DETROIT -- The league is getting younger but there remains a place for veteran players.
The Red Wings got Pavel Datsyuk back six games ago and Brad Richards two games ago and their impact is already being felt.
Datsyuk, who missed all of training camp and preseason after surgery in late June to repair ruptured tendons in his right ankle, scored his first goal Saturday night in St. Louis.
Richards returned Friday night after missing 13 games with a back injury and had two assists against the Blues.
Wings coach Jeff Blashill played them together on a line with Teemu Pulkkinen, who got the game-winning goal in overtime Saturday.