Ticket prices have been set for the Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tickets will cost between $89 and $279 and Michigan Stadium is expected to hold 115,000 for the game, making it very lucrative. Most tickets will cost between $129 and $149. The game will be played New Year's Day in Ann Arbor.

Pavel Datsyuk has been named as the recipient of the Master of Sport distinction, which is one of the highest honors a Russian athlete can achieve. He joins former Red Wings Sergei Fedorov, Igor Larionov and Slava Fetisov as other Russian hockey players who have captured the award. Datsyuk helped Russia win the gold medal at the recent World Hockey Championships

Pavel Datsyuk had a goal and two assists to help Team Russia win the 2012 World Championship's goal medal game. Datsyuk ended up with three goals and seven points in 10 games during the tournament. He had 67 points in 70 games in 2011-12 and has been nominated for the Selke Trophy.

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland says Pavel Datsyuk fully deserves the Selke trophy. Despite missing 12 games due to injury, Datsyuk finished with 67 points and had 97 takeaways, third among NHL forwards. He, along with the Blues' David Backes and Bruins' Patrice Bergeron were named finalists for the award Monday. "I think people recognize that Pav is one of the premier two-way forwards in the game," Holland said. "Mike Babcock uses Pavel against the other team's best forwards because Pav is such a good two-way player. He's probably the best in the league at takeaways, with his ability to come in and use his quick hands and stick."

Pavel Datsyuk has been nominated for the Selke Trophy. The award is given to the forward "who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game." Datsyuk won the award three years in a row from 2008-10 before his streak was broken by Ryan Kesler. He finished third in takeaways this season despite being limited to 70 games and he ranked 10th in the NHL with a 56.2% faceoff success rate. Datsyuk will face some tough competition this season in St. Louis' David Backes and Boston's Patrice Bergeron.

Pavel Datsyuk scored a goal and an assist in the Detroit Red Wings' 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators, which opens up a 2-1 series lead for Nashville. Those two points give Datsyuk one per game (one goal, two assists in three contests) in the 2012 playoffs. Henrik Zetterberg was the other Red Wings player to find the net. Niklas Kronwall notched a helper and had four shots on goal while Nicklas Lidstrom fired four shots on Pekka Rinne but failed to register a point. Johan Franzen also had a goose egg but had four useful penalty minutes.

Pavel Datsyuk registered two assists in Wednesday's game. Datsyuk has a goal and six points in his last five contests. However, it looks like, for the second straight season. the time he missed due to injuries will prevent him from reaching the 70-point mark.

Pavel Datsyuk potted his 17th goal of the season in the Detroit Red Wings' 3-2 overtime loss against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night. The slick center last played Feb. 19 after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, and his return paid immediate dividends, though the Wings didn't come up with the win. With Datsyuk on the shelf, Detroit went 3-7-1, so his inclusion in the lineup will certainly be important. Valtteri Filppula had the other goal, his 23rd of the season. Niklas Kronwall and Doug Janik had the helpers.

Pavel Datsyuk will return to action against San Jose Saturday night. He seems to be sufficiently recovered from arthroscopic knee surgery to suit up. This is fantastic news for the Red Wings and for Datsyuk owners. Activate him immediately.

Pavel Datsyuk (knee) plans to return on Saturday, but it doesn't sound 100% yet. "I think so (playing Saturday)," Datsyuk said. "If nothing happens, it looks like. Looking forward to playing tomorrow." Datsyuk has been out for nearly a month. This is great news for Detroit, who will be without, among others, Nicklas Lidstrom and probably Johan Franzen.