This wouldn't normally be a huge deal but given the circumstances this is really kind of depressing.
According to NHL.com reporter Tom Gulitti Russian superstar Pavel Datsyuk has been ruled out of today's critical match up between Team Russia and Team Finland due to injury. There have been no specific details regarding the injury we only know it's been labeled a "small injury" presumably meaning it's something minor.
The reason this is so sad should be obvious, this could very well be the last time fans in North America have the opportunity to watch the former National Hockey League star work his magic on a North American surface, with Russia facing potential elimination should they lose to Finland in regulation.
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Of course Russia could advance and Datsyuk could play in the semi-final as well as the final, it would certainly be a sad way to end this tournament for a player who has so long been a part of our sport in North America.
We wish Pavel a quick and speedy recovery.
