How Pavel Datsyuk REVOLUTIONIZED Hockey

#nhl #hockey #hockeytraining #detroitredwings
The 'Magic Man' Pavel Datsyuk changed the game forever. In this video, we take a deep dive on how Datsyuk creativity on both sides of the game made a massive impact on the future of hockey.
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[@TheKaffin8ed]

Never get bored of his highlights. The Magician is the perfect name for him - as most players and fans always wondered how he could do what he did.

[@hockeypsychology]

He’s a big reason why I got into breaking down plays. No one did it like Pavel Datsyuk

[@braedonmorrissey7548]

was always asking "how the hell?????" lol

[@TheDatsyukianHeaven]

Same

[@T-Will-4554]

The day he retired was one of the saddest moments in Red Wings history

[@whofookncares2149]

didn't retire

[@HangingWithEpstein]

He retired from the NHL

[@Rastaboulotte]

My favorite Pavel Datsyuk moment was when Zdeno Chara selected him on his all star team surprising the announcer, but surprising no players and giving Datsyuk the recognition he deserved.

[@Mirrale]

He just didn’t want to have to play against him. No one could make Chara look like a chump except for Datsyuk.

[@JoelER78]

They were good friends actually.

[@Sfdjdhrh]

Cbc ran player promos in the playoffs one year, and one of the questions was , "Who is your favorite player?" A bunch of them said datsyuk. Clearly he was extremely well respected

[@Rastaboulotte]

@@Sfdjdhrh By the players, absolutely

[@Sfdjdhrh]

@Rastaboulotte I'm not a wings fan, but live close so I watched him play probably 10 times. Each time you can just watch him without the puck. It was like watching a predator in a wildlife documentary. He moved in synchronization with the pucks movement, on both ends of the ice like no player I've ever watched. He only wanted the puck to help his team win. The only thing I'd say hurt his game, was that he tried to pass too much at times, when the best opportunity to score was probably him shooting the puck.

[@chrisjacobs196]

The playoff goal Datsyuk uncoiled in 2011 again SJ. Back-handed, outside the dots, against two defenders, beating Niemi to the far side. Craziest skill goal I’ve ever seen.

[@Yochillitsthatserious]

I remember watching him laughing in shock at the skill with which he did things. No player would make you routinely shake your head in disbelief. He had a way of slowing the game down and being steps ahead of everyone. True Genius.

[@keldonlemon]

Yep I 100% agree. That goal is unmatched still today

[@uhVesh]

There will NEVER be another Pavel Datsyuk!

[@Jayrobban]

Favourite memory of Datsyuk is seeing him play in his rookie season at the Joe. I was about 10 years old and my dad took me to see the Wings against the Blackhawks. I can't remember who, but he undressed some poor sap on the ozone blue line and took it in for a goal. All you heard was "OOOOOOO..... *then scores* WOOOOO YEAHHHHH". That was the only thing everyone in the Joe was talking about that night lol. "You see that Datsyuk kid?!?!"

[@chaddelong998]

when the puck hit Datsyuk's stick, the entire opposition would collectively pause and contemplate NOT making a mistake. give him space, bad move. charge at him, bad move. try and corner him, the blind pass was exquisite. what i loved the most? the pure respect/fear the other team had. he was a gentleman and a force to be reckoned with.

[@dagapski]

Life-long Hawks fan, but Datsyuk was one of my absolute FAVORITE players to watch growing up. I just remember being glued to the screen whenever he touched the puck, truly one of the all-time greats.

[@darkphoenix2]

If you weren't regularly watching him, night in and night out, you still might not fully appreciate how good he was. He was a constant threat every game, and pretty much every night would do something to make you amazed.

[@kylemayer8486]

Look at the stat line for 08-09 and tell me he wasn't robbed of the hart. He will always be the best player I've ever seen.

[@hockeypsychology]

You may have a good point

[@ethanparker7900]

or the lady byng in 2015 like he always been such a gentleman staying out of the box

[@versusshow4613]

@@ethanparker7900he did have a pretty good tilt with Perry though. Tough as nails and yet the silkiest hands.

[@ethanparker7900]

@@versusshow4613 yah lol that scrap with perry was dope asf! Although that was in the 2010-2011 season

[@danglesnipecelly13]

As a wings fan growing up I can’t even explain how lucky I was to see him play in person many times and watch his career. I even had the chance to meet him back in 2011 at a meet and greet type thing. He was super friendly and I remember shaking Hand and getting a picture with him. I didn’t wanna wash my hand the rest of the day 😂 he’s the reason I wore #13 in sports. I could be bias but imo he’s the best 2 way player to ever play. Datsyuk in his prime was an absolute Menace on both sides of the ice. I rememebr back in the day around 2011/12ish they asked tons of NHLers who’s the most toughest player to play against and I believe most players said he was the hardest to play against and take the puck away from etc….Datsyuk was special. I can’t say enough good things about him. His skill and hockey IQ was off the charts. It’s crazy how long he’s been gone from the NHL now. He changed the game. I don’t think young kids realize how special and dominant this man was. But we’ll always have many highlights to watch forever lol

[@insulin801]

Absolute legend, arguably the best all-around Russian hockey player ever. His reverse hits are as electric as his dekes. I'm a Sabres fan but those Red Wings teams were such a treat to watch. They just checked every single box.

[@insulin801]

@@lik-zf5xx if Allah can show me how to play more like Datsyuk then I'm in brother 🙏

[@karevartem]

Thanks for the video. Datsyuk is one of the greatest players ever. True genius

[@hockeypsychology]

My favourite player ever to watch

[@karevartem]

@@hockeypsychology Same. Always loved smart players.

[@HockeyNationHD]

Datsyuk was clever. Kane's a genius.

[@junemacdonald44]

My favorite goal of his was a shoot out agains Thomas Vokun, and the announcer said “OH MY HE HAD THOMAS VOKUN OUT OF FOURTH STREET!”

[@SaudiChimp]

As a hockey fan born and raised in Scotland i didn't get many NHL games due to the time difference but when KZbin started to grow and i got older i was able to find out about the NHL and start watching clips and Datsyuk was the first player i started watching and because of him i became an NHL fan and my love for the NHL all started with Pavel Datsyuk

[@hockeypsychology]

That’s an awesome story!

[@hawks2252]

don't they hockey in Scotland. You boys are tough. maybe an opportunity.

[@SaudiChimp]

@@hawks2252 there is hocking in the uk its just not big at all and most cities that have a team in the top league don't even know they have a team

[@borismuller86]

I remember watching the ‘04 playoffs on Channel 5, which was like 75% static. Worth it.

[@S050683]

​@@borismuller86And worth staying up until 3/4 in the morning to watch. Loved it.

[@nicksmith8141]

The video highlights are amazing, but do not even do him justice. I was fortunate enough to see him up close during the game a few times. I was in awe of the talent level and discipline. One of my favorite Wings of all time.

[@BurgMusic]

My favorite Datsyuk memory was on Facebook there was some page that created a bracket of the best goals (I think of the year). Datsyuk had 2 goals shown in the bracket. If I remember correctly, one was a 1-on-2+goalie while the other was a 1-on-3+goalie. The way the bracket was set up, it allowed Datsyuk to get both of his highlight goals to the final where it was literally a vote to pick which one of his 2 goals were the best of the year. Either way that man got both 1st and 2nd place!

[@AlwaysHockey]

A lot of kids childhoods spent watching and idolizing datsyuks creativity and ability with the puck. Legend

[@derfman1792]

Excellent video, this really encapsulates Datsyuk’s impact on the game. If we don’t count all the generational talents (Orr, Lafleur, Gretzky, Lemieux, Jagr, Crosby, Ovi, and McJesus), he’s at the top of my list… and no disrespect to all the guys like Yzerman, Sakic, Fedorov, Bure, Forsberg, etc, but The Magic Man had something extra special. My favourite highlight - because I was watching it live as it happened - was the one against the Bruins in the playoffs when the puck is behind him and he drags it between his legs in the neutral zone, then wrists it in from just inside the blue line.. It just felt unreal, like “did that really just happen??”

[@user-mc1ts8up9h]

❤

[@beneasler8868]

I remember watching the back-to-back cup finals with the Pens vs Red Wings and as Pens fan, Datsyuk had me terrified every game.

[@Ando2k10]

I credit that first Cup series, against Detroit for Crosby developing into the player that he is. He always had the offensive skill, but losing that series made him realize how important it was to become more than just an offensive star. Hockey News, and a few other media outlets, referred to Sid as "the ultimate grinder", a few seasons ago.

[@makerbayfield5262]

It will always bother me that his name isn’t up there with guys like Ovechkin, Crosby, and Kane when I’d argue he was better than any of them. I have never seen another player so dominant on both sides of the puck. Scoring 97 points and winning the Selke in the same season is unheard of.

[@SolidPain6624]

No disrespect to Bergeron but datsyuk is the best defensive forward of all time

[@Nichaelas]

At the time maybe not, but I think more people appreciate him now than before. He was an artist and artists usually don't get fame until they're gone.

[@SolidPain6624]

@@Nichaelas I was a red wings fan who was privileged enough to watch him for 60 plus games a year growing up on the local sports channel. He was so good that you would watch him every shift with it without the puck. Not many players have that effect

[@Nichaelas]

@@SolidPain6624 Same here. For sure every time 13 in red was on ice you better keep your eyes glued on him.

[@1shotlegend]

​@@SolidPain6624That is disrespectful, considering he's been nominated for the Selke 12 consecutive times and winning 6 of them

[@TJ_ONLY]

One of my all time favorite players, and I grew up watching Lemieux and Jagr.. and eventually Crosby. Datsyuk is such a legend and it’s sad that his stats didn’t match his genius.

[@richq11]

He was the epitome of a team player, he played to elevate the team not himself

[@patricksilva3629]

Im Australian but my parents got fox sports on cable for the family and I was lucky enough to get into watching the wings play. A few kids played hockey in my school but its not big here and you have to have wealthy parents willing to drive quite far for games. But this guy and that era of the wings played a massive role in me eventually finding my way onto the ice and im still playing multiple times a week. Will always be my favourite player.

[@FrankF.Y]

he's the main reason hockey evolved the way it is now! always loved it. spent hours watching over and over the same highlights video 😅

[@hockeypsychology]

Same here!

[@FrankF.Y]

@@hockeypsychology man your vids are so much better than most hockey related other one. on another level. keep it like that!!

[@mariolongtin8271]

My favourite player of all time! The time where he gets the 2 San Jose Sharks players to collide by a dangle was up there!

[@timomajere]

There is no style called The Gretzky or the Lemieux. The Crosby or the McDavid. There is a Daystukian style. That is all that need be said. He created a whole game style.

[@bozidarborojevic4131]

He changed how hockey s played but no one has come close to his skill so far not to mention defensive play

[@MrExtremeElmo]

Hah I never thought about that. Good one 😃

[@Kyle899]

But Fedorov was literally better at the “Daystukian” style than Datsyuk. Bowman would actually play Fedorov on defense.

[@lightDaRus]

Yeah Gretzky have his spot behind the net and Ovi have his spot in "office". But not a style! So we have some great two way players, including Fedorov, but their play wasn't truly magic. Imho 😏

[@musicclassic5938]

@@bozidarborojevic4131 Maybe Valery Kharlamov? But he never played in the NHL.

[@johnnyraven4217]

The most skilled puck handler and thief I have seen. The videos of his artistry are a joy to watch again and again.

[@josephstalin4906]

One of my all time favourite players, nobody was able to steal the puck like Pavel did! This is one of the best short hockey videos I've seen in a long time, well done mate! Keep up your great work Psychology!

[@josephstalin4906]

@@lik-zf5xx I'm Human - I serve nobody and answer to no one!

[@gameonfield123]

Datsyuk really was something else…

[@jonathanallard2128]

This man was a nightmare for defenders and goalies. He wouldn't just score on you, he'd also make you look silly and embarrass you in the process. I'd hate to play against him.

[@vioseven3799]

The Magic Man. I could watch him all day. One of the best ever.

[@dronlaa]

Great video! Datsyuk is my favorite player, inspired me to play hockey.

[@chadmccune2935]

Phenomenal video! As a Wings fan my whole life, it was incredible getting to watch him from that stacked 2002 team all the way through. He and Zetterberg were such a dynamic combo---both great defensively, both great distributors, both great finishers.

[@Yochillitsthatserious]

The cross ice passing of Datsyuk and zetterberg I think revolutionized the game right along with all the other things Datsyuk did. They had a way of finding each other through defenders at the slightest of angles.

[@lessthanthreemetal]

Dude had arguably the greatest hands of his generation.

[@Sam26r]

I grew up watching the Predators and Red Wings rivalry in Nashville. At that point in time the Red Wings consistently had the better team so I knew the good guys were probably going to take an L. Regardless, I would get excited to watch Datsyuk make everyone look silly. He had a lot of highlight moments against the Preds and he will always be a player that has a special place in my hockey memory.

[@dawnsempire8510]

i love all the highlights, but honestly, probably my favorite moment is the fight against Corey Perry on opening night. 🤣 especially at the apex of the Ducks/ Wings rivalry.

[@wantsome-zs5sq]

I watched every game his rookie year. I saw many of his highlights live on TV. He was a 1 man Russian 5.

[@niibinmoore4985]

I think anyone who watched this era already knows the points don’t matter when it comes to datty, he was truly amazing to watch man.

[@nicksanscrainte4823]

Went to dozens of games as a kid at the Joe. When there’s a shootout, they’d play the Darth Vader theme when Pav was up next. Goalies were terrified because HES THAT DUDE #LGRW

[@hockeypsychology]

Ahahah I didn’t know that, that’s awesome!

[@nicksanscrainte4823]

@@hockeypsychology legit they’d play it and the whole crowd would go insane

[@icedo1013]

It's a shame he tapered off in the shootout toward the end of his career. It was so frustrating to see him just shoot the puck instead of putting the flair in it like he used to.

[@hawks2252]

that's awesome. nothing else like hockey.

[@Yochillitsthatserious]

@@icedo1013I think he was more artist than an athlete. Not saying he wasn’t super consistent, but I definitely feel like his joy for the game waned over the years. The play of the game now is so frantic and frenzied. I think remember him talking about preferring a more puck control spacious style and he always missed Russia.

[@codymachado]

That 2nd goal against the preds is one of my favorite of all time

[@ulrichsuter3548]

This is when unparalleled creativity, hard work, stick handling, and superior skating come together. It would be interesting to know how much pond hockey Datsyuk played during his childhood since there are not too many coaches that support a freewheeling spirit to go this direction as a young player. Most coaches hide within the "latest" system so they can check every box in case their team is not doing great. The scout of the German soccer national team once mentioned the sheer importance of street-, or backyard soccer and mentioned a single player he once saw in Portugal who had zero days in organized soccer. The player was, according to the scout, technically better and more creative than any of the national team members...why? Because that player had the freedom to develop in any direction. With Datsyuk, the crazy thing was that he had not only that sheer creativity but also understood and was able to integrate into the team system bringing the best of both worlds (creativity vs system and reliability) together. Yet, I am certain there was so much more work behind what we were able to enjoy watching him skating his behind off and outworking his opponents...

[@pwvincil]

Always modeled my own game after Datsyuk. Even as a kid, I knew he was something special. A 2 way forward who could deke through an entire team is nuts. He will always be my favorite player.

[@rapturousspearhead602]

well said

[@scottmcnaughton539]

My favourite all time player. Granted I'm not old enough to have seen Gretzky at his peak or others before him, but the fact that Datsyuk was elite going both ways was always fun to watch. You knew every game he was in there was potentially a top 10 highlight of the year going to happen. McDavid is probably the player I've enjoyed watching most since, and Bedard will be interesting to see where he gets to

[@jeremykraenzlein5975]

After Nicolas Lidstrom retired in 2012, the Red Wings came close each year to ending their then-longest-active playoff streak, but every year they found a way to get it done. They always made the playoffs so long as they still had Datsyuk. Then Datsyuk left the NHL and returned to Russia, and the Red Wings haven't made the playoffs since.

[@zillatattoo]

lol. sure. more Zetterberg and franzen putting the team on their backs, almost literally. dats skipped out on his final year too, thx for that I guess.

[@jeremykraenzlein5975]

@@zillatattoo Datsyuk had good reason to return to Russia when he did. Some things in life are just more important than hockey.

[@ct5822]

Most complete hockey player to ever lace them up.

[@AH13371]

People look at points too much and you highlighted that well.

[@hockeypsychology]

His impact on the defensive side of the game made him one of the most coveted players in the world

[@AH13371]

@@hockeypsychology True that, Zetterberg was also an amazing two way player so having both of those on your team was amazing

[@kevinwilliams7879]

best ive ever seen. no one does some of the stuff he did on the ice. smartest player ever and had a complete game. arguably best hands ever. best defensive forward ever

[@hockeypsychology]

His hockey IQ was up there with the very best

[@daveperella1263]

I agree seems underrated by most

[@Emotionless0000]

Crosby is similar with his IQ. The guy just put up 93 points at 35, and he's turning 36 in 3 weeks.

[@brandons9138]

@@Emotionless0000 LOL Crosby is not even in the same discussion as Datsyuk. Defensively Crosby is a sieve compared to Datsyuk. If Datsyuk only played for the offensive side of the game he'd had WAY more points, but his 200 foot game is what made Datsyuk the player he is.

[@georgial6398]

Kane is smarter, better hands, more skilled. Actual skill, not tricks.

[@kantstenchonthemel5641]

He didn't just "play" ; he "invented" hockey.

[@HockeyNationHD]

weird, you'd think the inventor of hockey could be at least a point a game

[@caseyryan-hannum2545]

If you were paying attention to the redwings you'd also realize when the wings were at home they would line Datsyuk up against the other teams best scoring line because he would crush on both ends. Routinely turning the other teams best line into a liability is a serious weapon allowing the wings to routinely be the team to beat for a decade. There's more to Hockey than just pts. Which he scored a lot of as well. There are many seasons where he was over a pt. a game so don't act like he can't score

[@HockeyNationHD]

@@caseyryan-hannum2545 Datsyuk is an all time great. The praise for him however is frankly over the top, and ends up doing him a disservice, as all absurd overpraising of anything does. I mean read some of these replies.

[@kantstenchonthemel5641]

@@lik-zf5xx I invite you to mind your business, thank you.

[@templetonbob]

He was the most entertaining creative player I’ve ever watched. There might have been better players, but no one glued me to the TV like Datsyuk did. He did everything at an elite level.

[@SaveTheManuals]

Easily GOAT 🐐 Datsyuk had *the heaviest stick* in all the NHL. The extra mass allowed him to stick/poke/lift check unsuspecting opponents and built forearms of steel. His cleverness and creativity is likely due to his humble beginnings, his intellect, work ethic, and is only dwarfed by his kindness and empathy on and off the ice. Would have loved to see him skate with the Russian 5, imagine what kind of line that would have been. Plus, if you haven't seen him tussle with Zdeno Chara, look it up on YT. ♥#13

[@redwing1214]

I’ve been a Red Wings fan since 1994. I’ve seen a lot of Hall of Famers play in Detroit. but Datsyuk was by far the smartest, most skilled player I ever seen. Lidstrom would be the second smartest player I ever seen.

[@chizorama]

Glad he gets his due, so many people focus on those who put up the big numbers, complete players who do the dirty work rarely get the same accolades. This man had the complete skill set, & used all of those skills with style.

[@Bubbles_Bubbles_Bubbles]

He was part of a magic formula that made the ENTIRE TEAM better. Raw talent, coupled with tenacity and selfless play.

[@SolidPain6624]

I know Bergeron has more trophies but datsyuk is the best defensive forward I’ve ever seen.

[@Nichaelas]

@@SolidPain6624 Bergeron himself has even mentioned before how much he admires Datsyuk's play.

[@jesse8458]

@@SolidPain6624 it's hard not to sound biased as a Wings fan when I agree with that...especially when I feel like the only other forward in consideration with Datsyuk for best defensive forward of all time is...Sergei Fedorov.

[@bozidarborojevic4131]

@@SolidPain6624 by far

[@JWReichert]

The man's film study was legendary. If you wonder how he knew an opponent was going to move, he literally did.

[@rapturousspearhead602]

Every other player knew he was way too good to try any funny shit on him, you could feel the energy of the whole arena quiet down in every time he touched the puck

[@salamander0729]

He also play3d in the dead puck era

[@salamander0729]

No one scored 100

[@hockeypsychology]

Great point

[@ExasBits]

2 kids and a GOAT is still one of my favorite lines.

[@Mrvegas6666]

No one will ever be Datsyuk...the man is a legend!

[@HockeyNationHD]

the legend is much larger than the player ever was, that's for sure

[@snzStorm]

Saw him in Yekaterinburg in early 2000 playing Dinamo-Energiya against Avangard Omsk. Lost 1:3, but his skills were visible at the time 😊

[@ronalddelrosario7405]

My absolute favorite Datsyukian play was his kick pass to Zetterberg against the Blue Jackets. At the end of the game, he poked the puck off the Columbus point man at his defensive blue line but lost his stick in the process. He just calmly skated to the puck and kicked it down the ice to a streaking Zetterberg to score an empty netter. That play epitomized Pav and how he played. ;) Of course I also loved his droll humor when in his acceptance speech at one of the NHL awards ceremonies he said something like "I wanna speech longer but my English short."

[@franklulatowskijr.6974]

One the best players I’ve ever watched. And I’ve been watching hockey for thirty years.

[@GabbyBabby-pp1lx]

So much of what hockey players do today is owed to players of the past like Datsyuk, Orr, Plante, and Salming. Of course I could name many more, the point is that the game as it is today is standing on the shoulders of giants. Datsyuk is one of those giants, an all time great, a true legend of our sport.

[@schuug]

Still my favorite player of all time and arguably the best overall player ever. Was robbed of his 3rd cup in 09 by Fleury but damn what a series

[@hockeypsychology]

That series was fantastic. I think I remember hearing that Datsyuk was playing hurt that series as well

[@gabrielfallon8629]

I was hurt, after the flower made that save I punched a vending machine….

[@Jayrobban]

@@gabrielfallon8629 One of the toughest memories as a Wings fan lol. Probably top 3 easily.

[@neeltheother2342]

@@Jayrobban but one of the greatest memories as a Pens fan lol. the Wings are on the up-n-up now so we'll see how they pan out next year...

[@Jayrobban]

@@neeltheother2342 Yeah for sure. I can put myself in a Pens fans shoes and realize how incredibly godly that was lmao. I mean if it were on our end we'd be celebrating him forever lol. Yeah. I've noticed a little bit of doubt among a few Wings fans but they really don't understand how well things are going regardless of the recent on ice product.

[@splifhere5535]

Was my favourite player growing up he was awesome to watch

[@lesevesel2898]

Chess moves at high speed at the highest levels of hockey. We are truly blessed to have seen him play at that level. Thank you, Pavel Datsyuk. There will never be another quite like you. Truly enjoyed this video, HP. Well done!

[@twerps1]

There are so many but that game winning goal against Nashville where Lidstrom backhand passes it to Zetterberg, who then does a blind onetime180° pass to Datsyuk entering the zone who then dekes and scores. Pure art and a reminder on good us Wings fans have had it. Individually it was a lost game 7 against the sharks when he backhanded one in over Niemi's shoulder from outside the hashmarks. (The goal at 14s) That goal really left me speechless...

[@janis3577]

My favourite player, all time

[@fareedkhalid5965]

i mean there has not been a single nhl player like him again. He was exceptional in every single category. i think if someone like him was to come through the draft they would have to be considered a generational talent

[@skullkrusher4418]

Some of the best awareness on the ice I've ever seen. Amazing in game IQ.

[@nomimalone7520]

He was on another level.

[@HiighGuy4Twenty2o4]

Gotta love to see old clips of my all time favourite hockey player ❌🧢💯

[@thefamilymans2545]

Thank you for making a true video on Dats. The one thing people seem to not show much of, is his puck control behind the net, bouncing the puck off the back to make room to get out of behind the net. Make more! He truly is one of the all time greats!!

[@janzkee]

You totally forgot to mention that he was playing in an era where it was an anomaly to get 100 points. Hitting and defensive play was the way to go back then.

[@jansenwilliams3182]

A player that was ahead of his time

[@L0v3_Murd3r_0n3]

Datsyuk is one of the most talented players ever. His highlights make me smile because they seem like magic.

[@simonbachand1615]

I miss him so much ! True legend

[@dan3307]

THANK YOU!! People don't realize how Dats changed the game enough. Think about when he entered the league (as a late round pick no less). This was before the 4 on 4 or 3 on 3 OT then shootout. It was before 2004 when the rules were vastly changed, including the 2 line pass. Couple that with a late round pick who speaks a lick of English playing with a team who now has more than a dozen members in the HOF and many of whom (including himself) are in the 100 Greatest club. Dats was basically a nobody when he started. And then the rules changed which allowed him to showcase his talent. As a result, the McDavids, Pastas, Zegras, and Bedards to name a few were born. You can trace the skill implemented in today's game DIRECTLY back to one man, Pavel Datsyuk. As a Wings fan, boy do I miss him!

[@dan3307]

Datsyuk to hockey is like Steph Curry to basketball...how's that? Think of 3 pointers in the NBA before the Chef and now think of them after. You can look at other players like MJ or LeBron or in hockey Gretz or Lemieux. These are no doubt greats but did they change the game in a way that people try to and can mimic? Sure in basketball you see bigger guys passing or players trying to compete at a high level, but that's always been a part of the game. Now you see 7 footers trying to shoot 30% from 3 because hell it worked for Golden State. In hockey now you see guys trying to pull off a Michigan in a game because hell, Zegras did it. 20 years ago if you were 7 feet and tried to shoot a 3, the coach would bench you. Same with such skill plays in hockey today. Imagine Zegras playing for a Scotty Bowman or a Don Cherry. Dude wouldn't make it out of training camp (and moreover his incredible skill would have been wasted). Kudos to the game changers - not just greats but above and beyond greatness.

[@dan3307]

Perfect Quote (3:00): "If you ever feel useless at your job, just go and watch a goalie try and stop Datsyuk on a breakaway." Priceless :D

[@alangil40]

I grew up playing roller hockey in the neighborhood, but I am not lying when I say that I didn't KZbin Datsyuk highlights, but only because it was 1981 and there was no KZbin and there was no Datsyuk yet either. There was Wayne Gretsky though and a host of other stars with wood sticks. But my jaw did drop when he eventually hit the scene in the NHL.

[@phreshian]

I remember watching Datsyuk score that shootout goal on Antti Niemi live. I was amazed but as a goalie myself, I also wanted to vomit.

[@hockeypsychology]

Just sickening behaviour from Datsyuk

[@deucewildegaming]

No doubt, the hall of fame. We all owe Pavel our thanks for his fun the game of hockey is in the present.

[@dustyb58]

the takeaways-to-goals against Nashville or the rush against Boston where he reached behind him and passed it to himself... those are the ones that stand out in my mind.

[@DibsEquipped]

Top 10 player of all time.

[@defaulthero8822]

Literally my favorite player. So good.

[@The_weird_falafel]

When he made the 2 players hit each other was golden

[@mathieuferlandkozicz1335]

Watching Datsyuk in person was so odd, he looked like he was floating around barely taking strides and managed to dangle entire teams. I was in Sochi for the 2014 Olympics and even though he lost he put Russia on his back against the USA

[@lookinforthe70s]

That Couture fake out is one of the best. As a former basketball fan, they talk about getting your ankles broken on the basketball court. That was the hockey version.

[@danglesnipecelly13]

I honestly would take a prime Datsyuk over anyone else in the NHL right now, even mcdcvid. I swear to god. He was that good. I don’t care about the points, if you can put up close to a PPG or just over and give me datsyuk two way game. I’ll take that all night.

[@waynedecker2832]

Pavel could have scored 50 goals and 50-60 assist a year easily throughout his career but he wanted to be the best player at both end of the ice, he was the best at faceoffs, back checking, penalty killing, and also take away, and keep away. He basicly perfected the two way player. best hockey player to ever play the game, period

[@chemicalbrother7613]

The number 1 in my book. No points number can make me go back to re-watch the moves of any given player. I have seen it 100s of times, and yet I marvel at his play, whether defensive or offensive.

[@acemodez3169]

Difficult to pick a favorite Datsyuk moment, but one of mine is when he put Chara on his butt with a big check. Another one is Brett Hull talking about him

[@martinriley106]

His situational awareness was first class! That’s what gave him the edge.

[@ethanparker7900]

A generational talent like Ovi, Gretzky, Stamkos, Lemieux, McDavid, Jage, LaFleur, Kane, Bergeron, the Sedins, Selanne, Jumbo Joe, Messier, etc!!! Unbelievable! I sure miss the magic man!

[@timothymooney4466]

Datsyuk was a real clutch player. When his team needed a big play, he delivered. Consistently.

[@progman48]

My favorite "Datsyukian Deke" was when he skated through or around all five Nashville players and put the puck behind the goaltender.

[@brandensimmons653]

Pav was the Hot sauce of hockey

[@minerwithagun]

Seeing this in my feed on the 13th day after post. Datsuk magic

[@hosersupreme]

I couldn't agree with this more - he was one of a kind and it was an absolute pleasure watching him play - LGRW

[@Teh_Hats]

As a Red Wings fan during the Eurotwins era, Datsyuk was one-of-a-kind, and the wacky dangles were only part of what made him that way. The real secret is that he fit perfectly into the Scotty Bowman-instilled Wings mold of a complete forward. He could protect a lead and play in his own end every bit as well as he could shoot and pass. Undoubtedly one of the best two-way forwards out there.

[@SparePartsBud]

I miss this man so damn much! The D ain't been the same since.

[@orebrotribune8302]

I have a story about Pavel Datsyuk, but unfortunately can't remember where I read about it. He was a real winner, and if he lost he just trained harder to get better. The best example was when they played video games on the road tour, he lost to his roommate but when they went home he took the opportunity to practice more. So the next time they were on a road trip, teammates could notice that he had been practicing the video game at home and was getting better at it.

[@YzerWings]

Such an honor to be able to watch him play.

[@timonmoolman4704]

I’m pretty obsessed with all of these hockey channels on KZbin right now. And for what my meagre opinion is worth - your channel is legitimately the best.