Pavel Datsyuk Expected to Play Game 5

It was a rough pair of games for the Detroit Red Wings in Pittsburgh. In both games, they fell behind, scored two straight goals, and proceeded to allow the next three in a row to lose 4-2. In Game 4 Thursday night, the Wings were victimized by three Penguins goals over a 5:37 stretch of the second period, and it could be argued that Detroit looked fatigued as they attempted a third-period comeback.

Friday's day off back in Detroit gave the Wings some welcome good news, as it appears they are about to get a Hart Trophy finalist back in their lineup. This time, it's likely for real.

Pavel Datsyuk has been out since he took a puck off his foot in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals win over Chicago. If all goes well, it appears he will finally make his return Saturday night for a pivotal game in this series.

Well, we think Pavel Datsyuk is going to play Saturday in Game 5. At least that's what coach Mike Babcock said at the start of his press conference:

"He'll play," Babcock said, succinctly.

But later, he seemed to leave the door slightly cracked.

"Prior to yesterday's game, we were hoping Pav was going to be in, but we weren't planning," Babcock said. "Now we're hoping Pav's going to be in and we're planning that he's going to be in. But he's still got to be in.

"Then the second thing is how does he do when he gets out there? He missed a chunk of time. Is he capable of those situations? Is he playing on the wing or is he playing in the middle? You know, all those things. We'll see. I don't know the answer, and I'm being honest with you, just because until I see them play, I won't know."

In 18 previous Stanley Cup Finals that were tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 has gone on to win the series 14 times. That's a pretty high percentage, and it means the talk heading into -- and out of -- this game will be about how important it is to get the win.

Datsyuk's presence doesn't just help the Red Wings' offense. He's an incredible two-way player, and an effective Pavel Datsyuk will take a lot of pressure off Henrik Zetterberg, who has been asked to do everything for this team during the Finals.

Zetterberg has played pretty well, for the most part. However, his minutes have increased because of his effectiveness against Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby, and there are rumblings that he wore down during Game 4.

Saturday night will mark five games in eight days, which is a ton for any hockey player. When you tack on additional minutes of high-energy hockey, it stands to reason that any human being -- even a great player like Zetterberg -- will have some struggles.

Of course, Datsyuk isn't a sure thing yet. With Detroit facing a virtual must-win Saturday, it does stand to reason that he'll push as much as he can to play.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

6-05-2009 @ 8:58PM

slfpgh said...

so what. bringon gm,they areall old and busted out bums. you are done. you stink like your octopussys. keep believeing you suckers. welfare lines are all you know. an for haossa,he will be in the minors next looking for his jock cup.no stanley for u.

6-05-2009 @ 9:39PM

plaudenbach said...

What a jerk. I've read an awful lot of garbage from some classless Penguins fans (not that all of them are that way) but you take the cake. If the Red Wings sucked as bad as you say, they wouldn't be in the Cup Finals! Show some respect, loser. Respect for the Wings, who are (and will be for some years to come) a GREAT team, and respect to the Wings' fans, who are more numerous than the stars (many of whom aren't from Detroit, or even the United States...). So crawl back under your rock and come back out when you've grown up a little, and we'll try to have a civilzed conversation.

6-05-2009 @ 10:32PM

cjgdnight said...

plauden... I am a pens fan and I am sorry for the comments above yours... you are right.

The Wings are the team by which all others are measured.. thus I think you see some bitterness, but your whole organization has class.. I still hope they lose this year, but they have class and are very skilled players.

6-05-2009 @ 11:34PM

claytor said...

This has been a great series so far, very wild west like, reminds me of the old school days of the game.

Ill tip my cap to Pens fans, and again, may the best team win.

6-06-2009 @ 1:07AM

hey make no mistake, there is no room for sissies out there... and you may want to keep your mouthpiece in just in case!

6-06-2009 @ 3:29AM

WELCOME RICK said...

I MYSELF LOVE ALL THE TRASH TALK ON ALOT OF THESE BLOG SITES. AS A WINGS FANS I THINK IT'S GOOD FOR THE GAME. BOTH PENS AND WINGS FANS SHOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR TEAMS. THE 2 BEST TEAMS ARE IN THE FINALS. I HAVE NOT BEEN THIS EXCITED ABOUT A CUP FINALS IN A LONG TIME. DAM GOOD HOCKEY ON BOTH SIDES, PLEASE KEEP IT UP. AND MAY THE BEST TEAM WIN

6-06-2009 @ 5:31AM

rwing said...

Will be nice to have Pav back...he's a great 2-way player with moves befitting a magician. Will be a great asset. Would like to say that I am PROUD of the way the Wings have handled themselves thruout these playoffs. From the restraint they showed after the disallowed goal in the Anaheim series and up to now in "The Finals". Of course, Pens fans will disagree with me, and say I'm a "whiner", but I will state what I believe are the FACTS in this series.

One is the Penquins seem hell-bent to ramrod their way to a victory, plowing and running over anyone in it's path...with the complicity of the refs., and of course, with the blessing of Gary BUTTman. I have seen more interference, holding and cheap-shots by the Pens in one game than the Wings have done the whole series. Just a few examples: Crosby felt the need to "whack him one"(his words), referring to Maltby after losing game 1. After their loss in game 2, one Pen player jabbed at Osgood with his stick, their players all wanted a piece of any Red Wing in sight and Malkin instigated the fight with Zetterberg. Of course the NHL conveniently rescinded his suspension. Why don't they just rescind the rules if they don't intend on enforcing them?? On to game 3...4 sets of eyes "fails" to see 6 men. It was important because shortly after a Detroit player was called for a penalty...so instead of a possible 3-1 game, the Pens score tying the game at 2. Franzen gets his face smashed into the glass, Hossa is rammed and boarded behind the net, then along the boards came an incident that no-one on these blogs has mentioned...Darren Helm lost his helmet in a collision, and why did I get this intuition that as Staal plowed over him it seems like he was hoping his skate would come down on his bare head??? Gee, wonder if it was just my imagination, or my intuition which has served me well over the years??? End result: after games 1 and 2, there is an incident, a fight and a melee...after games 3 and 4, the Wings quietly skate off the ice.

Then we have the interviews after the games. The Wings, without ANY ARROGANCE simply mention an important goal or play, without any fanfare. Then we have the ALL-IMPORTANT Penquins...heehawing and smirking at each other with the giddiness of a child. See, they have learned it all, have the better players, are more prepared this year....and WHO WOULD DARE STAND IN THEIR WAY!!! I have said this before, and I'll say it again. I would much rather see the Wings lose professionally than win unprofessionally.

So now it's the best of 3....and who will win this series...the upstart Pens or the "old", veteran and experienced Wings? I don't know...but I know the "will and heart" of a Champion should not be underestimated. Or will it be the ramrod "whatever it takes" Pens. I will go with my intuition, which is generally right on. Before the Blackhawks series ended, I said if the Wings make it to the Finals, they WILL NOT BE DENIED. I stand by that statement--the Wings will prevail in the end. Oh, and before all the Pens fans start bashing me, remember that just as you're entitled to your opinion....how DARE I say, I AM ENTITLED TO MINE AS WELL, and I guess I sure gave it. Enjoy the hockey guys and gals!!!!!

6-06-2009 @ 7:09AM

Just a few more things...hey Pav, keep your head up oh lol!!!! As far as the player who plowed over Helm, I am quite sure it was Staal. He sure looked back as soon as he could....but no lucko there. SAD to think isn't it...another player couldn't wish someone to be injured in such a way, could they???? And as far as game 4, the Wings have only themselves to blame for their turnovers, and lack of "D". If you tighten it up Wings, I think you will do well. Enjoy the head-hunting...I mean hockey everyone, and GO WINGS IN GAME 5!!!!!!!!

6-06-2009 @ 11:48AM

in the pens defense helm came out in the first game throwing his weight around. He is not a small man so the pens normalized his behavior by hitting him every chance they get. One on one or he is pretty good... but can't keep taking hits from 7 or 8 folks all night every night.

6-06-2009 @ 10:53AM

dgsmsu said...

A lot of fans seem to forget that Datsyuk is the Wing's leading scorer, a great two-way player and set up Mr. Hossa all year long. Hopefully his return will jump start Hossa and the Wings. He will hopefully slow down Malkin as well. Many Pens fans think the Cup has already been won! I would not be surprised if the Pens won again tonight. But it still would not be over then either. I hope the Wing's PP gets it together tonight. Get Holmstrom in Fleury's head. Fleury has played very well the last two games. LGRW's!

6-06-2009 @ 7:58PM

Greg said...

I Don't think this will matter much

The Pens (and I am from pittsburgh) are slowly getting better throughout the series. There have been plenty of cheapshots on both sides, bad officiating at both ends. What Datsyuk can do is keep Zetterberg from having a heart attack chasing around crosby. I think the major plus for the pens is that they are such a young team and have the endurance. The red wings are getting pretty beat up and even cleary's out now due to lower body injuries. You can clearly see that the pens are progressively getting better every game, and I don't think that's going to stop. Detroit has a lot of experience and incredible players, but you can see the 5 games in 8 days is getting to them.

Regardless, they said draper was going to make a huge difference in game 4 and win face offs while killing penalties. He obviously wasn't able to do so. I don't think detroit is really out of the game though. I do believe they have the ability to win it, I just think the pens have the advantage. They have fresh players, almost no injuries, and they are on a hot streak. They cleared out carolina 4-0, maybe they can continue the 4 game win streak.

6-07-2009 @ 12:31AM

dannknee said...

I actually think the officiating is ok. The cheap shots by the Pens is about the same as from us. I don't see anything even close to what Anaheim did. On a scale of 1-10, the worst cheap shot by either side might be a 2. If ya can't handle that lil bit in the finals wear a dress. All in all it's a pretty clean series.

The nice thing about Datsyuk in there is he's got the puck a lot & that makes Pitts have to chase some. Plus even when he doesn't have it they can't just bolt towards Ozzy & not be aware of him when they're in our end. I'd guess him on the ice means about 7 minutes that the Pens don't have a chance to score & we do. I know he's getting more ice time than that, but when he's on the ice they do have the puck in our zone sometimes & also some time in the nuetral zone.

Yea I'd say in the league & networks eyes this series is about the Pens. So what? We had our time & it's not like they're influencing the games (like the NBA for instance). As long as we win I don't so much care who they give most of the tv time too.

If we lose, it won't be cuz of the officiating or the league. It'll be cuz another team was a little bit better. I could see these same 2 teams meeting again next year. Chicago, Washington, & Boston might have something to say about it, but it could very well happen. For now, lets enjoy a good series in 2009 though.

Go Wings

6-07-2009 @ 12:34AM

hope this isn't a double post. At least w/ AOL I'm now smart enough to copy what I wrote cuz half the time it kicks me off after I hit the add comment button. Anyway:

I actually think the officiating is ok. The cheap shots by the Pens is about the same as from us. I don't see anything even close to what Anaheim did. On a scale of 1-10, the worst cheap shot by either side might be a 2. If ya can't handle that lil bit in the finals wear a dress. All in all it's a pretty clean series.

The nice thing about Datsyuk in there is he's got the puck a lot & that makes Pitts have to chase some. Plus even when he doesn't have it they can't just bolt towards Ozzy & not be aware of him when they're in our end. I'd guess him on the ice means about 7 minutes that the Pens don't have a chance to score & we do. I know he's getting more ice time than that, but when he's on the ice they do have the puck in our zone sometimes & also some time in the nuetral zone.

Yea I'd say in the league & networks eyes this series is about the Pens. So what? We had our time & it's not like they're influencing the games (like the NBA for instance). As long as we win I don't so much care who they give most of the tv time too.

If we lose, it won't be cuz of the officiating or the league. It'll be cuz another team was a little bit better. I could see these same 2 teams meeting again next year. Chicago, Washington, & Boston might have something to say about it, but it could very well happen. For now, lets enjoy a good series in 2009 though.

Go Wings