Hockey legend Joe Sakic reveals the toughest opponent he has ever faced

PUBLICATION

Joshua Deeds
February 21, 2023 (8:35 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Joe Sakic is an accomplished Executive and General Manager for the Colorado Avalanche, the team with whom he won two Stanley Cups between 1996 and 2001. Now winning one in the front office, you can't help but feel he has a pedigree many in the NHL don't have.

Joe Sakic Names His Toughest Opponent in his NHL Career

There are many trials and tribulations teams have to go through before they accomplish their goals and Sakic named an opponent, who gave him trouble throughout his career.

Joe Sakic names Nick Lidstrom as toughest opponent

Sakic named the Detroit Red Wings' own Nick Lidstrom, defenseman of the same team the Avalanche had a major feud with during his time in the NHL.

Nick Lidstrom, for sure, Sakic said.

He was faster than you, he was smarter than you, and he was just a guy that you could never beat one-on-one. He was tough to play.

Lidstrom definitely gave Sakic a run for his money and is just as accomplished if not more than Sakic on the ice. Lidstrom collected 4 Stanley Cups, and 7 Norris Trophies and was the first European Born NHL player named playoff MVP.

The 90's Red Wings were iconic with their lineup being of their best of all time arguably, and Lidstrom adds to the argument as he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2015, followed up with being named of the "100 Greatest NHL Players " in 2017.

No one put on a show like the Red Wings and Avalanche did.