Confirming What We All Feared?

by Casey Richey on May 21, 2009 12:33 PM CDT in News

Ansar Khan of mlive.com posted an article stating how Pavel Datsyuk sat out of today's practice. He didn't skate and this leads many of us to speculate that the fear we've had all along is true. The rough series with Anaheim and the end of the Columbus one may have finally caught up to Pavel.

I've been curious all playoffs as to whether or not he has been hurt because of the lack of top-end speed, the slow acceleration, and the pedestrian performance he has put forth in the goal column. I've guessed that he might have a groin or hip injury but the rumors persist that it may be something as serious as broken ribs.

Of course this is all speculation but the fact that he didn't even skate in practice today is kind of frightening. Maybe it's just to give him some much needed rest after that 7 game series and a quick turnaround to a speedy and physical Chicago team, either way we'll find out tomorrow.

Also, here are the forward lines that the Wings skated with in practice and could possibly use for Game 3 (once again thanks to Khan):

Franzen	Zetterberg	Cleary
Holmstrom	Filppula	Hossa
Samuelsson	Helm	Hudler
Maltby	Draper	Abdelkader*

*Leino also worked in with the line

Personally I'd like to see Helm bumped up to the Hossa line with the great work he's put in and I don't like breaking up the 3rd line that has been so effective for us this postseason. But then again, Babcock is the coach and a good one at that.

UPDATE: Datsyuk has a sore foot after taking a shot to it in Game 2. Babcock said that Abdelkader or Leino will be in if Datsyuk is out because Maltby will be getting the start regardless. Linkage

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At least Datsyuk will still be in for game three!

add my twitter: http://twitter.com/ofhdhdy
Best 1-2 hitters in baseball= Marco Scutaro/Aaron Hill
Worst 3-4 hitters in baseball= Alex Rios/Vernon Wells

by adamgreuel on May 21, 2009 1:45 PM CDT reply actions

I posted an update

It seems Datsyuk sat out because of sore foot from a shot he took off the skate in Game 2. This could be a way of masking a more serious injury or it could just be the actual truth. Hopefully it is just soreness in his foot and not a muscle or ligament injury that many have feared have plagued him all postseason.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on May 21, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions

The Wings Are Deep

It’s a luxury that most teams would love to have. We could rest Pavs for the 2 games in Chicago and re-unite in game 5. (or the finals)

by Bird6 on May 21, 2009 2:02 PM CDT reply actions

KNOCK ON WOOD!

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on May 21, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Maltby back in over Abdelkader, not surprised about that one.

add my twitter: http://twitter.com/ofhdhdy
Best 1-2 hitters in baseball= Marco Scutaro/Aaron Hill
Worst 3-4 hitters in baseball= Alex Rios/Vernon Wells

by adamgreuel on May 21, 2009 9:35 PM CDT reply actions

yeah neither am i really, Abdelkader looked flat as far as getting something going offensively and out of position several times defensively. Hopefully Kirk can get something going, he’s one of my favorites—especially if you can read his lips on the bench haha

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on May 22, 2009 5:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Disappointing Wing players.

Datsyuk may not be putting up the points, but he still looks good out there. He backchecks well and does generate offense. As far as players who are not playing well, I give that to Tomas Holmstrom. He just doesn’t look like the same player any more. Whether his groin is still bothering him, who knows. But especially at even strength he just isn’t effective at all. He used to be great in the corners, and that was a real benefit for Datsyuk. He was the guy to dig the puck free and give it to the big guys. Now that’s just not happening and it’s always Datsyuk and Hossa fighting for the puck and using all their energy working on the boards.

by dewman8810 on May 22, 2009 11:45 AM CDT reply actions

fully agree

Holmstrom has been a ghost more than anyone i think. Even his bread and butter is not working (screening) and that’s making Khabby able to deal with Datsyuk and Hossa so easily.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on May 22, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions