Pavel Update and Giving Credit Where It's Due

We've attacked Kevin Weekes and Puck Daddy plenty of times in the past about the lack of respect and acknowledgment that Jimmy Howard deserves this season for his stellar play.  Well, for as much grief as we've given, if we are going to be honest in our blogging here (and we try to be about everything other than the Blackhawks), then we have go give credit where it's due, even if it is hidden in a post about Giroux's ninja-like abilities: 

Giroux is in the top three for the Hart right now, and we'd place him there with Phil Kessel of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks. Amongst goalies, the clear MVP candidate is Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings, lugging the team through the mire with a 1.89 GAA in 23 starts.

Click the jump for more:  

Admitting it is the first step Wysh.   Good work.  Now how about you, Weekes? 

Speaking of MVP candidates, Pavel Datsyuk had the day off today after getting banged up a little bit last night, but its nothing serious at all.  

Babcock said after the 5-2 victory over the Coyotes that Datsyuk wouldn't have to practice today, and echoed that today.

"Pavel is fine," Babcock said. "He was even finer when he found out he didn't have to go on the ice."

 And you know who took his place out there?  Remember the kid, Jan Mursak?  Well, if you do, he'll be out there.   If you don't, google it or just keep on reading: 

The new face on the ice belonged to Jan Mursak, who at long last returned to practice after being out since exhibition season because of a broken left ankle.

"It has been a long summer," he said. "In camp, I got injured, so I've been working out for almost six months on my own now. I can't wait to get back on the ice to play some games."

It will be interesting to see what happens when Detroit becomes 100% healthy.  And, btw, how long before Datsyuk's name is mentioned as a possible MVP candidate, especially if he keeps up his scoring streak of 16 points the past 11 games.