A press conference has been scheduled for 11 AM Thursday by the Detroit Red Wings where it is expected that 42 year old Nicklas Lidstrom will announce his retirement after 20 years in the NHL, all in Detroit.  Lidstrom has played in 1564 career games with 1142 career points.  He is a multiple all-star and has won seven Norris Trophies as the NHL's top defenseman.  Lidstrom has been part of four Stanley Cup winners, taking the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP twice.  He also won an Olympic Gold Medal for his native Sweden in the 2006 Winter Games.  The Red Wings have made the playoffs in every season Lidstrom has been on the team.  It is very likely he wil be a first ballot Hall of Famer.