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Red Wings retirement bits: Nicklas Lidstrom might decide by July 1, Mike Modano still thinking

Nicklas Lidstrom

Detroit Red Wings’ Nicklas Lidstrom (5), of Sweden, skates during a break in the action during the first period in Game 7 of a first-round NHL playoff hockey series against the Phoenix Coyotes Tuesday, April 27, 2010, in Glendale, Ariz. The Red Wings defeated the Coyotes 6-1, to win the series 4-3. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Ross D. Franklin

If Nicklas Lidstrom really did play his final game in that thrilling Game 7 against the San Jose Sharks on Thursday, then he finished his career as one of the best at his position. There aren’t many athletes who can claim that they went out of their sports on top, but Lidstrom would be able to do just that.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that the stupendous Swede is going to hang up his skates. The Detroit Red Wings announced that Lidstrom expects to make his choice on July 1, which is the first day for unrestricted free agency.

The team also stated that Mike Modano “will take his time to decide as well.” It would be a bit surprising to see Modano lace ‘em up again, but many expected his emotional last game with the Dallas Stars to be his final NHL contest, too.

The Red Wings went out of the 2011 playoffs fighting, as every San Jose Sharks fan finished Game 7 holding their breath. The team itself looks like it has plenty left in the tank, but we’ll have to wait some time to find out if Lidstrom and Modano think they have enough fuel for the 2011-12 season.