DETROIT (AP) – Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk says it is hard to make a final decision on his future. Datsyuk was peppered with questions Monday, a day after being quoted in a story saying he was returning to Russia and retiring from the NHL. The 37-year-old center insists his focus is only on the playoffs. The Red Wings will play at Tampa Bay on Wednesday night in the first game of the playoffs. Datsyuk has one season left on his three-year, $22.5 million contract. He will count $7.5 million against Detroit’s salary cap next season even if he retires. Datsyuk acknowledges it was a mistake to sign a multiyear deal. Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg says he had a feeling Datsyuk would want to go back home.
EASTERN CONFERENCE–ROUND 1 Stanley Cup Playoffs
Tampa Bay vs. Detroit
Wednesday, April 13: Detroit at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 15: Detroit at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.
Sunday, April 17: Tampa Bay at Detroit, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, April 19: Tampa Bay at Detroit, 7 p.m.
x-Thursday, April 21: Detroit at Tampa Bay, TBD
x-Sunday, April 24: Tampa Bay at Detroit, TBD
x-Tuesday, April 26: Detroit at Tampa Bay, TBD
x=if necessary
