Pavel Datsyuk's output for Wings is soaring

Ted Kulfan
The Detroit News

Detroit -- Any concerns anyone might have had about Pavel Datsyuk can be erased.

Certainly he didn't have the offensive numbers (70 points) last season he achieved the previous two (97 points each).

Datsyuk remained healthy, but everyone around him, including linemates Tomas Holmstrom and Henrik Zetterberg, didn't.

Datsyuk played with unfamiliar linemates and developed little chemistry with them.

That's changed this season. He has 11 points (six goals) in 10 games and his 14 takeaways are tied for fourth in the league, demonstrating his dominance all over of the ice.

Datsyuk is thriving this season with everyone healthy and playing at an MVP-caliber level, such as in Saturday's 5-2 victory over Nashville.

"He's magical every night, it seems," forward Patrick Eaves said. "You're getting used to shaking your head watching him. It's great for us because he pushes us every day to be better."

Datsyuk had two goals and added an assist in an impressive victory over the Predators.

His second goal, the eventual winner in the second period, was Datsyuk at his best.

He used his underrated strength to win a battle in the corner, completely befuddled Nashville forward Nick Spaling, and charged to the net, where he beat goalie Pekka Rinne.

The result was a 3-1 Detroit lead that silenced a Nashville comeback. But the sight of Datsyuk putting forth that type of effort, going to the net, is what coach Mike Babcock said can impact the rest of the team.

"It was a great play. They (Zetterberg, Danny Cleary, Datsyuk) cycled it around and Pavel made a strong play to the net," Babcock said. "Then I saw Fil (Valtteri Filppula) got the net twice in the third period. It's amazing how contagious stuff like that is.

"He (Datsyuk) wasn't just entertaining the crowd. He went to the net and made things happen. He's one of those guys who gets better each and every day."

Datsyuk has mentioned several times early this season how good the chemistry on his line is with Zetterberg and Holmstrom.

"People talk about (Pittsburgh's Evgeni) Malkin and (Sidney) Crosby, but those two (Datsyuk-Zetterberg) are the best combination in the league," Chris Osgood said.

Said Datsyuk: "(As a line) we're having fun and it's a good thing when we have fun."

Ozzie at 398

Osgood earned victory No. 398 of his career Saturday.

After a rough first period against Phoenix, Osgood has put together five fine periods of hockey while replacing Jimmy Howard (back spasms).

"Good for him," Babcock said. "It's important he plays real well for us when he gets the chance to start and support Howie."

Said Osgood: "It's my job (as the backup) to feel as good as I can at all times.

But getting the opportunity to play more, get in a rhythm, you start tracking pucks better."

Ice chips

The Wings had the day off Sunday and will resume practice today.

Nov. 1, 2010