Pavel Datsyuk a Game-Time Decision; Small Break for Chicago?

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One of the more confusing story lines in this year's playoffs has been the sudden disappearance of Pavel Datsyuk's offensive production. In Detroit's 13 postseason games, the Hart Trophy finalist has recorded just one goal to go with six assists after putting up his second consecutive 97-point performance in the regular season.

During the Red Wings' overtime win in Game 2, Datsyuk was reportedly injured when he was hit in the foot by a puck, which leaves his availability for Game 3 on Friday up in the air. The 30-year-old forward sat out practice on Thursday, while Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press reports that Datsyuk will be a game-time decision in Chicago. Could this be the break the Blackhawks need to get back in the series?
If Datsyuk can't go, rookie Ville Leino is scheduled to take his spot, while St. James reports he would play on the fourth line with Kris Draper and Kirk Maltby, while Valtteri Filppula would center the top line between Tomas Holmstrom and Marian Hossa. Leino signed with the Red Wings a year ago after shining in Finland. During the regular season he scored five goals in 13 games, including this highlight reel goal in his NHL debut against the Washington Capitals.



While Datsyuk has struggled offensively, he's still a threat to break out at any moment. He's also the type of player that, as a Selke Trophy winner (and a finalist again this year), can make a sizable impact when he's not scoring goals (or setting up goals). Taking one of the Red Wings' best players out of the lineup, especially for the first game in Chicago, could give the Blackhawks a small opening to get on the board in this series.

Meanwhile, for Chicago, Patrick Kane has yet to get on the board after shining against Vancouver (including a hat trick in Chicago's 7-5 win in Game 6) and is a dismal minus-five after the first two games. He's also been credited with just three shots on goal. Kane was quoted in Friday's Chicago Tribune as saying "sometimes the stats are deflating." He continued, from Chris Kuc: "Coming off Game 6 against Vancouver I was pretty high. And then you see the lowest of lows the next couple of games. I want to step up for the team. I have to produce right now if we want to get a win."

UPDATE: According to George James Malik of MLive.com, the Red Wings have confirmed that Datsyuk will be out of the lineup for tonight's game in Chicago.