Datsyuk hits 900 points, rounding into form after slow start
The magic is alive.
Pavel Datsyuk's three-point game Sunday against the Boston Bruins was significant for a couple of reasons. His first goal was the 308th of his career, and saw him reach an impressive personal milestone: 900 points in the NHL in 928 regular-season games.
Pavel Datsyuk (309-593—902) became 6th in @DetroitRedWings history to reach 900 pts following Howe, Yzerman, Delvecchio, Lidstrom & Fedorov.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 15, 2016
"The Magic Man" added another goal and an assist for the Detroit Red Wings, extending his point streak to five games. He has five goals and four assists over that span, in which Detroit's 4-0-1.
Offseason ankle surgery cost Datsyuk the first month of the season, and he had only three points in nine November games. At 37, it wasn't crazy to wonder what was left in the tank. But you can blame the surgery, not time.
| Month | GP | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 9 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| December | 14 | 3 | 8 | 11 |
| January | 11 | 1 | 9 | 10 |
| February | 7 | 5 | 4 | 9 |
Detroit sits second in the Atlantic Division with 60 points, the Florida Panthers and their 70 points within sight. Since the Red Wings don't ever miss the playoffs, Detroit has to be pleased with Datsyuk trending in the right direction. While his 0.80 points per game are his lowest since his second season in the league, ankle surgery can be tough on a man who's played almost 1,100 NHL games.
There's clearly some magic left, though, and Detroit will need it come spring.