All-star Nicklas Lidstrom takes Yzerman's place as Red Wings captain

Lidstrom succeeds Steve Yzerman, who wore the "C" for Detroit for the last 19 seasons before retiring in July. In his 16 seasons with the Red Wings, the 36-year-old Lidstrom has won three Stanley Cups, four Norris Trophies and the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2002.

He received a standing ovation from the crowd at Joe Louis Arena when he was introduced Thursday. The ceremonial face-off featured Vancouver captain Markus Naslund, Lidstrom and Yzerman, who last month was named a Red Wings vice president.

Lidstrom is the first European captain in franchise history.