GM: Surgery idled Lidstrom for playoff games

Jun 14, 2009 - 5:16 PM DETROIT(AP) -- The general manager of the Detroit Red Wings says captain Nicklas Lidstrom missed the last two games of the conference finals because of surgery.

Ken Holland told The Associated Press on Sunday the operation was May 24, although he would not say what kind of surgery. Lidstrom told the Detroit Free Press he had testicular surgery after he was speared by Chicago's Patrick Sharp in Game 3 on May 22.

Lidstrom's operation came on the same day the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 6-1 in Game 4. Detroit won the Western Conference finals in Game 5.

Lidstrom returned to the ice for the Stanley Cup finals, which the Pittsburgh Penguins won in seven games.