Despite all the accolades, the Stanley Cup rings, and the high praise, why is Nick Lidstrom underrated?

Question

Maybe it's the heat and humidity getting to me, but does it seem as though one hears more about Chris Pronger, Scott Niedermayer, and Dion Phanuef more than Detroit's Nick Lidstrom? In fact, before the lockout in 2004, other defensemen were mentioned more often than the Red Wings' captain. After all he has accomplished during his future Hall Of Fame career, is Lidstrom somehow underrated?

Answer 1

He does his job, does it well, doesn't cry about it or chase the spotlight, he is the definition of true Sportsmanship.

Answer 2

Lidstrom Is a quiet superstar. He does his job and he does not have to be flashy about it. He is one of quiet leadership. The people that truly know hockey know that he is a premier defense man. I will take his calm style of play and winning ways any day. He is not underrated by those who know hockey. He is only underrated by the casual fan that only likes to see a huge hit or fight.  

Answer 3

The folks handing out the Norris Trophy seem to have a fair handle on his ability. It would seem to me that it's more of a case of a couple guys on your list of his peers being overrated. I guess it all depends on who you're talking to, I'd rather be recognized by one guy that decides who deserves the Norris than 5 writers who thinks Brian McCabe should get more respect.

Answer 4

I wouldn't say he is underrated as he is said by many to be the second greatest defenseman ever behind Orr. If anything he is overlooked. He is just very subtle in his greatness, and isn't flash about it. In today's NHL its all about goals, big points, and big hits to the average fan and since Lidstrom is just quietly doing his thing on the blue-line, hardly making any mistakes, he doesn't get noticed as much.

Edit: Winter Glory I'm not sure if it was a typo or what but Lidstrom has 4 Cups. (97,98,02,08)

Answer 5

Who says he is underrated??

Answer 6

I don't think he's so much underrated, as he is underexposed, you can't deny a player who's had that kind of career, and 3 cups.

edit:Not a typo, more like a s***w up, I forgot the '02 Cup, thanks for the correction, lol..

Answer 7

Pronger, Niedermayer, and Phanuef are terrific players, but it seems to me that winning the Norris Trophy year after year is pure proof that Lidstrom is not underrated...

Answer 8

That's easy.  He's not playing in Toronto, Montreal, New York, or Boston.  Yes, Detroit is a great hockey town, but as far as media attention outside of Detroit goes, he's a bit buried.  I agree that he is one of the greatest blueliners that I have ever seen, but unless he gets traded to one of the major hockey markets, he will not get the press he deserves.

To take an example from my own team, there is little doubt that Nabokov is one of the best goalies in the game right now.  Why does he get shut out of the major awards more often than not?  He's in San Jose.

Answer 9

Hi

Snoop I think the missing link is style of play. The three you mentioned are known for big game changing hits. Lidstrom is a positional player so he is not noticed unless out of position. His style leads to less notice on the score card and highlight reels then several other big names.

Thank You

Answer 10

He gets the hardware he deserves.  He plays a quiet game, and plays position to perfection.  He doesn't take cheap shots like Niedermayer or Pronger, and he doesn't make big hits like Phaneuf.  He is a class act on the ice, and is never outspoken.  I think he would much prefer being out of the spotlight than be a target of the media frenzy that follows Cindy Crosby wherever he goes.

Kimmy - well put.  didn't read your post until I submitted mine.