Pavel Datsyuk The Greatest Thief In NHL History

[@p1ls726]

One of the best pure hockey players ever. Intelligence, positioning, hands, strength for his size, deceptiveness, 2 way game. God I miss watching him

[@Jdawg00000007]

I had the exact same thought. Hockey is my favorite sport and I’ve watched a lot of it, but with Datsyuk, the joy of watching was on a whole new level.

[@tjhomes3487]

@@Jdawg00000007 he was sublime

[@lv2keepfit493]

Me too! Absolute favorite player of all time and credit to the highlight video, thanks DH! No sense repeating what you've already said, I miss him too.

[@leopard3529]

@@tjhomes3487 He's our Russian guy. 😉

[@joeyamorini8382]

Most complete player I've ever seen in my life for sure

[@ManiMani548]

When you look at the ease with which Datsyuk creates masterpieces, it seems easy and that you can do it too. However, this requires talent, intelligence and hard work. When the difficult seems easy, this is a sign of genius!

[@garyweglarz]

I have to say that for pure entertainment I'd actually rather watch old Datsyuk highlights than most current games - and I was lucky enough to watch this guy play in real time - "back in the day." : )

[@dudemandudefood]

A 13 minute video of someone taking the puck away. Tells you everything you need to know. The Magic Man was unreal

[@МегафонМегафон-в3я]

13 минут и 13 секунд❤

[@TCFDS]

Creativity, elusiveness, absolutely ridiculous hands, awareness and vision, defensive play, smooth skating, speed, perfect shot and passing accuracy, physicality, the list goes on. The dude was 100% magical to watch. Pure hockey genius. Few players, if any, are as complete a player as Datsyuk.

[@nerdly44]

Not only is he likely the most naturally gifted player of the last 40 years, but he was/is also universally loved league-wide. That makes him the greatest ever, IMHO.

[@joebanish7517]

The best stick handler to ever play the beautiful game. A well deserved induction into the hockey hall of fame!

[@mikepalmer90]

The Magic Man, one of the most respected guys in the whole Sport, let alone League. Coming from an Av's fan, I always loved watching Pavel.

[@Torgo1969]

We appreciate the sportsmanship from a rival fan base!

[@greathoonta3461]

What I think is really cool about Datsyuk is on almost all his takeaways he does two moves: he does a little pressure on one side with usually a smack of the players blade or a stick lift, then he attacks where he knows they will try to protect the puck. Like magic it works almost every time, it’s amazing. As a master dangler and puck protector the guy just knew exactly what his opponents would do to keep the puck from him. Then on the other hand if he saw a player wasn’t looking around he would read where the pass option was and just wait because he knew they didn’t know he was there, so he would pick off the pass. It’s crazy what awareness he had. Just amazing.

[@cfhklhog]

Tight observation.

[@greathoonta3461]

@@cfhklhog when I was a kid I wanted to be a good puck stealer so I watched a lot of Pavel Datsyuk, Jonathan Toews, Anze Kopitar, and Marian Hossa. It’s actually really cool those little things those guys did to make themselves excellent puck stealers. Essentially: Datsyuk was always a crafty puck stealer, he made the offensive player thing about protecting the puck and then he would use his knowledge of puck protection and his quick stick to steal the puck. Toews was always a work horse player and using his strength, reach, and work ethic he would combine a strong physical presence with a quick stick to separate players from pucks. He wasn’t sneaky, he wanted you to know he was there so that he could outwork you. Anze Kopitar was always a really sneaky player, not the quickest stick, not the fastest, not the strongest, but he was able to combine being a ghost on the ice with a good eye for where players wanted to go to slip in and block passes or lift sticks. Marian Hossa is who I think most modern puck stealing defence take after in their game. The way he would combine making a player look at the puck by putting his stick in their bubble followed by a hard body check or shove was always so cool to see. His modern equivalent in my opinion would be someone like Moritz Seider on the blue line or a forward like Phil Danault. Puck stealing is such an underrated skill in the NHL but we often see the best and most dominant players in the league having a knack for puck stealing.

[@jeremyhewitt2637]

I am three minutes in and this is one of the most insane highlight packs I have seen. This guy changed the nhl for the better, he raised it up for everyone. But so silky smooth. So deceptively brilliant

[@xeper9458]

I don't think there's ever been a better blend of overall hockey sense, playmaking, quick shifty skating, impeccable defensive stickwork, and silky smooth hands and finishing touch. Aside from Foppa, he's my favorite player. An absolute legend

[@highmedic2351]

Who is Foppa? Which one?

[@xeper9458]

@@highmedic2351 Peter Forsberg!

[@highmedic2351]

@@xeper9458 Ohhhh lol 😄

[@Taribo-c7e]

​@@xeper9458вашего Фоппу Федоров закрыл тогда наглухо)

[@dazdavis7896]

Ever? Gretzky? Joe Sakic? Crosby? Jagr? There’s been quite a few better than him. MacKinnon and Barkov today. But pure defense though, maybe him then. But all around like that, no.

[@johnwise7693]

Superstars like Conor, Syd, Wayne and others inspire awe. Pavel Datsyuk inspires pure delight!

[@adamblaremusic]

He also stole our hearts. ❤

[@chemicalbrother7613]

It is important to understand that statistics do not reflect the effort to create a point nor the "amount of damage" to the opposing team. As witnessed in that video, most of Datsyuk's points are made by him, very often out of nowhere. As opposed to many points of players with way more points created FOR them. With that in mind, he is among the few best players in the game's history. In my view, the best. And definitely, the most fun to watch.

[@johnschlaefflin2100]

Can’t remember giggling so often while watching hockey highlights

[@olegmishin5892]

The NHL should create a special prize in his name

[@ФилиппКуцан]

There was such an idea a few years ago. Canceled.

[@olegmishin5892]

@@ФилиппКуцан If I’m not mistaken, before Datsyuk showed his “magic”, the NHL did not keep statistics on puck theft. This is exactly the kind of award I would like to see - as the best hand in the NHL of the 23-24 season.

[@nikolaevsuch]

Hall of magic

[@davidlitchke4964]

I agree.

[@alexanderdanielyan483]

That prize doesn't make cense, because NOBODY can earn it.

[@sasha1551]

I remember I met Pavel back when I was just a kid playing house hockey. He signed all my gear and was such a nice guy. I even met Gordie Howe as well at a dinner auction when I was a kid too. Such down to earth and nice people.

[@noticing-tv2gs]

was a real pleasure to watch the magic man play. i miss those days

[@krisfrederick5001]

I don't think you're a thief when you own the puck. Gretzky is the Great One. Datsyuk is the Greatest One in my opinion. No one like him before or since. I remember leaving the Stanley Cup Parade in 2008 and went to further celebrate in Royal Oak with friends. I happened to literally run into Pavel and Jiri Hudler stumbling out of a bar, they were so hammered there wasn't a word of English spoken but loved it. I needed a ride home but my phone was dead and didn't want to ask them to use theirs. What a humble legend. ❤ From Detroit

[@ru-lancho]

and ❤ to Detroit

[@FrogmanFNG]

The two way play and the silky smooth mitts of this man. I surely miss growing up watching him.

[@valpyatigorsky7591]

I wanted to read the comments but was so mesmerized that I couldn't find a good spot to pause the video lol what a legend

[@The_Room_2_Doggys_Revenge]

The one where he kicks the puck after losimg his stick was such a brilliant play

[@aleksdrums3299]

The best

[@coyote8198]

"The Magic Man" in the Nhl Hall of Fame!

[@Этотмирпридуманненами-ц6т]

Было бы очень странно, если бы его туда не приняли.

[@партиот]

вонь лаптежная зря ему дали возможность играть за океаном.Его уровень это " чемпионат кокошника"

[@skandinav_nummer1]

@@партиот ты из какой страны?

[@партиот]

@@skandinav_nummer1 Сейчас перед тобой лаптем отчитаюсь

[@Kovalziio17]

There are multiple reasons why he's called the Magic Man 🔥 I miss seeing this stud play in the NHL !

[@jasonholloway2476]

Dude flat out embarrassed professionals in the highest tier of hockey, made them look silly. Was modest and humble too. Stamkos, Hull, Kane all agreed that Datsyuk had the best hands they've ever seen in the game.

[@DeltaHighlights]

Greatest hands of all time, no one could pull moves and steal pucks like he did.

[@Citizen-Of-Stalingrad]

​@@DeltaHighlightswhat about Pavel Bure ⁉️ i remember, that he hasnt played defensive zone 🤔

[@matturibe5256]

@@Citizen-Of-Stalingrad He was good for his time. But Datsyuk was so far beyond everyone in both ends of the ice it isn't even close.

[@dylanbrady4117]

Put anyone one on one with Datsuk all time and he's better than them straight up one on one he's the best all time it's not even a question

[@mochans]

11:35 “Datsyk knocked it out of the air…what else is new”😂

[@ru-lancho]

😄😄

[@personM4N]

Pavel Datsyuk could deke through a thunderstorm without getting wet.

[@skandinav_nummer1]

ahaha. Exact

[@nrmproductions1150]

His 2007-2008 season is arguably the best two way season in history. 144 takeaways is absurd. And unlike a lot of other players best two way seasons, he continued it throughout the playoffs, capping it off by basically erasing Evgeni Malkin from the SCF

[@mochans]

Yep

[@Citizen-Of-Stalingrad]

What is SCF 🤔 ⁉️

[@cynthiaranucci4683]

@@Citizen-Of-Stalingrad Stanley Cup Finals

[@andrewheffelbower9807]

@@Citizen-Of-Stalingrad stanley cup final.

[@johnschlaefflin2100]

I remember when he came in as a rookie thinking, man, this guy falls down a lot. Jeeze, little did I know he would become one of, if not, the most complete players in league history.

[@stephencalvird7276]

I feel like Datsyuk is the actual perfect hockey player

[@fireravens]

same, Mcdavid is godlike but still makes mistakes, Datsyuk didnt have godlike talent but all around the perfect hockey player.

[@NikanConqueror7]

@@fireravensdidnt have godlike talent? But mcdavid does? 🤣

[@fireravens]

@@NikanConqueror7 bro I'm saying he was the perfect all around hockey player, you really can't say that Mcdavids speed and hands skill is godlike??? be realistic

[@redfordcollision8524]

@@fireravens Bro, McDavid is super good, BUT there is only one MAGIC MAN! No offence but McDavid is no match to Dats in his prime.

[@leonidas7281]

Greatest player ever. Change my mind.

[@curtcurt950]

What a great compilation of clips! No doubt the best puck handler and puck stealer to ever play the game. It was a pleasure to watch him play growing up. Watch out he is part of the Red Wings development camp for our new rookies! Go Wings!

[@trevorsabo1824]

Did he ever score a goal, or make an assist that wasn’t highlight reel material? An absolute pleasure to watch. Magician. ✌️❤️🇨🇦

[@dylanbrady4117]

The greatest individual skilled player of all time... nobody can compare

[@MrDMF567]

Love how this video is 13 minutes & 13 seconds lol

[@NikanConqueror7]

I noticed that too

[@Torgo1969]

Beat me to it!

[@jarrods372]

didnt even notice til i saw this comment. legendary

[@alexgertz827]

​@@jarrods372and 13 likes on your coment

[@Dr.SamLoomis]

Oh you do? You like it? You enjoy it? You think it's clever?

[@RyTheFly]

The mitts on this guy! Favorite hockey player of all time, so fun to watch.

[@Giblitzky]

Three Selke’s in a row for a reason 🔥🔥

[@CManInTheD]

And a couple of Lady Byng’s . All those take-aways without getting penalized. Saw him fight once, maybe twice and he handled that, as well. HOF, time to raise #13 to the rafters at LCA.

[@lazylank]

Even though he was a forward, Pavel Datsyuk is absolutely a player that young defensemen could model their game after. Awareness, anticipation, agility, positioning, and sticks in the right places, all great skills that would benefit any NHL defender.

[@MrDMF567]

Every year the “takeaway leaders” would be clustered around 2 more & 1 more, etc…then you get to Datsyuk and he’s like 24 more than the next guy lol Insanely great player.

[@Kariakas]

3 years into retirement, 3 kids. Wish him well, he's a legend.

[@skandinav_nummer1]

where are you from?

[@Kariakas]

@ Canada

[@Hawks_1320]

As a Hawks fan, I’m obligated to dislike him but man do I respect him. He’s what we now call generational

[@egg-g4j]

can make an elite defender look like a house leaguer

[@FlamRackett]

Man, I would be terrified having Datsyuk chasing me for the puck. Incredible player

[@BackupPlans1]

As a Preds fan, I hated him growing up. He victimized our defense on a regular basis. That being said, I'm thrilled that he's a first ballot HOF'er. Man deserves it.

[@dorzhimunkuev3959]

13 mins not just steals, but many of them steals resulting into a goal. Amazing. Also seem to be Nashville was suffering a lot while Datsyuk was active

[@Lesevesel]

So many fun memories. Thank you so much, Pavel! And thank you, Delta Highlights, for a terrific video.

[@lilPavs13]

how blessed i was being able to watch him live

[@Timmer1219]

AVS fan here... He was the most dangerous guy on the ice... Hated/loved seeing him with the puck....

[@tommysalzburg]

Nice touch with the length of the video being 13:13

[@danielking3611]

2024 Hall of Fame class. The Magic Man was fun to watch.

[@Swim2TheMoon]

Datsyuk robbing Jagr is just beautiful

[@templetonbob]

“That wasn’t Jagr was it?”

[@Swim2TheMoon]

@@templetonbob 1:35 Good ol' 68

[@templetonbob]

@@Swim2TheMoonI was quoting Mickey. Such a classic clip.

[@Swim2TheMoon]

@@templetonbob Duh...hence the quotation marks!

[@drucifer83314]

Even when he's smoking your team, you just can't help but have the utmost respect. Absolute legend. Wasn't he drafted like super late? 6th or 7th round? Never give up!

[@terrymalone8693]

Pavel is the GOAT Red Wing. We are so blessed as Wings fans to see the best if the NHL! Howe Lindsey, Sawchuck, Ullman, and Pavel Datsyuk.

[@dmitrgru6132]

Nice compilation bro. Thank you!

[@DeltaHighlights]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasonlane4796]

That's just insane talent that you can't teach! Blessed to have him fornso many years

[@mochans]

My favorite player to watch highlights of…. Thank you!

[@zippolight2002]

Instant upvote. Didn't even need to see 1second of the vid.

[@linkfloyd4908]

Avs fan here. This man is a legend. Wish the Avs were better when he was at his peak.

[@coltw.mccannon8943]

I'm so happy this man finally made it into the HOF, it's been too long!

[@dustyb58]

well he was still playing in Russia so he hasn't been eligible

[@Citizen-Of-Stalingrad]

​@@dustyb58i think, NHL doesnt care about KHL....

[@Citizen-Of-Stalingrad]

Still waiting for Mogilny 😮🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺

[@dustyb58]

@@Citizen-Of-Stalingrad Jágr's on-ice return also ensured that he won't officially become a Hall of Famer until at least 2026 since the Hockey Hall of Fame does not allow a player to be inducted until they have been retired from professional hockey for at least three years.

[@Muz__27]

Zetterberg should be going in the HOF with him this year.

[@martine.210]

"I want to speech longer, but my english is short." Legend!

[@zmeeds17]

I just love how he makes Mickey giggle like a little kid with these nasty steals.

[@ГригорийКонищев-ю5о]

Не стандартное мышление, филигранное владение клюшкой и коньками, снайперская точность сделало Пашу жутким кошмаром для любого голкипера!!! А как он умело и ловко "обкрадывает" игроков, это вообще отдельная тема!!!! Обожаю смотреть на его игру!!!!

[@Jay-n262]

Datsyuk and Federov were highlight reels.

[@Sddysert]

Greatest player in the world for a few years loved watching him

[@АнтонКаньшин]

Есть такое понятие как хоккейный интеллект, у Павла он на высшем уровне!!!!

[@cbebrad]

As a defenseman, you never wanted Datsyuk to be coming at you with the puck. You never knew what he would do to get around you

[@travisschooltube6287]

Awesome how much of this is Datsyuk dangling hall of fame talents too. Jagr, Kane, Josi, Weber, etc.

[@taqtic]

Pavel is a freakin GENIUS! What complete player

[@kenvelickoff4275]

Can't help but tear up, body and mind as one

[@dustyb58]

a lot of great plays not usually included in Darsyuk compilations. Well done.

[@DeltaHighlights]

Thank you very much, I made sure to go through his highlights of every year.

[@davidlitchke4964]

What a special talent he was.

[@jordan-sp4db]

Late 6th rounder… In my eyes as a 26 year old wing fan the greatest hockey player of all time

[@ilyazakharov1374]

Павел Валерьевич, джентельмен на льду!

[@dudedude4034]

What a hands , what a game IQ…Spectacular

[@wantsome-zs5sq]

Red Wings scouting found this guy in the Arctic circle. He didn't even know he was drafted until his friend read it in the local paper.

[@drewruff410]

Datsyuk and Zetterberg dominated both ends of the ice.

[@ivandrago5149]

Incredible luck that the No. 171 pick of the draft has played at such a high level. But it's even more incredible that number 210 of the next draft turned out to be such a sweetie, too. And the third improbability is that the same club picked them.

[@Muz__27]

It's a real shame that they passed on letting Hank in the HOF again this year. It would've been perfect if they were in the same class. Pav benefited just as much being on a line with hank as hank did with Pav. Dynamic duo for a reason.

[@darkphoenix2]

The first thing I think of was his stick lifts and puck steals, but man was he good at reading the path the puck would take and getting some part of his body in the way to intercept it.

[@MrDMF567]

Such an incredible player Great vid!

[@Nasteno4ika]

Смотрела, открыв рот 😮😁💥 Были моменты, которых не видела в других прдборках. Как он словил шайбу в воздухе! я чуть не подовилась чаем 😂 Жаль, что сюда не добавили эпический момент, когда из-за Дацюка столкнулись два игрока другой команды 😄

[@Torgo1969]

13 minutes and 13 seconds, I love it! Like Skeletor, Pavel really was something special!

[@yurypenochetov8338]

Great man, pure skill, thanx for

[@ICanRideMiBikeWithNoHandleBars]

We got to watch that man play the game we love,

[@surudog4929]

Watching Datsyuk is pure magic. The man had many eyes and very high hockey IQ. He looks like a conductor of an orchestra on the ice.

[@datbubonicchronic]

If Pavel doesn't get into the HOF we RIOT!!! Fav player of all time

[@NoNoDigUpStupid]

your sound editing is always on point bro

[@DeltaHighlights]

Thank you very much man

[@ivandrago5149]

"All right, we got the puck, let's go on the attack." Number 13: "skating quietly." Five seconds later. "How come we missed the goal?"

[@tjhomes3487]

The man was money! Even in a loss it was worth it to watch him play.

[@13e11even11]

An absolute magician completely under-appreciated.

[@fancytoxicsoda]

He may be the Magic Man but that team was special too. Really fun to watch.

[@mileyroses35]

Delta strikes again, with the best video you never knew you needed

[@DeltaHighlights]

Thank you Miley :)

[@stephencalvird7276]

@@DeltaHighlights Can never go wrong with Datsyuk. I feel like he is unanimously loved by anyone who loves the game of hockey. As a Detroit fan, I feel very blessed to have watched him play his whole NHL career.

[@rharden583]

Mickey Redmond saying Oh My, did you see what he did? Or his chuckle. I then knew to wait for the replay to see who Datsyuk embarrassed.

[@ZachPfeiffer]

Hall of famer now and deservedly so

[@bsheaves]

Not just his ability to pick your pocket, but he was also one of the purest shooters in the history of the NHL

[@chekkop]

He was also a funny guy in the interviews

[@tylerdurden4006]

Lol, jagr is a pretty good stick handler in his own right, and he made look like a beer leaguer. 😂 This guy is different from everyone else.

[@darnoc0933]

The takeways are awesome, but the ability to be able to finish them too is insane.

[@olgazgureanu4987]

Павел Дацюк - хоккеист поцелованный Богом.....идеальный хоккеист......до него был Валерий Харламов.......после Павла Дацюка, наверное лучше не будет......Харламов и Дацюк лучшие нападающие в мире всех времен!

[@ЭдуардЧерновский]

А Павел Буре?

[@jmarx3943]

Just based off of pure skill, he's top 2 ever for me. Not a red wings fan, but i always loved watching him. He made the best and most elite of defensemen look foolish on a regular basis.

[@adamlastman6688]

i miss him

[@commandershepard1838]

Best I’ve ever seen

[@icedo1013]

11:35 Probably one of Ken's most underrated calls of all time.

[@bobdobalini]

This dude can go top shelf with zero room something Mcdavid struggles with.

[@cromagnoneightyseven6951]

if demidov can mold his game to Pavel Datsyuk... it will be a dream come true.