Pavel Datsyuk (separated right shoulder) said he was feeling "much better" three days after suffering the injury, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

Datsyuk (separated right shoulder) said he was feeling "much better" three days after suffering the injury, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports.

Analysis:

It's probably still safest to forecast a four-to-five week absence for Datsyuk, but there's optimism from the Red Wings that he might be able to beat the timetable. Datsyuk will be able to maintain conditioning by skating while he remains out, so he may not require a rehab assignment upon receiving clearance to play in games. It still remains to be seen how Datsyuk's absence will impact the Red Wings' line arrangements in the interim, but a depth center like Riley Sheahan or Joakim Andersson could be elevated to a top-six role in his stead.