Datsyuk proving he can score without Zetterberg

[13dats 1]

Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk is proving he doesn't have to be Henrik Zetterberg's wingman to rack up points.

That wasn't the case the first two months of the season, when Datsyuk struggled without Zetterberg on his line. They formed a dominant pairing when they were reunited in early December, and now Datsyuk has continued to flourish after Zetterberg's absence due to a back injury.

"It gives him confidence that he doesn't have to rely on Hank being there,'' Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "Pavel's still producing and being the player he was when Hank was with him. (Datsyuk) gets so much attention, it helps the other players around him.''

Datsyuk is riding a 10-game scoring streak (three goals, 13 assists), equaling his career-high set on two occasions last season. He can establish a new career-high streak with a point in tonight's game at Calgary.

"I don't look at the streak, I look at how many wins the team has,'' Datsyuk said. "It doesn't matter if I don't get a point as long as the team wins. ''

Datsyuk has three goals and 11 assists in nine games since Zetterberg's injury and has moved into the team scoring lead with 77 points. He had just three goals and 12 assists in his first 25 games, before coach Mike Babcock reunited him with Zetterberg.

"He's consistently creating scoring chances, which is pretty amazing looking at the way teams cover him,'' Wings defenseman Mathieu Schneider said. "Teams really have to double-up on him, he's very difficult to stop one-on-one. I think he's learned to use his linemates better, regardless of whether it's Hank.''

Datsyuk has moved back to center, flanked by Valtteri Filppula and Tomas Holmstrom. After missing the final seven games of the season and the first game of the playoffs a year ago due to a deep thigh bruise, Datsyuk is hoping to head into the postseason with some momentum.

"He realizes the importance of taking his game to another level in the playoffs,'' Schneider said. "I think he's done a good job showing up in big games. He played great in those back-to-back games against Nashville (last week). As long as he's creating chances and making teams pay attention to him, that's what opens the door for other guys like (Jiri) Hudler and Filppula.''

The playoffs have been a nightmare for Datsyuk and the Wings since their Stanley Cup title in 2002. Datsyuk has not scored a goal in his last 26 postseason games.

"I need to be playing better and better every game because playoffs are coming,'' Datsyuk said. "Now I try to shoot it more, I try more to score and not pass, so (the playoffs) may be a little bit different for me.''

[WingNutt 12]

Datsyuk has played amazing lately, Babcock has been switching lines around back and forth like crazy due to all the injuries we've had lately and Datsyuk has stayed consistent no matter who was on his line. I think Pavel has also had a lot of good chemistry with Filppula, don't get me wrong he doesen't have the chemistry that him and Hank have together but they play well together none the less.

Another think that is over looked is, Pavel does so many other "little" things during the game that often go unnoticed by most. I think his Defensive play has improved lately and I have noticed he has been on the penalty kill unit quite often as well. He steals the puck better than anyone in the league, and is always turning plays that looked to be dead plays into something.

Pavel is letting his play speak for itself.

[bringback91 2]

Datsyuk has played amazing lately, Babcock has been switching lines around back and forth like crazy due to all the injuries we've had lately and Datsyuk has stayed consistent no matter who was on his line. I think Pavel has also had a lot of good chemistry with Filppula, don't get me wrong he doesen't have the chemistry that him and Hank have together but they play well together none the less.

Another think that is over looked is, Pavel does so many other "little" things during the game that often go unnoticed by most. I think his Defensive play has improved lately and I have noticed he has been on the penalty kill unit quite often as well. He steals the puck better than anyone in the league, and is always turning plays that looked to be dead plays into something.

Pavel is letting his play speak for itself.

I'd like to see what a line of bert-dats-homer could do, before the playoffs get going.

[Wings_Dynasty 267]

Detroit Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk is proving he doesn't have to be Henrik Zetterberg's wingman to rack up points.

That wasn't the case the first two months of the season, when Datsyuk struggled without Zetterberg on his line. They formed a dominant pairing when they were reunited in early December, and now Datsyuk has continued to flourish after Zetterberg's absence due to a back injury.

"It gives him confidence that he doesn't have to rely on Hank being there,'' Wings captain Nicklas Lidstrom said. "Pavel's still producing and being the player he was when Hank was with him. (Datsyuk) gets so much attention, it helps the other players around him.''

Datsyuk is riding a 10-game scoring streak (three goals, 13 assists), equaling his career-high set on two occasions last season. He can establish a new career-high streak with a point in tonight's game at Calgary.

"I don't look at the streak, I look at how many wins the team has,'' Datsyuk said. "It doesn't matter if I don't get a point as long as the team wins. ''

Datsyuk has three goals and 11 assists in nine games since Zetterberg's injury and has moved into the team scoring lead with 77 points. He had just three goals and 12 assists in his first 25 games, before coach Mike Babcock reunited him with Zetterberg.

"He's consistently creating scoring chances, which is pretty amazing looking at the way teams cover him,'' Wings defenseman Mathieu Schneider said. "Teams really have to double-up on him, he's very difficult to stop one-on-one. I think he's learned to use his linemates better, regardless of whether it's Hank.''

Datsyuk has moved back to center, flanked by Valtteri Filppula and Tomas Holmstrom. After missing the final seven games of the season and the first game of the playoffs a year ago due to a deep thigh bruise, Datsyuk is hoping to head into the postseason with some momentum.

"He realizes the importance of taking his game to another level in the playoffs,'' Schneider said. "I think he's done a good job showing up in big games. He played great in those back-to-back games against Nashville (last week). As long as he's creating chances and making teams pay attention to him, that's what opens the door for other guys like (Jiri) Hudler and Filppula.''

The playoffs have been a nightmare for Datsyuk and the Wings since their Stanley Cup title in 2002. Datsyuk has not scored a goal in his last 26 postseason games.

"I need to be playing better and better every game because playoffs are coming,'' Datsyuk said. "Now I try to shoot it more, I try more to score and not pass, so (the playoffs) may be a little bit different for me.''

Resign him Kenny.

[livediehockey80 0]

Too bad Datsyuk will be playing in another uniform by next September.

[Louisville 112]

Too bad Datsyuk will be playing in another uniform by next September.

Why is that?

[bringback91 2]

Too bad Datsyuk will be playing in another uniform by next September.

Yeah, those new form fitting ones, at least it'll still have the same design.

[FinWing 26]

Yeah, those new form fitting ones, at least it'll still have the same design.

Clever!

[Inultus 12]

I love that last quote by him where he says he need to shoot it more.

I think we can all agree with that!

[gowingsgo 3]

Blah blah Datsyuk....do it in the playoffs Pavel and silence your real critics. His disappearing act in the postseason has left a lot to be desired. I wish Kenny would have traded him before he walks UFA this summer. That's all I'm going to say about Pavel.

[WingNutt 12]

Blah blah Datsyuk....do it in the playoffs Pavel and silence your real critics. His disappearing act in the postseason has left a lot to be desired. I wish Kenny would have traded him before he walks UFA this summer. That's all I'm going to say about Pavel.

I knew the haters would show up. Don't worry Pavel will do great come the post season, and then you and the rest of the other haters won't be talking to much because you will all be to busy eatting crow.

BTW- what ever happened to all the people on the boards that said Pavel needed Hank to play well????

and like bb91 has said many times, The Red Wings need to make the playoffs in the first place and not saying they wouldn't have done it without him, all those points sure are a big reason we are where we are right now.

If regular season means nothing then why even play a regular season?? Lets all just skip the entire hockey season and go straight into the playoffs.

[motorcitykid 42]

Too bad Datsyuk will be playing in another uniform by next September.

Too bad?

Not everyone thinks that's a bad thing.

Blah blah Datsyuk....do it in the playoffs Pavel and silence your real critics. His disappearing act in the postseason has left a lot to be desired. I wish Kenny would have traded him before he walks UFA this summer. That's all I'm going to say about Pavel.

Ahh ... clarity.

If regular season means nothing then why even play a regular season?? Lets all just skip the entire hockey season and go straight into the playoffs.

But then, you'd never see Pavel score.

Again: You want big league money? 6 or 7 mill per season? Show up when it matters.

It ain't like having a great year when you're entering free agency is a new thing.

The list of GM's "wishing" ahead and being burnt is long. I wonder if Holland is gonna add his name?

Edited March 20, 2007 by motorcitykid

[Kp-Wings 3]

Too bad Datsyuk will be playing in another uniform by next September.

If we got Chris Drury instead I don't think it will have been so bad.

[Guest Crymson]

He can score, yes, but he just ain't the 1-2-Homer wrecking machine he is with Zetts and Tomas. You've got to admit, they're utterly phenomenal--unbelievable.

[Zetter is Better 0]

Yeah, those new form fitting ones, at least it'll still have the same design.

If we got Chris Drury instead I don't think it will have been so bad.

Yeah, Buffalo will let their captain walk

Datsyuk has stepped it up and hopefully he can carry it on when Z returns and through the play-offs.

[Kira 451]

I love all you people who think a) Pasha won't be a factor in the playoffs, and b) that he'll walk come July.

You have no faith...not one little iota of it. I hope you like crow. I'll supply the barbecue sauce.

I'm with Dmitriy on this one...I'm tickled to see him doing so well. A 10-game scoring streak...the second best point total since Valentine's Day...flying under the radar to become one of the best scorers in the league. How could you not love it?

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Everybody on both extremes, cool it, it's getting really old, really fast. We all know he's a talented player who's got it going currently, we all know he needs to bring that current momentum into the postseason. So quit wasting keystrokes griping back at each other please.

Edited March 21, 2007 by SouthernWingsFan

[Kp-Wings 3]

Yeah, Buffalo will let their captain walk

Buffalo is going to have to let either him or Briere walk. They can't sign both of them.

[arnoldbuck 0]

Just adding that I agree. I have been really impressed over the last few months with Dats' play in general. Even when Hank was in the lineup. His strengths on the PK have really shown, his playmaking, and goals. My hats off to him. That being said, can't wait to them together again.

[lidstromfan5 3]

I have been thinking a lot about this lately. With the way Filppula has been playing on the line with Homer and Pavs, when we get Zetterberg and Bertuzzi healthy they should pair those 2 together on a line to see how it goes. It would really spread out our depth and we could possibly be able to roll 3 good scoring lines depending on Lang's play.

Homer Pavel Filppula

Bert Hank Samuelsson

Cleary Lang Franzen

Calder Draper Maltby

I think these look pretty decent on paper.

[datsyukismyfriend 4]

I have been thinking a lot about this lately. With the way Filppula has been playing on the line with Homer and Pavs, when we get Zetterberg and Bertuzzi healthy they should pair those 2 together on a line to see how it goes. It would really spread out our depth and we could possibly be able to roll 3 good scoring lines depending on Lang's play.

Homer Pavel Filppula

Bert Hank Samuelsson

Cleary Lang Franzen

Calder Draper Maltby

I think these look pretty decent on paper.

why would you put samuelsson on the second line?

[silkyjohnson13 0]

I'm just going to find it hilarious when the same people that are talking now will be silent in a month... Either silent or all of a sudden have bad memories:

"What, i never said Datsyuk couldn't succeed in the postseason - i always said he could."

[Guest Crymson]

why would you put samuelsson on the second line?

Also, the post begs the question as to why one would replace D-Z-H---which was hot as hell--with F-D-H, which has scored not much at all. The two lines are incomparable. Having Zetterberg on that line elevates it to godlike ability.

Edited March 21, 2007 by Crymson

[datsyukismyfriend 4]

Also, the post begs the question as to why one would replace D-Z-H---which was hot as hell--with F-D-H, which has scored not much at all. The two lines are incomparable. Having Zetterberg on that line elevates it to godlike ability.

it would depend. dats is scoring consistently centering his own line. if z can come in and do the same then we could have two consistent scoring lines and a third line that has potential. i definitely see his point. i just don't like lang centering the second line, it's a waste of a roster spot. this doens't mean i'm for breaking up z and dats, just considering options. the thought of rolling two top lines that are serious threats sounds good to me.

[northstar 0]

Blah blah Datsyuk....do it in the playoffs Pavel and silence your real critics. His disappearing act in the postseason has left a lot to be desired. I wish Kenny would have traded him before he walks UFA this summer. That's all I'm going to say about Pavel.

I couldn't agree more. It seems like Russian players are only motivated by "money", they really don't play with any real intensity, unless there is $$$'s involved. That being said, I believe Rats will have a good playoffs. Why? Because he is an UFA come summer, this is purely the $$$ motivator. I seriously doubt the Redwings will resign him, he will want to much, and off he goes (ala Sergei Fedorov).

Color RATS gone, come summer.