Is Pavel Datsyuk the world’s greatest hockey player? His teammates seem to think so — including Marian Hossa who shared his thoughts with Detroit Free Press writer Helene St. James.
“I don’t know why he doesn’t have that recognition, but lots of players know he is right there with Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin,” Hossa told St. James. “People think he is not fast, but he is sneaky-fast. He can shoot the puck as well as he can pass. I think he is the best all-around player in the world right now.”
Hossa isn’t going to get any arguments from Detroit Red Wings fans — including us. Datsyuk’s play is pure magic. What makes Datsyuk stand out above the rest is the ease at which he can accomplish on-ice miracles. He out-skates his opponents — even makes them look silly — and he never seems to break a sweat.
Watch this highlight video of Datsyuk and judge for yourself.