It is extremely difficult to be one of the most talented individual at something, yet still somehow perform your craft without garnering constant spotlight and attention. Pavel Datsyuk of the Red Wings has found this happy-place; regularly displaying his dynamically incredible hockey skills, yet seemingly still able to go about quietly conducting his life both on and off the ice. Datsyuk was schooled in the art of the game of hockey in the old Soviet system, and is indeed a hybrid of the old and new world approaches to the game. He is a quiet, silky smooth skater; a wizard with the puck on his stick; has a killer-instinct for finishing when he gets an opportunity and is also one of the best defensive forwards in the current era of professional hockey. All-in-all, the Red Wings have one of the best and most unique players in the league in their lineup, one whom they stole in the sixth round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He has been a key member of the perennial Stanley Cup contending Red Wings teams of the last decade and is a highlight-reel moment waiting to happen on every occasion he takes to the ice. With the playoffs underway, it is no surprise that Datsyuk has been the central-figure in the Wings stellar play so far in the postseason, ensuring that he creates space for his teammates, puts points on the board and makes it possible for Henrik Zetterberg to need not worry about rushing back from injury. With Datsyuk performing at the top of his game, the Red Wings will continue to be a threat this year and every season that he laces his blades in Detroit.

• Pavel is leading the Red Wings early in the 2011 playoffs, excelling at both ends of the ice and showing that Detroit will once again be a force to be reckoned with en route to the Stanley Cup
• Has tallied five points and a plus-minus of +5 in the first three games– all wins by the Red Wings– of Detroit’s opening round series against the Coyotes
• The 3-time Selke Trophy and 4-time Lady Byng Trophy recipient had another strong season for the Red Wings, accumulating 59 points in 56 games played

BIOGRAPHY:

• Born in Sverdlovsk, USSR (now Russia), on July 20, 1978
• Drafted in the 6th round, 171st overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings
• Two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Red Wings (2001-02 & 2007-08)
• Has suited up internationally for Russia on numerous occasions, including the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, where he was a member of the bronze medal winning team
• Selected to three NHL All-Star Games (2004, 2008, & 2009)
• Recorded the top plus-minus in the 2007-08 season with a rating of +41
• Named to the 2010 World Championship All-Star Team and was also named the best forward
• Recently was voted the best Russian NHL player to earn the Kharlamov Trophy