Let's not get crazy. It's sport, not war. People don't die. We know only too well what the real war is. Unlike Datsyuk's moves and Zetterberg's passes, it ain't pretty.
I had suspicions in game 1, and have no doubts following game 2. He's shying away from contact and his play along the half-boards (i.e. his office) has been slower and less aggressive than usual.
I had suspicions in game 1, and have no doubts following game 2. He's shying away from contact and his play along the half-boards (i.e. his office) has been slower and less aggressive than usual.
I don't think he's injured, but he definitely isn't 100%. I think this is just the way it goes when having your knee scoped.
He's had to focus on defense since he's essentially playing with Geoff Sanderson and Robert Lang and has three or four opposing players he has to cover every shift. I'm not sure I've seen anything that suggests he's hurting.
Normally they pull him off faceoff duty when his hands or wrists are acting up.
I think it will be worthwhile to watch how he does with Babcock being able to get a few favorable matchups today.
i don't think he looked any better at home.
his skating is missing, he is much weaker on the boards, is much less aggressive and is avoiding contact. he cannot get separation from defenders as usual, and sometimes does not even try to take open ice.
he was well ahead of fisher for that iced puck late in game 4, but lost it badly.
i think he should play with filppula. filppula's speed and passing should help. i don't expect a win, though.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mulle
Pavel Datsyuk the human highlight reel
thanks. i have seen all of those plays more than once, but it is still nice to watch.
the difference between that video and datsyuk now is very large, and it is not b/c of nashville. datsyuk had usually scored more vs nashville than the rest of the NHL.
datsyuk vs nashville since '09: 9g, 17a, 26p, +11 in 20 games
i think he should play with filppula. filppula's speed and passing should help. i don't expect a win, though.
I agree.
I've thought that for a couple of years now though. But with Datsyuk's skating as limited as it is, he could really benefit from another forward that can carry the puck with speed. And with Filppula struggling, i don't see why Babcock wouldn't try to spark both of them.
As much trouble as he's having, the big difference in whether or not the line has a good shift or a bad shift is who carries the puck over the blueline.
If Datsyuk does, the Wings usually get a decent possession out of it.
If Cleary, Franzen or Bertuzzi do, it's usually turnover and easy clear.
As much trouble as he's having, the big difference in whether or not the line has a good shift or a bad shift is who carries the puck over the blueline.
If Datsyuk does, the Wings usually get a decent possession out of it.
If Cleary, Franzen or Bertuzzi do, it's usually turnover and easy clear.
Actually that's only partly true. This series we've seen Datsyuk carry the puck up, do his little quick stop to get some space, then he passes it to the point, the Nashville forward blocks the shot and the puck leaves the zone.
Actually that's only partly true. This series we've seen Datsyuk carry the puck up, do his little quick stop to get some space, then he passes it to the point, the Nashville forward blocks the shot and the puck leaves the zone.
I think Capt's point still stands.
At least Datsyuk can gain the zone and get the puck to teammates, whereas Franzen or Bertuzzi are typically the last ones to touch the puck when they carry it in.
It's pretty clear Nashville studied a ton of tape and know exactly how to force him into uncomfortable scenarios. The only way Datsyuk gets out of their coverage is if he makes one of his unreal dekes, and even then, there's usually another guy waiting for him on the other side.
It's pretty clear Nashville studied a ton of tape and know exactly how to force him into uncomfortable scenarios. The only way Datsyuk gets out of their coverage is if he makes one of his unreal dekes, and even then, there's usually another guy waiting for him on the other side.
I think it is more that the Preds isolate Datsyuk so that our Dmen have to pass the puck to the wingers and then they defend easily vs Datsyuk's line.
I think this series really outlined the need to put a big and talented winger to create space for Dats. Too bad we wouldn't be able to pony up for someone like Rick Nash or Iggy.
It amazes me that Datsyuk and Zetterberg only seen the ice together at even strength for a total of like 5 minutes this series (the end of game 4).
And Datsyuk didn't see a second of ice with Filppula.
When you can't score at even strength, and it shouldn't take 5 games to see that, you have to shake things up. And putting Cleary out there isn't really what i call shaking it up.
Datsyuk's skating and strength were clearly not 100%, and having Suter/Weber out there at all times were the perfect storm to contain him.
