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Datsyuk’s return not enough for Detroit against Sharks

Pavel Datsyuk

Pavel Datsyuk

AP

On a night when Pavel Datsyuk should have been in the spotlight, Jimmy Howard’s struggles instead took center stage.

The Detroit Red Wings doubled the San Jose Sharks on Friday, yet San Jose managed a 3-2 win.

Yes, there was skill on display from San Jose, but Howard allowing three goals on just 14 shots won’t help him wrestle reps away from Petr Mrazek anytime soon.

In the case of Datsyuk, he was held off the scoreboard, although he did manage four shots on goal.

The start of this month was a nice opportunity for the Red Wings with four of five at home, yet they finished with a fairly pedestrian 3-2-0 mark in that frame.

Detroit’s schedule is still pretty home-heavy until the holiday season really gets into swing, so Datsyuk’s return may still make a big difference amid current struggles.

He just couldn’t make the difference tonight.