Pavel Datsyuk (lower body) is still hoping to play before the Olympic break. He will miss his 14th consecutive game on Monday, but he wants to play in either Thursday's game at Florida or Saturday's contest at Tampa Bay or both. "I'm just trying to make sure I play one or two games (before). That's my goal now," he said. "I'm not thinking about (Olympics) now. I'm thinking about coming back to our team and helping our team." He was vague about playing in the Olympics if he's unable to return before the NHL goes on break, but he still hopes to play in Sochi as well.

Coach Mike Babcock isn't sure if Pavel Datsyuk, who hasn't played since Jan. 1 due to a lower-body injury, will be able to return this week. "I have no idea," Babcock said of Datsyuk's status. "I just watch him in practice, one leg isn't holding up. Pavel wants to play for his country and be part of things, but you have to be healthy." Datsyuk wants to play in the Olympics for Russia, where he'll wear the "C," but it isn't clear if he'll be healthy by the time the tournament starts.

The Detroit Red Wings have been without Pavel Datsyuk for more a month because of injury, but he'll be playing and will serve as captain for Russia in the upcoming Sochi Olympics. "Am I worried?" Red Wings' general manager Ken Holland asked rhetorically. "Of course, I'm worried. But I understand what an opportunity this is for every Russian and every other player. Pavel has a decision to make and I understand that it's his decision and I respect that it's his decision." Datsyuk last played for Detroit at the 2014 Winter Classic, missing the last 12 games due to a a lower-body injury. He also sat out for seven games through November and December after suffering a concussion on a hit to the head from Ottawa's Jared Cowen. It's been an injury-plagued season for the 35-year-old center.

Penguins center Evgeni Malkin couldn't be happier with Russia's recent choice of captain for the Sochi Olympics later this month -- Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk. "He has great experience," Malkin said. "He's won two Stanley Cups, world championships, he's 35 years old. We have young guys, and, when they watch how Pavel works in practice, they learn a lot." Datsyuk also has an engaging personality. "He's a good guy, friendly," Malkin said. "He's a funny guy in the locker room, too." Malkin said the Russian team hasn't named alternate captains to his knowledge and said he would be happy to wear an "A" if asked. Malkin serves in that capacity for the Penguins.

Pavel Datsyuk (lower body) will not be available to return Friday. He practiced Thursday, but he's expected to miss his 12th consecutive game due to a lower-body injury.

Pavel Datsyuk (groin) won't play Tuesday. He didn't travel with the team to Philadelphia, but he hopes to return to the lineup later this week. Datsyuk hasn't played since Jan. 1 and he's looking to get into some games before the NHL breaks for the Olympics.

Pavel Datsyuk (groin) won't play Sunday, but he hopes to return next week. He skated at practice on Saturday and is feeling better. Datsyuk wants to play some games before the Winter Olympics begin. He has been sidelined since Jan. 1.

There is no further update on a possible return date for Pavel Datsyuk. The Wings' star center pulled a groin muscle three weeks ago and has just began to skate this week. It is unclear if Datsyuk will be able to practice with his teammates this upcoming week, although it remains a possibility.

Pavel Datsyuk (groin) has been able to start skating. Datsyuk will be sidelined for an eight straight contest on Wednesday. He's confident that he'll be able to play in the Olympics, but it's not clear if he'll get in any playing time before the break.

Pavel Datsyuk (groin) was moved to injured reserve before Thursday's game against the Rangers. He has missed five games with the ailment. Datsyuk wasn't expected to be out for this long but his lower-body injury, which is believed to be a groin issue, has lingered.