Pavel Datsyuk wasn’t much of an offensive force in the NHL playoffs but it’s been a different story at the world championships.
Playing in his native Russia – where Datsyuk could be staying for the remainder of his playing career – Datsyuk leads Russia into the quarterfinals Thursday against Germany.
Datsyuk has seven points (one goal, seven assists) and a plus-5 rating, while leading Russia to a 6-1-0 record in the preliminary round.
The performance is in stark contrast to the NHL playoffs , where Datsyuk didn’t have a point during the Red Wings’ five-game series loss to Tampa Bay.