The newly-settled NHL lockout has kept a lot of U.S. pro hockey players off the ice this season, but it hasn't slowed down Pavel Datsyuk.
On Sunday the Red Wings' forward, who has been playing for CSKA Moscow in his native Russia, scored a breathtaking goal against rival team Traktor Chelyabinsk during a shootout. Datsyuk went face-to-face with the other side's goalie and managed to sneak the puck behind him before aiming a perfect bounce off the goalie for the win. The slick play helped CSKA Moscow clinch the game 3-2 over Traktor.
Over his entire season with CSKA, Datsyuk has racked up a total of 11 goals and 25 assists in 31 games. Although the NHL Player's Association reached an agreement Sunday, it hasn't affected Datsyuk yet. His agent, Gary Greenstin, says he'll be staying put in Russia until he gets official instructions from the union, the Detroit Free Press reports.
The league's new 10-year labor deal will allow players to take part in a shortened season later this month, but it still needs to be ratified by the NHL Board of Governors and the union. The 113-day lockout resulted in the cancellation of at least 480 games this season, according to the Associated Press. Once things get started, the Wings will have a hectic schedule in front of them. The Free Press reports their training will begin on Saturday at the latest and will be followed by a 48 or 50 game season with all games happening in the Western Conference. In addition to Datsyuk, the team also needs players Henrik Zetterberg and Valtteri Filppula to return from overseas.