Datsyuk sagging at Zetterberg's expense

[Opie 308]

Datsyuk is "Sagging" because you guys are not happy unless you are bitching an moaning.

Pure and simple.

On a very good line you have a set up man, a scorer and a mucker. As a line they are scoring at a torid pace. One wing leads the league in goals and the other is 2 assists away from leading and at one point in time was leading the league and you guys still complain or find something to worry about.

Dats is a playmaker out of the mode of Igor Larinov, yes he is flashy and yes he can score, but if he dekes out half of the team and then sets up a beautiful goal what is the problem.

And the argument that teams will focus on Z is down right foolish. Do any of you honestly think that a coach in the NHL is going to say to his guys "Let Datsyuk do whatever he wants with the puck in his hands and cover Zetterberg." NO!!!

They are successful together because one is shooting lights out and the other is a passing genius. That is why you don't trade Dats for Vinny L. Another shooter on that line breaks up the chemistry. (not to bring up another thread)

Dats is shooting more than ever now, that is why his shooting percentage is way down. He used to wait for the perfect shot and angle and then he would score on more of his shots. Pretty soon he will be able to fake the pass and take the shot and have better looks.

You guys are worried about dats season, he has 16 points in 16 games, he is a major reason why Zetterberg is having the season he is having.

If they win the cup and dats goes 10/90 and has a 100 point season are you seriously going ***** and moan and say that Dats had a horrible season.

If so, check in with the local mental hospital.

IF IT AINT BROKE DON"T FIX IT!!!

Edited November 10, 2007 by Opie

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

These projections aren't based on 1 game... They're based on 16 this year, and several last year. That's the way these things work. It's like a poll that samples 3 people vs. one that samples 100,000. So after 50 games you're going to say, "these stats mean nothing to me, we're only projecting.?

If they said he'd be putting up a point a game, I'd say, "that's awesome." And since that's what he's doing, I'm going to go ahead and say, "that's awesome."

Okay, here's a projection for you, since projections are so valid and all.

Over the past 4 seasons, Z has missed 47 games.

That's 11.75 games per season. So, if we can distort numbers by using projections, he'll miss 11-12 games this year. How many points does that shave off of Eva's projection?

As for the question I posed. You're avoiding it entirely. The question was not if I told you Datsyuk would average a point a game. Its what if I told you he had 2 goals through 16 games. Would that make you say "awesome" as well?

Furthermore, Datsyuk has averaged more than a point per game the past 2 years. So technically, if we're going to live and die projections, Datsyuk is not only projecting to score fewer goals this year, but to also score fewer points.

WOW, THAT'S AWESOME!

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Who wants to mess with a good thing, right? I know, but despite how well Datsyuk is playing, its not good that he has only 2 goals in 16 games this season. I don't care if he racks up 90 assists, he's on pace for a 10 goal season.

Why is Datsyuk not the Center on that line and Zetterberg the Left Winger?

Not only are Datsyuk's goals way down, his faceoff win percentage is sagging as well. I'm inclined to believe that alot of that has to do with the fact that he's not taking as many faceoffs as a natural centerman should and therefore he's losing more than he's accustomed to.

Maybe i'm nuts but IMO Datsyuk is a better natural centerman and Zetterberg is a better natural winger. Watching Dats play left wing like its a centerman's position just doesn't look right to me. And his numbers are suffering because of it.

Don't get me wrong, Its alll good that Z is having a monster year. But IMO, we need both of these guys to be scoring. There's going to come a point, when we're 1/2 way through the season, if Dats has like 6-8 goals, that's not going to be good for anybody, no matter if Z has 100 goals by then.

(fingers crossed) that Babs would move Dats back to center and Z to the wing.

You're right that Datsyuk is bettter at center than he is at wing. But so is Zetterberg, and he's leading the league right now so as you say, why mess with a good thing?

As for the faceoffs, that's conjecture. You could just as easily look at the numbers and say maybe he's not taking as many faceoffs because he hasn't been winning them like he used to. Besides, he's still above 50%. That's not exactly slumping.

And once the play is going in the offensive zone, I don't think they behave like a traditional center and winger anyways.

I just don't see the sense in moving the hottest player in the league right now out of that position, especially to try and get Dats more goals by moving him from a goalscoring to a setup position.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

Datsyuk is "Sagging" because you guys are not happy unless you are bitching an moaning.

Pure and simple.

On a very good line you have a set up man, a scorer and a mucker. As a line they are scoring at a torid pace. One wing leads the league in goals and the other is 2 assists away from leading and at one point in time was leading the league and you guys still complain or find something to worry about.

Dats is a playmaker out of the mode of Igor Larinov, yes he is flashy and yes he can score, but if he dekes out half of the team and then sets up a beautiful goal what is the problem.

And the argument that teams will focus on Z is down right foolish. Do any of you honestly think that a coach in the NHL is going to say to his guys "Let Datsyuk do whatever he wants with the puck in his hands and cover Zetterberg." NO!!!

They are successful together because one is shooting lights out and the other is a passing genius. That is why you don't trade Dats for Vinny L. Another shooter on that line breaks up the chemistry. (not to bring up another thread)

Dats is shooting more than ever now, that is why his shooting percentage is way down. He used to wait for the perfect shot and angle and then he would score on more of his shots. Pretty soon he will be able to fake the pass and take the shot and have better looks.

You guys are worried about dats season, he has 16 points in 16 games, he is a major reason why Zetterberg is having the season he is having.

If they win the cup and dats goes 10/90 and has a 100 point season are you seriously going ***** and moan and say that Dats had a horrible season.

If so, check in with the local mental hospital.

IF IT AINT BROKE DON"T FIX IT!!!

Opie, take a step back and answer me this.

2 goals through 16 games. Is that good in your opinion? I do not want to hear about anything else, team record, Z, whatever. Answer the question. Is 2 goals thru 16 games good enough for Datsyuk.

As for your question, if we win the cup will I ***** if Dats goes 10/90 for 100 points. Absolutely not. Why would anyone ***** about winning the cup?

Furthermore, why would anybody ***** about Datsyuk scoring 100 points, which is 13 more than he's ever scored in a season.

Dats' goals are down

Dats' faceoff win percentage is down

Dats' shooting percentage is down

Dats' points per game is down

You all are acting like Dats is a monster because he's still got 16 points in 16 games. Well, projections (all hail EVA) wil tell you that's an 82 point season. So, going by that not only does Dats not get to 100 points but he actually has fewer goals and fewer points than he's had the past 2 years. And that being said, if he doesn't reach any of those numbers, why would we think we'd be winning a cup in the first place?

Savvy?

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Opie, take a step back and answer me this.

2 goals through 16 games. Is that good in your opinion? I do not want to hear about anything else, team record, Z, whatever. Answer the question. Is 2 goals thru 16 games good enough for Datsyuk.

As for your question, if we win the cup will I ***** if Dats goes 10/90 for 100 points. Absolutely not. Why would anyone ***** about winning the cup?

Furthermore, why would anybody ***** about Datsyuk scoring 100 points, which is 13 more than he's ever scored in a season.

Dats' goals are down

Dats' faceoff win percentage is down

Dats' shooting percentage is down

Dats' points per game is down

You all are acting like Dats is a monster because he's still got 16 points in 16 games. Well, projections (all hail EVA) wil tell you that's an 82 point season. So, going by that not only does Dats not get to 100 points but he actually has fewer goals and fewer points than he's had the past 2 years. And that being said, if he doesn't reach any of those numbers, why would we think we'd be winning a cup in the first place?

Savvy?

His goals are definitely down. That is a concern.

His faceoff percentage is fine.

His shooting percentage is down because he's taking more shots which should lead to goals. That alone is in no way an indication of something really wrong. Its just math.

He definitely needs to start potting some goals. If the situation was reversed and Datsyuk was tearing up the league but Z was struggling to score on the wing, would you want to switch them?

I just don't think it's something to mess with right now. Datsyuk is an extremely talented player. I'm sure he'll be able to score from the Wing.

If halfway through the season his goals are still surprisingly low, then maybe it's time to move him because he can't seem to sort it out himself.

Edited November 10, 2007 by haroldsnepsts

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

His goals are definitely down. That is a concern.

His faceoff percentage is fine.

His shooting percentage is down because he's taking more shots which should lead to goals. That alone is in no way an indication of something really wrong. Its just math.

He definitely needs to start potting some goals. If the situation was reversed and Datsyuk was tearing up the league but Z was struggling to score on the wing, would you want to switch them?

I just don't think it's something to mess with right now. Datsyuk is an extremely talented player. I'm sure he'll be able to score from the Wing.

If halfway through the season his goals are still surprisingly low, then maybe it's time to move him because he can't seem to sort it out himself.

Harold, your last statement is really what i'm getting at. In my OP I never said to move them right now. I just wondered why Z wouldn't be over at wing. Z's proven to be a more effective winger than Dats and Dats has proven to be a more effective center than he is a winger.

To answer your other question. No, I wouldn't suggest switching them if Z was struggling because Z's a stronger winger to begin with than Dats. So why switch Z for an even lesser winger.

PS: About Dats faceoff percentage:

This year

50.53%

2007, 2006, etc.....going back to his rookie season

56.21%

53.06%

53.95%

51%

47.73%

This is the worst percentage of his career since his rookie season. It may not look like a big number but a 3-6% drop in percentage is astronomical in its real world application. 6% when we're talking about most guys being around 47-50% anyways is an enormous dropoff.

Edited November 10, 2007 by GordieSid&Ted

[SwedeLundin77 460]

I guess i'm just hoping some more of those goals come from Datsyuk. 16 games, 2 goals scored. Can anybody tell me that if I said those would be Dats' numbers prior to the season starting, that they'd be happy with that. That they'd be happy with his salary, that they would think that's good enough production from him? This is regardless of team record or what Zetterberg is doing. Can anybody honestly tell me that they would think those numbers look good or are what we should expect out of Pavel?

Nobody wants to see it but there's a coincidence here in why his faceoff numbers and goals are down. And it has everything to do with him being less comfortable on the wing than he is at center.

Uhh, look around the league pal. Spezza has 1 goal and a lot of assists, Blake has 2 goals and a lot of assists, and yada yada yada. Point being, that just because Datsyuk has 2 goals, does not make him ineffective, he's a BIG part of that line just as Zetterberg and Holmstrom are too. Look at the line's overall success coupled with the fact that there has not been a team yet that can stop them - no matter who they match up.

I am sure that Datsyuk AND Zetterberg have a say in where they'd like to play.... Chances are that Zetterberg is ripping it up now, so Datsyuk is doing what he can to contribute from the wing. I'm sure this will not be the constant all season.

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Harold, your last statement is really what i'm getting at. In my OP I never said to move them right now. I just wondered why Z wouldn't be over at wing. Z's proven to be a more effective winger than Dats and Dats has proven to be a more effective center than he is a winger.

To answer your other question. No, I wouldn't suggest switching them if Z was struggling because Z's a stronger winger to begin with than Dats. So why switch Z for an even lesser winger.

oh, well if we're talking later in the season, then yes, I agree.

I'd definitely be concerned and while I think Z is more dominant at center than he is at wing, it'd probably be worth moving him in the better interest of the team.

The Wings are already struggling to get goals from anyone other than that top line, and if only two thirds of that line are finding the back of the net, it's an even bigger concern.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

Uhh, look around the league pal. Spezza has 1 goal and a lot of assists, Blake has 2 goals and a lot of assists, and yada yada yada. Point being, that just because Datsyuk has 2 goals, does not make him ineffective, he's a BIG part of that line just as Zetterberg and Holmstrom are too. Look at the line's overall success coupled with the fact that there has not been a team yet that can stop them - no matter who they match up.

I am sure that Datsyuk AND Zetterberg have a say in where they'd like to play.... Chances are that Zetterberg is ripping it up now, so Datsyuk is doing what he can to contribute from the wing. I'm sure this will not be the constant all season.

Like I care what Spezza or Blake is doing. What impact does that have on Pavel Datsyuk and the redwings? How are you doing in your hockey league? You have as much impact in your league on Datsyuk as Spezza is having right now okay.

By the way, look at Spezza's numbers. Spezza's numbers always look like that.

When did I say datsyuk was ineffective? Comprehend much?

I said, repeatedly, that IMO, Datsyuk is struggling. Do you deny the stats? That his numbers are all down from faceoffs to goals to points per game? Do you have an argument to refute that?

I have said, that I think he's struggling and 2 goals is proof of that. I have said that Z is a better winger and Datsyuk is more comfortable at Center so why not switch them if this continues to be an issue for Dats personally. Here's the rub, everybody sees what Z is doing and that we're winning. That's all fine and dandy but when you are winning and one of your stars isn't playing as well as he should be, that's not being great, that's being lucky that everyone else is picking up the slack.

Z has an injury history. He isn't likely to keep up this torrid pace. I suppose i'm the only one who thinks Datsyuk could be facing confidence issues and that were other players on the team struggling to find the net, we'd be in bad shape right now as we could not turn to Datsyuk for goal scoring as it stands.

But, I seem to be the lone wolf here so there's definitely something i'm not seeing that others are. Or i'm just getting my panties in a bind over nothing. For our sake, I hope i'm completely wrong about all this.

[datsyukonethree 0]

Don't mess with it. More than any other line I've seen, the ZDH line depends very little on the actual position of the players. Datsyuk and Zetterberg play very free-form positionally in the offensive zone, and Holmstrom doesn't play at all like a traditional winger. From what I've seen, the difference between having Datsyuk on the wing or Zetterberg on the wing is pretty minimal. It'd be foolish to mess with it now. Maybe if they come up dry for a game we can talk about it.

Also, isn't Babcock's policy something along the lines of "if you guys are going to play on the same line, you figure out who's playing center"?

[sibiriak 84]

GS+T, do you actually watch the games? Nearly every goal by Zetterberg (and by Holmstrom for that matter) is either directly set up by Datsyuk, or are made possible by his work in the corners, or on the boards, or forcing a turnover in the offensive zone. Datsyuk is carrying the piano for Zetterberg to play on. I'm sure that later in the season Zetts will return the favor. Somebody has to do little unglamorous things for the line to work. The only stat that that matters is 13 W 2 L 1 OTL, first palce in the league. Datsyuk would take a 10 goal season in a second, if it ends ina Cup.

[T.Low 1,011]

Stats are fun but don't tell the whole story, obviously. They are always open to interpretation.

That being said. the fact that Z has taken 90 shots and Dats has taken 56 supports my theory of Dats doing the set up and drawing the crowd to give Z the open space to close the deal.

On the other hand, there are stats that support your theory as well. Shot %: Z is at 14.6%, Dats is at 3.6%. But I have to say that I think Datsyuk's perventage is low mostly due to the fact that he's got everyone else's sweaters draped all over him when he's trying to play.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

GS+T, do you actually watch the games? Nearly every goal by Zetterberg (and by Holmstrom for that matter) is either directly set up by Datsyuk, or are made possible by his work in the corners, or on the boards, or forcing a turnover in the offensive zone. Datsyuk is carrying the piano for Zetterberg to play on. I'm sure that later in the season Zetts will return the favor. Somebody has to do little unglamorous things for the line to work. The only stat that that matters is 13 W 2 L 1 OTL, first palce in the league. Datsyuk would take a 10 goal season in a second, if it ends ina Cup.

No, i don't watch any of the games. Actually, I prefer table tennis to hockey. WTF kind of question is that?

And yeah, if we win a cup, i'll take it and won't give a s*** about who did what.

But if we don't, and part of it is because Datsyuk has the worst season he's had in 3 years. Are you going to come back here and bow down before me and proclaim how right I was and that you should've listened to me?

Here's to knocking on wood that:

Z continues to tear it up

Z doesn't get injured and miss his customary 11 games per season

Dats doesn't lose confidence because he can't find the back of the net

That the team continues to find wins despite getting zero goal production from Dats basically

Yeah, Dats is setting up plays and that's great. But you're all kidding yourselves if you think that with 2 goals in 16 games there isn't something not entirely right going on with Datsyuk.

Of course we'll all project out this monster season for Zetterberg and think we're sitting pretty. But nobody wants to project out that Datsyuk is having the worst year he's had in 3 seasons.

If its not a factor and we win the cup, we're all winners. If it becomes a factor and we don't win the cup, then we all lose and I guess I'll just have to say "I told you so" later. For all our sakes, I'm hoping I'll be eating alot of crow at the end of the year.

[Earthhuman 8]

GS&T-

Projections and stats are basically in the same realm. How can you say that projections don't matter, yet stats mean everything.

That line has scored over a goal a game, and Datsyuk is a part of that. That's the important thing.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

Stats are fun but don't tell the whole story, obviously. They are always open to interpretation.

That being said. the fact that Z has taken 90 shots and Dats has taken 56 supports my theory of Dats doing the set up and drawing the crowd to give Z the open space to close the deal.

On the other hand, there are stats that support your theory as well. Shot %: Z is at 14.6%, Dats is at 3.6%. But I have to say that I think Datsyuk's perventage is low mostly due to the fact that he's got everyone else's sweaters draped all over him when he's trying to play.

One thing to note is that even when Z plays wing, he's historically taken more shots than Datsyuk anyway so I don't think it matters in trying to prove Dats is more of a setup man. We all know he's more of a setup man. That's not the issue.

The issue is he has 2 goals. Believe me people, if Dats had 5 or more goals right now, this thread doesn't get started.

GS&T-

Projections and stats are basically in the same realm. How can you say that projections don't matter, yet stats mean everything.

That line has scored over a goal a game, and Datsyuk is a part of that. That's the important thing.

Becuase stats are real as in they really happen. Projections are what ifs. Do you invest your money based on statistical information or what ifs? If you play fantasy sports do you draft based on statistical information or on what ifs? If you gamble to you wager money based on statistical information or on what ifs?

Eva wants to project Z having a 130 point monster season but doesn't account for him missing 11 games per year. That's cherry picking the numbers.

Dats is averaging a point per game and we're winning so everyone is telling me we're fine. Well, if you look at it, almost all of Datsyuk's numbers are down from the past 2 seasons. He's having the worst season of his career in 3 years whether you base it on stats or projections. And the last time I checked, we were winning last year too. Almost enough to win the presidents trophy. And we're still winning.

Most people will take winning and leave it at that. I like to think i'm looking at a bigger picture. Last year we came up just shy with Z and Dats basically playing even par and the rest of the team chipping in. We have less chipping in from the other lines and almost all our goal scoring coming from Z and Homer. Dats isn't scoring which gives us one less person who is putting pucks into the net. And I dont' care how many helpers he has. We need him to score goals as well. For his own confidence and just because scoring goals helps you win, duh...

I think its an issue. I wanted to bring it to people's attention. Clearly most everyone is just loving life right now and don't seem concerned. That's good enough for me. I'll continue to watch the games and keep my fingers crossed that something doesn't impede Z's efforts and that Dats starts to light it up as well.

[sibiriak 84]

No, i don't watch any of the games. Actually, I prefer table tennis to hockey. WTF kind of question is that?

Sorry about that. I overreacted.

And yeah, if we win a cup, i'll take it and won't give a s*** about who did what.

But if we don't, and part of it is because Datsyuk has the worst season he's had in 3 years. Are you going to come back here and bow down before me and proclaim how right I was and that you should've listened to me?

Dats has "the worst season in 3 years" statistically ONLY. His line is dominating more than I ever seen them do in the past. And if the team is winning, then it does NOT matter if Datsyuk hadn't scored a goal. The Wings are winning BECAUSE of Datsyuk's (and Zetterberg, and Holmstrom, and Osgood, and Hasek, and Cleary and... ) play. Not in spite of it. Datsyuk's linemates do not have to carry him. He makes their success possible.

Here's to knocking on wood that:

Z continues to tear it up

Z doesn't get injured and miss his customary 11 games per season

Dats doesn't lose confidence because he can't find the back of the net

That the team continues to find wins despite getting zero goal production from Dats basically

Yeah, Dats is setting up plays and that's great. But you're all kidding yourselves if you think that with 2 goals in 16 games there isn't something not entirely right going on with Datsyuk.

Of course we'll all project out this monster season for Zetterberg and think we're sitting pretty. But nobody wants to project out that Datsyuk is having the worst year he's had in 3 seasons.

If its not a factor and we win the cup, we're all winners. If it becomes a factor and we don't win the cup, then we all lose and I guess I'll just have to say "I told you so" later. For all our sakes, I'm hoping I'll be eating alot of crow at the end of the year.

How can Datsyuk's "sagging" be a factor if his line is responsible for half of the Wings goals? You can't score twice on the same chance. I don't care if it is Zetterberg scoring into the empty net from Datsyuk's pass or vice versa.

Edited November 10, 2007 by sibiriak

[RedWings Gone Wild 6]

I'm not at all worried about Datsyuk.. He has ALWAYS been one of the streakiest scorers in the NHL. He's the kind of guy who can go 10 games without a point and then get 15 in the next 5. The fact that he's averaging a point per game without being superbly impressive just means that he'll have a monster year when he finally gets going.

[Guest GordieSid&Ted]

Sorry about that. I overreacted.

Dats has "the worst season in 3 years" statistically ONLY. His line is dominating more than I ever seen them do in the past. And if the team is winning, then it does NOT matter if Datsyuk hadn't scored a goal. The Wings are winning BECAUSE of Datsyuk's (and Zetterberg, and Holmstrom, and Osgood, and Hasek, and Cleary and... ) play. Not in spite of it. Datsyuk's linemates do not have to carry him. He makes their success possible.

How can Datsyuk's "sagging" be a factor if his line is responsible for half of the Wings goals? You can't score twice on the same chance. I don't care if it is Zetterberg scoring into the empty net from Datsyuk's pass or vice versa.

It's all good. Like I said in the OP, I'm just tossing this around as its something I noticed. I never once asked that they be switched immediately. I'm a stat *****. I've checked the numbers and like the realist that I am. I don't put much stock into projections and I always count on us going through slumps and that we will run into injuries. From my perspective, given that historically there will be slumps and injuries, with Zetterberg typically being one of the injured, It'd be in our best interests if Datsyuk were scoring more goals. That's all i'm saying. Z's numbers are way up, Dats numbers are down. I wish they were a little more even is all.

I'm not at all worried about Datsyuk.. He has ALWAYS been one of the streakiest scorers in the NHL. He's the kind of guy who can go 10 games without a point and then get 15 in the next 5. The fact that he's averaging a point per game without being superbly impressive just means that he'll have a monster year when he finally gets going.

That's one way to look at it. Which is why i'm not calling everybody ******* retards and screaming to the high heavens that they be switched. I'm not panicky about it. Just concerned. I'd like to see Dats get a couple of goals here in the next few games. That'd put me at ease.

[2probert4 8]

I don't think he's having a "bad" year per say.

Let me ask it again.

Prior to the season starting, if somebody told you Datsyuk would have 2 goals through 16 games, what would you say?

And people are picking and choosing the numbers they want to use hear. Sure, a point a game is great. Dats has done the point a game thing before. What he's not doing this season is winning faceoffs and scoring goals. No projections or spin job can alter those facts.

,

But how many of Zetts goals were setup by Datsyuk? Judging a good or bad season by only projections or stats as of yesterday, well its absurd. Datsyuk is a playmaker people, he handles the puck better than most, he looks to pass before shooting (he admits that) and he plays well on the penalty kills. Zetts is rolling yes, but Datsyuk is playing well in his own right. Perhaps Datsyuk should shoot more, but I don't think the guy looks like he's losing confidence.

[RedWings Gone Wild 6]

But how many of Zetts goals were setup by Datsyuk?

Nicely said.. Every goal scorer needs a playmaker. If Dasyuk spends his season getting goals for Zetterberg and Holms... I won't be complaining.

[puckbags 863]

If we were at game 60 and Dats' numbers were way down maybe there would be reason to start a thread about it but we have played 15 games and his numbers may be slightly down but who's to say he doesn't go nuts in the next 5 games and score 6 goals and 4 assists. At that point you can take all your stats and projections and throw them in the garbage. Bitching about a guy's statistical projections 15 games into the season is absurd. 10-90, 30-70, 40-60..who gives a s*** as long as someone is putting the puck in the net and we are putting W's on the board. Oh and don't talk about Z and injuries, that is just bad karma.

[RedWings Gone Wild 6]

If we were at game 60 and Dats' numbers were way down maybe there would be reason to start a thread about it but we have played 15 games and his numbers may be slightly down but who's to say he doesn't go nuts in the next 5 games and score 6 goals and 4 assists.

People were asking for Hasek's head on a pike with less games played.

[RedWingedKitten 9]

Ok, here is my theory.

You guys know how Datsyuk has had those "playoff slumps"? Well he did not have one last year, and that's because he sub consciously moved it to the begining of this season! Trust me, in 4 games he will be as hot as ever.

It's funny, in my theory the nhl assist leader is having a slump.

[#1redwingfan 0]

this thread seems really silly to me because zetter and dats are tearing the ******* ice up out there. they will be moved around at some point in the season, dont worry they arent locked in these positions pal.

[Yemack 1]

I don't know how anyone can say Datsyuk is 'saggin'? Are you even watching the games at all?

IMO he has been THE most dominant offensive player. Z has more points but Dat has been just a beast.