Comparing Players : Montreal Canadiens vs Detroit Redwings

Nov 16, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (13) skates with the puck defended by Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin (74) in the third period at Joe Louis Arena. Montreal won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Pavel Datsyuk vs Tomas Plekanec

If you want to talk about responsible centers who can put up points, these two guys fit that bill. What I’m looking for in the wily veteran pivot is the ability to control the play, faceoff prowess, points, along with the intangible ability to lead their squad.

Pavel Datsyuk is a puck dangler who has made us leap from our seats and fill water cooler discussions with his ability to make a goalie and defencemen look foolish, something together at the same time! His ability to finish or manufacture plays from nothing is second to none, and his ability to put up points, even after so many injuries is phenomenal. He’s also still a point per game player this year, even having missed time due to injury, and is only 4 points back for team lead.

What more can you ask of a player than what the Montreal Canadiens demand from their turtleneck wearing should be captain? Tomas Plekanec plays in every situation for the Habs, and excels in them all. His offensive numbers are more than sound for a player who starts many of his shifts in the defensive zone. What’s impressive is that although he doesn’t have the top flight wingers he’s still only 4 points back of Max Pacioretty for the team’s scoring leader.

Here’s a look at their individual stats;

So which wily vet do you prefer? The point per game deke master who spends a lot of time on the IR, or the dependable point getter who rarely misses a shift?