Oct 31, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) celebrates his goal in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
#2: Datsyuk “Steals” The Show Vs. Nashville
As both a blogger and a die-hard fan of the Detroit Red Wings, who lives in Nashville, nothing makes me happier than watching the Red Wings make the Predators look silly. During a moment in game 3 of the Red Wings’ 2012 series against Nashville, Pavel Datsyuk definitely made the Predators look silly.
To give respect where respect is due, I admittedly did not think the Red Wings would be able to defeat the Preds in the opening round. At the time the Preds were the better hockey team and had the home-ice advantage in the series. The Wings were still able to provide some memorable moments in the match-up against Nashville.
There was not a more memorable moment than when Pavel Datsyuk proved why he is one of the most skilled and dangerous players in the league during game 3. Nashville’s young defenceman, Roman Josi, also learned the hard way that you can’t take your eyes off Pavel Datsyuk when he’s on the ice, not even for one second.
As the Preds held onto a 2-0 lead over Detroit late in the second-period, Roman Josi took possession of the puck behind Pekka Rinne and his own net. Datsyuk had eyes on the puck and quickly trailed behind Josi and with a sneaky stick-lift, Datsyuk was able to steal the puck away and wrap it around into the goal past an oblivious Pekka Rinne.
Next: Helmer Prevents The Sweep