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Larionov Commends Contributions to Game of Former Red Wings Teammate Datsyuk

Magic Man wowed The Professor

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3 weeks ago

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Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings
Igor Larionov was immediately impressed by Red Wings teammate Pavel Datsyuk.

From the moment he first met Pavel Datsyuk at the Detroit Red Wings training camp in the fall of 2001, Igor Larionov immediately knew his was looking at someone special.

The Professor was instantly enamored by the work of the Magic Man.

“Pasha Datsyuk burst into the world of big hockey quite suddenly,” Larionov told columnist Igor Rabiner of Russian website Sport-Express. “It quickly became clear that he was an extraordinary guy and an extraordinary player.

“His desire, work, dedication to the game, work and creativity, and ability to make people around him better were striking.”

During that first season in Detroit – a Stanley Cup-winning campaign – Datsyuk wisely attached himself to Larionov. He was seeking wisdom from the Russian master.

“A hard-working guy, at the beginning of the first season he was always by my side,” Larionov said. “On the road, at games, in the locker room, in the gym – everywhere. And he always did a little more than me, because I was 41 and he was 23.

Red Wings Teammates Also Impressed By Datsyuk’s Unique Skillset

“I liked that the work he put into himself paid off. Datsyuk got a great reward from hockey – what he became on this great team. First he was surrounded by great players, and then he gained this status himself.”

Datsyuk was giving much credit to Larionov and fellow Russian compatriot and Red Wings teammate Sergei Fedorov for his smooth transition to the NHL. Larionov marveled at the incredible individual skill that Datsyuk brought to the ice.

“With his unpredictability, Pasha brought a zest to the game that fans liked and became the basis for the success he achieved in North America and upon his return to Russia.” Larionov said.

His work commitments as coach of Torpedo of the KHL made it impossible for Larionov to be attending Monday’s Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.

“It’s well deserved,” Larionov said of Dastyuk’s Hall enshrinement.

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