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Datsyuk on returning to action Friday: 'Its been long time no play; I forget I’m hockey player'

Detroit Red Wings superstar forward Pavel Datsyuk will return to action on Friday when the Red Wings host the Buffalo Sabres. Datsyuk has managed 33 points in 39 games this season, but a knee injury has limited the centerman to just five games in the 2014 calender year.

Datsyuk is understandably eager to get going. The perennial Selke nominee shared a charming description of the frustration he's been battling through over the past several months on Thursday, telling MLive.com's Ansar Khan: "It’s been long time no play; I forget I’m hockey player."

During an appearance on Sportsnet 590 the Fan earlier this week, Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock suggested that Datsyuk would play on the wing as he eases himself back into the lineup. If the combinations Babcock used in practice on Thursday are any indication, Datsyuk can be expected to flank Darren Helm and Justin Abdelkader against Bufflao on Friday.

"They play with confidence, they play well, they have speed and they have power," Datsyuk said of his potential line-mates. "And also they sit on the side of me (in the dressing room). When I need water they can bring it to me.”

The streaking Red Wings have climbed into a Wild Card spot over the past couple of weeks but, despite their recent success, could certainly use Datsyuk's two-way mastery in the lineup. 

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