Puck Daddy chats with Pavel Datsyuk about Red Wings and working at Tim Horton’s

Pavel Datsyuk and the Detroit Red Wings were undefeated before facing the Washington Capitals in a Saturday night showdown. The Capitals routed the Red Wings, 7-1.

Was this the first “real” challenge for Detroit this season?

“I wouldn’t say that. Every opponent is a serious one. Don’t underestimate other teams!” said Datsyuk. “I don’t agree with you here. Yes, some teams didn’t start well, but our wins don’t come easy. But you can consider the Capitals to be one of the favorites. They have a good, balanced, young team with a good goaltender.”

Myself and Dmitry Malinovski, Sovetsky Sport’s correspondent in Detroit, spoke with Datsyuk after the Red Wings’ win over Columbus and their loss in Washington. This is a combination of those two discussions. As usual, Pavel discussed a variety of topics, including realignment, his wax statue and Halloween. Enjoy.

Q. When you played Washington you were the only two undefeated teams in the NHL. It must have been a test for you still?

DATSYUK: “Yes, of course it was a test for our team to play against a good, fast team. Unfortunately, we failed that test. But on the other side, it showed what we have to work on, it told us what kind of conclusions we have to draw. There is plenty of time. I wouldn’t say that they beat us as convincingly as the score may suggest, but they capitalized on the opportunities they were given at the right time, especially on the power play. It was actually very entertaining for fans. But for us, there is plenty we have to work on. The more work there is ahead of us, the more my eyes sparkle!”

Niklas Lidstrom played his 1,500th career NHL game and you couldn’t give him a present — a win, or at least help him score a goal.

“Of course, there is some bitter taste after games like this. We didn’t play bad, but the scoreboard shows the score. And it’s not just about special milestones, when you lose like that the effect stays. Nik was a bit upset. But we have to congratulate him on the achievement. It is a very big milestone. All I can do is remove my hockey helmet for him. He is such a great player and a great person. You can always rely on him and take him with you on spying missions.”

But did you give Lidstrom a present for him 1,500th career NHL game?

“Yes, the score: 7-1. I am sure he will keep the score sheet.”

Do the Red Wings feel the competition for fans now that the Lions are doing pretty well in the NFL?

“There is no competition. The situation in Detroit is very difficult due to the economic crisis. And I think all of the Detroit teams playing — the Red Wings, the Lions, the Tigers — we are all trying to cheer Detroit fans up, make them a little bit happier in these tough times. And sincere thanks to all the fans who come to our games, who find the time for us.”

Your schedule in the beginning of the season was very light: You played five games in the first two weeks of the season.

“I think it’s fine. It’s not for nothing everyone keeps saying that we are an old team. We were just spared, we were given more time to rest. I wish it was like that all season.”

Wouldn’t you rather have these days off at the end of the season, or is it better to enter the playoffs at full speed?

“It is difficult to say. We take what we are given. It would be worse if we weren’t given any days off at all, or in the middle of the season.”

Tomas Holmstrom is no longer on your line. Do you miss him? No one steals your goals.

“I am always for him playing on our line. But we are soldiers and we are ready to play in any combination. Of course, we have been playing with Homer for a very long time, we are used to each other. We already miss each other. At least we play together on power plays, at least that’s good.”

Puck Daddy chats with Pavel Datsyuk about Red Wings, realignment, working at Tim Horton’s and HalloweenTell us more about your job at Tim Horton’s the other day.