Times wires
Saturday, May 14, 2011
DETROIT — Red Wings star defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom said he will decide if he will return next season by July 1.
The Swede, who turned 41 on April 28, is a Norris Trophy finalist for the 11th time in the past 13 seasons and 19 seasons overall. (He has won six, two off the league record of Bobby Orr.) He signed a one-year, $6.2 million deal June 1 and likely would come back with similar terms if he chooses to return.
"You take everything into account," Lidstrom said, "how you feel, motivation, family situation."
Lidstrom's oldest son enrolled in a Swedish university last fall.
"I think he'll come back," coach Mike Babcock said. "He's a good player, and he's on a team that has a good opportunity."
Analyst arrested: ESPN analyst and ex-NHL player Matthew Barnaby pleaded not guilty to five charges stemming from an argument with his wife in Amherst, N.Y., and released on his own recognizance. In a statement he released, Barnaby, 38, said the argument with his soon-to-be divorced wife involved a "family matter" and didn't include physical violence or the threat of violence. ESPN said it is looking into the situation. Barnaby played for seven teams over 13 seasons, including the Lightning for two.
West final
Canucks (1) vs. Sharks (2)
Tonight: at Vancouver, 8, Versus
Wednesday: at Vancouver, 9, Versus
Friday: at San Jose, 9, Versus
May 22: at San Jose, 3, Ch. 8
May 24: at Vancouver, 9, Versus *
May 26: at San Jose, 9, Versus *
May 28: at Vancouver, 8, Versus *
* If necessary