Pavel Datsyuk is too hurt to play.
Again.
Red Wings coach Mike Babcock confirmed to reporters that Datsyuk will miss tonight’s game in Columbus. Veteran forward Dan Cleary will apparently draw into the lineup.
Datsyuk, 36, has appeared in just 10 of Detroit’s 17 games this season. He missed the first five with a separated shoulder. Then, after returning for seven, he missed two more with a groin injury, before returning again.
It’s that same groin issue that will reportedly keep him out of the lineup tonight.
The Red Wings also play Thursday in Winnipeg.