As the 2024 Olympic Games unfold in Paris, it’s a fitting moment to revisit a significant chapter in Red Wings history from February 2006. This was just the third Olympics to include NHL players, and Sweden clinched the gold medal in Torino with a squad that boasted five Red Wings: Nicklas Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Mikael Samuelsson, Tomas Holmstrom, and Henrik Zetterberg. Additionally, Daniel Alfredsson, who would later join the Red Wings, was part of the Swedish team.
Two weeks before that Olympic triumph, Mike Brophy from The Hockey News penned a comprehensive 1,600-word feature on Zetterberg, who was on the verge of becoming a well-known name in hockey. Within a short span, Zetterberg would earn an Olympic gold, a Stanley Cup, and the Conn Smythe Trophy, proving that Brophy’s high praise was well-founded.
In Detroit, Henrik Zetterberg faced his initial challenge with the Red Wings head-on. During his first scrimmage, Darren McCarty, a veteran of the team, took several runs at the rookie. Zetterberg, only 21 years old at the time, met the challenge without flinching, and his resilience was evident. McCarty’s relentless testing was a rite of passage, and Zetterberg’s composure was noteworthy.
Brendan Shanahan, a seasoned Red Wing, was impressed by Zetterberg’s response. Shanahan recalled how McCarty, tasked with testing Zetterberg’s toughness, was surprised by the rookie’s ability to endure the physical play. Shanahan noted that McCarty himself was taken aback by Zetterberg’s resolve, emphasizing that Zetterberg had already made a strong impression.
Before joining the NHL, Zetterberg was widely regarded as one of the best players not yet in the league. His shyness and understated personality meant that he was not widely known outside of hockey circles, but within Detroit, he quickly became a dominant force. Zetterberg, a reserved and modest individual, was often overlooked by those unfamiliar with his play, despite his growing impact on the ice.
Reflecting on his early days with the Red Wings, Zetterberg was aware that he would face tests from his new teammates. He was prepared for the rough initiation, having been informed that the NHL would be physically demanding. He remembered how McCarty targeted him during the early red-and-white games but chose to stay focused on his performance rather than retaliate. McCarty later expressed his admiration for Zetterberg’s ability to handle the physical play, which solidified Zetterberg’s standing among his teammates.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 pounds, Zetterberg was not a physically imposing figure. His survival in the NHL’s rough-and-tumble environment came down to his speed and finesse. When Zetterberg was on the ice, his ability to maneuver and make spectacular plays at high speeds was evident. His game was characterized by skill and relentless effort, traits that allowed him to thrive despite his smaller stature.
Defenseman Mathieu Schneider marveled at Zetterberg’s skill and agility, noting how Zetterberg could swiftly navigate through defenses and make quick strides through the neutral zone. Schneider praised Zetterberg as a player with no weaknesses in his game. Steve Yzerman, another Red Wings veteran, appreciated Zetterberg’s all-around play, highlighting his defensive skills and positional play along the boards.
Zetterberg’s journey to NHL stardom began at a young age in his hometown of Njurunda, a small community located four hours north of Stockholm. His father, Goran, introduced him to skating when he was just two years old. Despite the long and cold winters in Njurunda, which were typical for northern Sweden, Zetterberg’s early experiences on the ice fueled his passion for hockey. By the age of four, he was already playing hockey regularly, and he spent time watching his father, an amateur player, on the ice.
Goran’s influence on Zetterberg was significant, as Zetterberg admired his father’s hockey intelligence despite his limited skating ability. By his teenage years, Zetterberg was playing for multiple teams, competing against players of varying ages. His smaller size compared to his peers forced him to develop his skills and toughness to succeed.
Zetterberg fondly remembered the numerous tournaments he participated in, often staying with his team in local schools. His father’s job at an appliance store allowed him to attend these events and support his son. Despite being drafted by the Red Wings in 1999, Zetterberg’s development continued in Sweden for several more seasons. The Red Wings, already a strong team, allowed him to grow in the Swedish Elite League before making his NHL debut.
During his time in Sweden, Zetterberg also represented his country in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Although Sweden’s tournament ended in disappointment after a loss to Belarus in the quarterfinals, Zetterberg’s experience against top players like Eric Lindros was a valuable learning opportunity. This experience solidified his confidence in his ability to compete in the NHL.
Zetterberg’s early NHL career saw its share of ups and downs. His rookie season was marked by a promising 22-goal, 44-point performance, but his second season was less impactful with 15 goals and 43 points in 61 games. During the NHL lockout, Zetterberg returned to Timra, where he excelled with 50 points in 50 games and contributed significantly in the playoffs.
As the Red Wings navigated a period of transition, Zetterberg, along with younger players like Pavel Datsyuk and Jason Williams, began to assume more prominent roles. Despite the presence of veteran players such as Yzerman, Shanahan, and Chris Chelios, the younger players emerged as key contributors to the team’s success. Yzerman acknowledged Zetterberg and Datsyuk as two of the top forwards in the league, praising their work ethic and all-around play.
Detroit coach Mike Babcock was unequivocal in his praise for Zetterberg, calling him the team’s best player. Babcock highlighted Zetterberg’s complete game, his hard work in both practice and games, and his ability to balance creativity with defensive responsibility. Zetterberg’s performance was a critical factor in the team’s success, even as he dealt with injuries and lineup changes.
By January 2006, Zetterberg was involved in a tight scoring race with Datsyuk. Despite a brief shift to center due to an injury to Robert Lang, Zetterberg’s versatility was evident as he returned to his preferred left wing position. His preference for playing center stemmed from a desire to reduce defensive responsibilities and increase his puck possession.
As the season progressed, the Red Wings’ performance was promising. With a mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy, the team was well-coached and showed strong practice habits. The relatively weaker division they played in also contributed to their success, with a strong record against key rivals. Zetterberg’s future in Detroit appeared bright, and his impact on the team was undeniable.
Schneider’s admiration for Zetterberg’s explosive play and passion was shared by fans, as evidenced by the popularity of Zetterberg’s jersey sales. With his continued contributions and growth, it was clear that Zetterberg was well on his way to becoming a central figure in Detroit’s hockey legacy.
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