in an incredible 98 percent of the team's 1,280 regular-season games. He has missed only 28, six this season when he sprained his left knee. He's played in over 200 playoff games, more than any other Red Wing. He has never missed a postseason game.

"We've had guys like Steve Yzerman, Chris Chelios, at the age of (46) still going strong," Holland says. "There's no reason to think Nick can't continue to play at the level he's at for the next two to three years. Nick plays such a smart game. It's all about positioning, the ability to move the puck. He rarely puts himself in a position where the other team can finish a check on him.

"Beyond that, it depends on health, and I also think it probably depends on passion. Sometimes as players get older, their priorities change and they don't want to play."

Lidstrom doesn't see himself going into Chelios territory. But the passion to play is certainly there now, as is the desire to win a fourth Stanley Cup.

The current Red Wings are much younger than the veteran-laden teams that contended for championships earlier this decade. Lidstrom's presence has never been needed more.

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