Pavel Datsyuk expected out two weeks
CHICAGO -- Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk is expected to miss two weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to remove fragments from his right knee.
Datsyuk is the Red Wings' leading scorer with 59 points.
"Pav's been out before and he's a huge part of our team but we're going to need guys to step up," goalie Jimmy Howard said after Detroit's 2-1 loss at Chicago Tuesday night. "This is an opportunity for other guys now to play in a role maybe they're not used to playing in, maybe getting some more ice time, and they're going to find a way to get it done for us."
Detroit has won an NHL-record 23 consecutive home games. Datsyuk helped keep that streak going when he scored with 5 seconds left Friday to beat Nashville.
The forward was ninth in the NHL in scoring through Monday.
"We've just got to play," coach Mike Babcock said. "Today had nothing to do with no Pavel. We didn't play."
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
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