Sports

Red Wings skate into new era without Lidstrom, possibly putting postseason streak in jeopardy

Associated Press
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Detroit Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg, of Sweden, moves the puck during practice for the shortened 2012-2013 NHL hockey season in Detroit, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya) (The Associated Press)

Detroit Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg tries to get the puck past goalie Jimmy Howard during the first period of their Red and White NHL hockey scrimmage at Compuware Arena in Plymouth, Mich., Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. (AP Photo/Detroit News, David Guralnick) DETROIT FREE PRESS OUT; HUFFINGTON POST OUT; MAGS OUT (The Associated Press)

The Detroit Red Wings have played in the last 21 Stanley Cup playoffs. That postseason streak might be in jeopardy.

The storied franchise is starting a season without seven-time Norris Trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom for the first time since the 1990-91, the year its run in the playoffs began.

Lidstrom retired last summer and the 42-year-old defenseman turned down an offer from Red Wings general manager Ken Holland to play in the lockout-shortened season.

Henrik Zetterberg is the new captain on a team that has a chance to be better up front and in net. Niklas Kronwall will lead the way on defense and will need plenty of help from Jonathan Ericsson, Ian White and Brendan Smith.