Detroit center enjoying breakout season

Updated: December 16, 2003, 3:05 PM ET

Detroit's resurgence after a shaky start can be attributed mainly to the work of Pavel Datsyuk.

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By By Jim Wilkie
NHL Insider

Despite a slew of injuries and a never-ending goaltending soap opera, the Detroit Red Wings are back in their familiar perch atop the Western Conference.

With all due respect to the contributions from the likes of Mark Mowers, Kris Draper and Mathieu Dandenault, Detroit's resurgence after a shaky start can be attributed mainly to the work of Pavel Datsyuk.

"We have all these injuries, but Pavel has come to the forefront," Red Wings head coach Dave Lewis told The Detroit News. "Pavel has taken the team over."

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