Detroit Red Wings: 5 Realistic Goals for Pavel Datsyuk in 2011-12

Pavel Datsyuk is the most complete two-way player in the NHL right now.

Having said that, there are still a few things that he has not done throughout the course of a regular season.

Datsyuk has never had an 100-point season (although he came close in 2008-09 and 2009-10), he has never won a scoring title, and he has never won a Conn Smythe trophy.

Although Datsyuk has never done any of these things, at 33 years old, Datsyuk has at least one or two more seasons to try and complete some of these goals before his production could start tailing off.

The following slides will be what I consider to be achievable goals for Datsyuk in the upcoming season.

1. 225 Shots on Goal

Pavel Datsyuk has only achieved 225 shots in a season twice in his career.

Both of those times, Datsyuk had 31 goals or more.

In addition, Datsyuk had 97 points both of those seasons.

Datsyuk was just over a point-per-game player in the 56 games he played this year.

If he can stay healthy for about 75-80 games this season, he should achieve this goal of 225 shots.

If he focuses on getting to the net more instead of playing along the boards, it should be a simple task.

2. Plus/Minus of 35

In addition to being skilled in the offensive zone, having the puck on a string, Datsyuk is also a defensive specialist.

Datsyuk's defensive prowess is well noted.

He is well-versed in the art of the sticklift, notching 71 takeaways last season in only 56 games.

Datsyuk is a man on a mission when he is hunting the puck career down.

A plus/minus of 35 would truly show that he has regained his Selke form and would disprove any critics who argue that Datsyuk is too old to dominate the game of hockey anymore.

Datsyuk's plus/minus numbers have been falling since the 2007-08 season (when he put up a stellar plus/minus of 42), but with a healthy season, Datsyuk should be able to attain at least a plus/minus of 25 if not my goal of 35.

3. 100 Point Season

One-hundred point seasons seem to be getting more rare, as very few occur every season.

I believe that a healthy Datsyuk can achieve an 100-point season. Although Datsyuk's numbers have not been the same since 2008-09, his determination to get better, even after his injury last year, is enough to make me a believer that he can attain triple digits in points.

Datsyuk was better than a point-per-game this season, and if he is at a slightly better pace this coming season, he could very easily reach 90 and have an outside chance at 100.

4. Win the Selke Trophy Back from Ryan Kesler

Pavel Datsyuk's role as a two-way forward might be in question after having his four-year run as Selke Trophy winner snapped.

Datsyuk had won the trophy each of the prior four seasons, but Ryan Kesler of the Canucks went on to win it last year.

Ironically, the Red Wings finished 23rd in the League in goals against.

If Datsyuk were to win the Selke again, it would certainly improve the Wings' team defense as a whole, leading the Wings to be a better team all around.

Datsyuk isn't shy about his defensive game, he just needs to stay healthy this season.

5. Stanley Cup

Obviously, winning the Stanley Cup is what it is all about in hockey.

Datsyuk has one year left with (potentially) the best defenseman of all time, and he had better make it a good one, as the chances of Detroit winning a Stanley Cup go down a substantial amount when Lidstrom retires.

Datsyuk has been to the top with Detroit twice, once in 2002, once in 2008.

He has the determination, the skill and the leadership to take the team back there once again.

Datsyuk's aforementioned health will play a big role in keeping this Red Wings' squad on track, but keep your eyes peeled. No. 13 will be at it again this season, and he could have hockey's Holy Grail back in his hands at the end of the season.

What It Boils Down to

This Detroit squad isn't getting any younger, and that comes as a surprise to no one.

Datsyuk might only have one chance left with the Red Wings to win the Cup.

Nick Lidstrom really only has one season left.

But enough negativity. Detroit's big guns will be back at it again, and Datsyuk will be right there leading them up front.

Statistically, the Red Wings were one of the best offensive teams in the league last season.

Defensively, not so much; a healthy Pavel Datsyuk should help with that.

A healthy Datsyuk also marks a big difference in any season of Detroit Red Wings hockey.

Look for this season to be no different.

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