Datsyuk Has a Broken Wing?

Even though his team is only six wins shy of defending their Stanley Cup title, there is no denying the fact that Detroit Red Wings star forward Pavel Datsyuk has struggled mightily. This seven-year veteran, who is coming off a season that saw him equal a career best of 97 points has at this point only one goal in 13 playoff games.

During Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime victory that put Detroit ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 in their Western Conference series, Datsyuk suffered an injury from blocking a shot that has him listed as day to day.

“He took a rocket off the foot the other night,” Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. “We’ll go from there and see what happens. We’ll see how his foot reacts.”

On Thursday prior to the Wings leaving for Chicago, Datsyuk, who was recently named as an MVP finalist for the season has posted two assists so far in the Blackhawks series and seven playoff points overall.

On Friday morning he has a doctors appointment where a final decision will be made on whether he is healthy enough to play. The Wings have already said that if Datsyuk can’t go then Valteri Filppula will dress in his place.

“I expect him to be out there,” Wings captain Nicklas Lindstrom said. “But we haven’t relied on him solely to carry the team so far in the playoffs. The depth has been the thing.”