Datsyuk was a late scratch for Friday’s game against the Devils and might not play tomorrow vs. the Lightning either. He took part in the morning skate on Friday, but developed a sore groin before game time. Rather than risk anything long term, it was decided to scratch Datsyuk, whose availability is day-to-day.
All signs were pointing to Datsyuk playing tonight on Monday, but head coach Mike Babcock just confirmed that he will be in. Datsyuk's return is a huge boost to the Red Wings offence, which is currently ranked 26th (2.20 G/PG) and power-play which is 24th, clicking at just 9.5%. Get Datsyuk in all of your lineups.
Datsyuk skated on the Red Wings top line and top power-play unit in practice on Monday. Following the practice, Datsyuk was noncommittal about playing tomorrow and said a decision will be made after the morning skate. However, Johan Franzen was placed on injured reserve, which opens up a roster spot for Datsyuk, so look for him to play.
Datsyuk is skating in a regular jersey for the first time since suffering a second-grade shoulder separation in the preseason opener. He reportedly looks great and is practicing hard this morning. All of that, plus skating with Henrik Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader are all good signs he might be ready to go tomorrow vs. Montreal.
Datsyuk is expected to miss his fourth and fifth straight game with the shoulder injury he suffered early in the preseason. There is some optimism in the Red Wings organization that Datsyuk could be back by next weekend, which means Saturday vs. the Flyers. He remains day-to-day, but getting closer.
This comes as no surprise as Datsyuk has yet to be cleared for contact and he was not expected to return this soon from the beginning. The Red Wings are playing well despite missing their top centre, but they definitely want him in the lineup sooner rather than later. Monitor his status as we head toward the Friday-Satruday, home-and-home series vs. the Maple Leafs.
It was originally announced that Datsyuk would miss the first two weeks of the regular season with a second-degree separated shoulder, but now he seems much closer to returning than that. Datsyuk remains on injured reserve but can be activated whenever he is healthy. With Dats out, Andrej Nestrasil remains with the team and should make his NHL debut tomorrow. Monitor Datsyuk's status prior to Saturday's clash with Anaheim.
Datsyuk skated on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Justin Abdelkader in practice this morning, but does not know if he will be ready to play in the season opener on Thursday. “I’m on my way,” Datsyuk said afterwards. “(I) don’t (want to) say it’s too close, but (it’s) a good feeling. I need to skate more and see how I feel. I need more contact and see how it feels from contact.”
Datsyuk skated for the second straight day on Friday (non-contact) but does not appear to be ahead of his original timetable, which would have him missing the first two weeks of the season. The retroactive IR move allows the Red Wings to activate him as soon as he is healthy.
Datsyuk suffered a second-degree separation to his right shoulder last Monday. Datsyuk is expected to miss 5-7 games, which is not the way he wanted to start his season after he missed 37 games.
Datsyuk is not skating at Red Wings' practice this morning and will be evaluated this afternoon. Datsyuk missed 37 games last season, so this is not the way 'The Magician' wanted to start his season. Expect an update later today.
Datsyuk will return to the lineup tonight vs. the Sabres, but Mike Babcock is not sure if he will play tomorrow vs. the Canadiens as well.
"Looking forward to a game on Friday! I am in..." Datsyuk announced on Twitter. After missing 16 games, Datsyuk will return on a line with Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader tomorrow vs. the Sabres. Head coach Mike Babcock will likely ease Dats back into the lineup, but expect to see him on the top power-play unit for sure.
Datsyuk has missed the last 16 games with a knee injury. The Red Wings young AHL call-ups have done an excellent job putting the Wings in a good spot to make the playoffs despite missing Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Datsyuk was skating on a line with Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader this morning which suggests he will return tomorrow. Monitor his status during the gameday skate, but all signs are pointing towards his return. Datsyuk had 15 goals and 18 assists (33 points) in 39 games this season.
Datsyuk said that pain is not the reason that he won't play tonight, but it is his conditioning that will keep him out of the lineup. It seemed unlikely that he was going to play tonight after Mike Babcock said that he might be back Friday. So look for him to play vs. the Sabres on Friday.
Datsyuk called himself a game-time decision this morning. Datsyuk will take part in the morning skate and then decide whether or not he can go vs. the Bruins. If Dats can not play on Wednesday, it certainly sounds like he will be available for Friday.
Datsyuk has not play since February 27th, but says that his knee feels good-to-go tomorrow, but conditioning will be a concern. This will be a massive boost to the Red Wings offence who have been getting it done wihtout Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Monitor his status during Wednesday's morning skate.
Datsyuk said on Thursday that he needs a few good team practices before he can return to game action, he has reportedly looked very good while rotating in on the top two lines this morning. This is a huge step for Datsyuk, who the Red Wings are eager to get back after dropping their last three contests. Do not expect to see Datsyuk in the lineup on Saturday or Sunday. However, if that changes we will let you know.
Datsyuk says he will skate by himself tomorrow but will need some practices with the team before he returns to the lineup. When that return will be remains without a timeline.
Datsyuk must have been skating very well for Babcock to say it looks like he can play. The Red Wings will monitor Datsyuk on a day-to-day basis.