Detroit Red Wings: 2000-09 All-Decade Team
By Mike Rizzo
Second Line
Center – Pavel Datsyuk: Datsyuk was an up and coming rookie back in 2002 when he was on a line with Brett Hull and Boyd Devereux – a like Hull called “Two Kids and a Goat”. Pavel had a very good career as a Red Wing as it most likely is ending. He also won three straight Selke Trophies for best defensive forward in the NHL.
Right Wing – Marian Hossa: Even though Hossa played only one season for the Red Wings he was dominant. Unfortunately, the Red Wings came up short and lost in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Red Wings then made a huge mistake by giving Johan Franzen an extension instead of Hossa. Hossa has since won three cups with the Blackhawks while Franzen has been injured and ineffective during games.
Left Wing – Henrik Zetterberg: From 2005-06 until 2009-10 Zetterberg was arguably the best player on the Red Wings. He topped 30 goals in three of those years and even scored a career high 43 goals in the Cup year of 2007-08. Unfortunately, Zetterberg has had back issues the last couple of years that robbed us fans of enjoying him in his prime longer.
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