Does Datsyuk have a shot at the scoring title?

[Yzerman191 37]

With 21 games left, Malkin has 87 points and Crosby has 79.

Ovechkin has 23 games left and 75 points.

Datsyuk has 22 games left, and 74 points. We all know that Datsyuk turns it up towards the end of the season, and I think he's got a pretty fair chance at it. I would absolutely love to see him win it; maybe then he'd get the recognition that he deserves. He's definitely got a much larger handicap than the other three do, as he gets almost three minutes of ice time less and he spends a lot of time on the PK and in his own zone. Also, Malkin and Crosby are essential the entire offense of the Penguins.

So, what do you guys think? If you don't think so, who do you think will win it?

[Konnan511 1,736]

If Malkin is told to play defense to better the team's chance of making the playoffs then Datsyuk could catch him. Ovie doesn't need to play defense since his team is going to make the playofs so he is my bet to win the scoring race. Crosby is going to have to help carry his team and play aggressive defense, even more than he already does.

Malkin and Crosby are going to have to focuse on playing more defense so their offensive numbers won't increase as much as they use to if the Pens have hopes of making the playoffs, but OV does what OV wants since his team is already in the playoffs basically so his numbers should continue to increase at the same rate.

[Yzersyukstromberg 0]

Being behind by over 10 points, it'll be tough for him to catch up, unless Malkin and Crosby slow down considerably. But if anyone can get hot enough to catch up and make it interesting in a short period of time, it's Pavel Datsyuk. I say in the end, he'll finish 2nd. Malkin will hold on and win the title.

[Broken 16 381]

No

[redwing_sparty 0]

i think he'd need to be having 3 point nights on a very regular basis to win it. it would sure be cool if he did, but i won't be dwelling on it. i honestly dont think he has that much of a shot at it.

[miller76 463]

I think like stated before, that Datsyuk would really have to have 3 point nights. I think the reason a Wing will not get it, is there's just too many other players on the team constantly contributing. It doesn't all fall on Datsyuk to carry the load. Ovechkin at least has help from a real good line, but Malkin has nobody on his. It has to be a one man show for him to score.

[Elshupacabra 0]

I don't think so. Not realistically, I can only imagine what his point totals would be if he focused only on the offensive side of the puck for a season.

[Yzerman191 37]

I don't know; a few great games by Datsyuk, and a few off games by Malkin and they could be neck-and-neck. It's definitely unlikely, but it's a nice thought.

[Guest Shoreline]

Over Malkin and Ovechkin? Very, very little.

[dat's sick 1,002]

Pavel seems to have cooled off a little bit lately, he hasn't been as dominating the last couple of weeks as he was in December/January and the beginning of February, but on the other hand he now plays with Hank and the two of them are bound to produce a lot of points.

Still, Ovie, Malkin and Crosby just never seem to get let off the gas very much. The question is if Malkin and Crosby will step up and play their brains out to try and make the playoffs, or if they will slow down as it becomes more and more obvious that they won't make it.

Ovie looks crazy hot lately and probably has the best chance of catching up to Malkin. If Pavel can finish in the top 4 it's amazing, considering he has so much less TOI/game and takes much more defensive responsibility. It would be awesome if he could reach a 100 points, I don't care so much if he gets 2nd, 3rd or 5th in scoring.

Edited February 22, 2009 by dat's sick

[Konnan511 1,736]

Pittsburgh Schedule

NY Islanders

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Florida

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Ottawa

Boston

Atlanta

LA Kings

Philadelphia

Calgary

NY Rangers

New Jersey

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NY Islanders

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10A, 11H

Detroit Schedule

San Jose

LA Kings

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Columbus

Phoenix

Calgary

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Philadelphia

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NY Islanders

Nashville

St. Louis

Minnesota

@ Buffalo

Nashville

Chicago

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10A, 12H

Just by looking at the schedule left no team has the easier competition, I mean, they are both pretty weak schedules left with the Wings having a slightly harder schedule maybe; which will hurt Datsyuk's chances.

[b.shanafan14 733]

The scoring title? No. Possible for the Pearson tho, especially if he finishes in the top 2-3 in scoring, top in plus/minus, overall sound defensive play. For my money, he is by far the best two-forward in the world.

[Vincanni 1]

Nope, the current players ahead of him have almost double the percentage of their teams offensive focus filtered through them. Not too mention Datsyuk's bogged down by his versatile array of talents requiring him to play defense and supplement our team's PK.

[lets go pavel 2]

Not too mention Datsyuk's bogged down by his versatile array of talents ...

It can be such a terrible burden!

And I agree, I don't see him catching Malkin, but I'd like to see him #2 or 3. If he gets on one more good streak I could see him passing Crosby and maybe Ovie ...

[CopenhagenWing 38]

Datsyuk is very evenly matched with Malkin (as well as a couple of other players) in points per minute played. He is ahead of Ovechkin and Crosby.

[Wingaling 0]

If everything went completely, perfectly, absolutly, positively 100% perfect and everybody else (being the other 3) faulted, all at the exact same time. Then yes he just might be able to do it. Good luck Dats

[HomeNugget 2]

No.

[eva unit zero 271]

3-point nights every night would be enough for Zetterberg to win it, just for reference.

[Grim 5]

I expect the Wings to start coasting... especially if it looks like SJ is out of reach.

[TheOwl 77]

Probably impossible, but if he comes close, perhaps 2nd in points, first in +/-, he should be a lock for the Selke, and hopefully win the Hart. I mean really, without Datysuk this team would be pretty dismal even with Hossa and Zetterberg. The Datsyuk line rarely ends a night -1, or even lets in a goal when he's on the ice. It's looking like Ovechkin for the Hart again though. I hope they don't give it to Thomas or Malkin or his cry baby team mate.

Edited February 23, 2009 by TheOwl

[jvxp 0]

He has no shot.

[Kevvie 0]

The other leaders would have to really start suckin' ass big time, and Pav would have to step it up a notch or two. So, I say no. It would be nice to see, but I'm pretty sure it ain't gonna happen. Bettman already said the a Wing is not allowed to have the scoring title this year. :rotflmao:

[pjgj13 30]

What will be funny is if the top 2 scorers in the league only play into the middle of April. They can have the scoring title. If Dats doesn't AT LEAST get to be one of the finalists for the Hart, it will be a load of crap. On both sides of the ice, is there anyone better?

[egroen 384]

I just hope we see a 100 point season - been a while since we have had a Red Wing over that mark. What a great accomplishment.

[Kira 451]

I'd love to see it, but I think Pasha has his eye on a bigger prize...he wants that Stanley Cup back.