Pavel Datsyuk is a
Russian born NHL hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings. Wearing Number 13, as a centerman, Datsyuk has played in three Stanley
Cup championship games, winning two Stanley Cups to date (2002 & 2008).
He is known for his excellent skating, lightning quick hands and ability to steal pucks with ease. His moves were described as "Datsyukian" by Red Wings television announcer Ken Daniels. "Datsyukian" has become a term to describe any unbelievable dekes or moves during a
hockey game by Datsyuk or any other player.
When Datsyuk
broke into the league as a rookie he became an immediate contributor to the 2002 championship by scoring 3 goals in the playoffs. The following year Datsyuk was joined by Henrik Zetterberg and put on the same line as Brett Hull. The line,
nick named "Two Kids and a
Goat", became one of the most successful offensive lines in Red Wings
history. It rivaled the "Production Line" of the late 1940'
s and early 1950's that included Gordie Howe, Sid Abel and Ted Lindsay as well as the “Russian Five” of the late 90’s. While Datsyuk is
Russian, he was not part of the original “Russian Five” who won two Stanley Cups in 1997 & 1998, although he did play with members Igor Larionov and Sergei Federov.
"Datsyuk just stole the puck and scored with a back hand
shot while spinning."
"The top power play line on the
Red Wings is Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and any other lucky winger."
"My moves on the ice were so Datsyukian that even Datsyuk himself would be
jealous."
