force of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.Slide to Reveaal2016-17 prospects: Star striker Mauro Icardi appears set to stay and theres talent in midfield.ddddddddddddBut another new manage

TORONTO -- Pavel Datsyuks North American magic show had one final act.Months after deciding to leave the NHL and go home to Russia, the Detroit Red Wings great showed off his fanciful skillset one last time on this side of the ocean at the World Cup of Hockey. A lower-body injury may have cut his tournament short but not before another remarkable performance against players 15 to 20 years younger.Datsyuks legs arent what they used to be at age 38, but he was a difference maker killing penalties and keeping up with the pace of a lightning-fast end-to-end victory against Team North America that helped Russia advance. He missed Russias round-robin finale Thursday against Finland and was scratched again from the lineup Saturday night against Canada.Datsyuk left a lasting memory on the NHL, especially to his peers who appreciate his play the most from watching him up close.Oh, hes unbelievable, said Russian star Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins. You do not see much what he (can) do because hes so professional. Hes (the) most professional Ive ever seen.Datsyuk had 314 goals and 604 assists in 953 games for the Red Wings over 14 seasons. But his play with the puck is more memorable than the points he scored with it, so much so that Apples virtual assistant, Siri, used to recognize Datsyuk as the magic man.Mike Babcock, who coached Datsyuk in Detroit before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs, said the Russian was a pleasure to be around and someone he learned a lot from. Babcock, whos coaching Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews with Canada for a third time, knows Datsyuk wasnt as prodigious as those stars who were elite as teenagers but said he made a major impact when he entered the NHL at age 21.His span, I dont know how many years it was, in my opinion he was the best forward in hockey in that time, Babcock said Thursday. Lots of people would say somebody else scored more points. He was the best player in hockey up front for a period of time with and without the puck.Datsyuk made it look as if he had the puck on a string and was among the best at knocking it away from opponents. Four times he won the Lady Byng Trophy awarded to the player who exemplifies sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of ability.That standard hasnt faded. Russia coach Oleg Znarok said in Datsyuks case, age doesnt matter.He is responsible for a lot of roles on our team like penalty kill, he said through an interpreter. Definitely one of the best players.Datsyuk signed with SKA St. Petersburg to finish his playing career in Russias Kontinental Hockey League. He has great respect from the games top players, and those who played with him understand that the most.Talking with guys on (the U.S.) team and guys that Ive come across, (they know) just how good he is with the puck and his takeaways, former Red Wings teammate Justin Abdelkader said. He practices every day. A lot of people dont see, but hes always playing after games, small-area games or 1-on-1 with players. It just shows his commitment and how good he is.As exciting as watching Datsyuk in games has been for fans for over a decade, Abdelkader isnt the only player in awe of his practice habits. Russian teammate Vladislav Namestnikov called Datsyuk unreal and figures hell get better just from soaking in how his elder prepares for games in the gym and after practice.Injuries have hampered Datsyuk and he was traded at the draft -- to the Arizona Coyotes to give Detroit cap relief. Hes on the Coyotes roster this season despite playing in the KHL, where he already has seven points in six games.Datsyuk leaving with one year left on his contract may have rubbed some people the wrong way, but Babcock points out it happened for the right reason.Age catches up to all of us, Babcock said. But hes still an effective player and hes chosen to go home to be around his family and thats good for Pavel.---Follow Stephen Whyno on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/SWhyno .Fake Patriots Jerseys . The giant slalom world champion slipped during her first run in the morning, landing on her back and then twisting forward before getting her leg caught in the protective material on the side of the slope. Stitched Patriots Jerseys . "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil. https://www.patriotsjerseysale.com/ . -- Whether Jeremy Hill deserves a prominent role in LSUs offence this early in the season is a matter for debate. New England Patriots Gear . General manager Jarmo Kekalainen told Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch on Friday that he wants to see Gaboriks contributions go beyond the scoresheet before considering a long-term deal for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. Custom New England Patriots Jerseys . Schenn scored the game-winning goal and added two assists to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to a 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Tuesday.New Season. New European Kits.Europes top teams are beginning their domestic seasons. Heres what theyll be wearing in pursuit of glory.Illustrations by Mark Yesilevskiy//KEY:Slide to Reveal2016-17 prospects: After years of false dawns and stalled rebuilds, the Rossoneri have a renewed sense of purpose but face an uphill battle to rejoin Serie As elite.Slide to Reveal2016-17 prospects: Diego Simeones side are a constant threat in La Liga and the Champions League, where they finished runner-up again last season. Can they be more than a spoiler?Slide to Reveal2016-17 prospects: They already have one trophy this season, the Supercopa de Espana. Expect them to add several more.Slide to Reveal2016-17 prospects: Theres no more Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena but the squad that won the double last season remains in place.Slide to Reveal2016-17 prospects: Thomas Tuchels side can do more than play spoiler to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga thanks to the explosive force of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.Slide to Reveaal2016-17 prospects: Star striker Mauro Icardi appears set to stay and theres talent in midfield.ddddddddddddBut another new manager, Frank de Boer, must quickly get them organised.Slide to Reveal2016-17 prospects: No Paul Pogba, no problem! A summer rebuild involving Gonzalo Higuain, Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves has them poised to win a sixth straight Scudetto.Slide to Reveal2016-17 prospects: PSG have nothing left to prove in Ligue 1. The Champions League is their ultimate goal: Can new boss Unai Emery guide them to glory?Slide to Reveal2016-17 prospects: Zinedine Zidane has proven worthy as manager but a fairly quiet summer could hurt them in their quest to unseat Barcelona and defend their Champions League crown.Slide to Reveal2016-17 prospects: The Giallorossi sold Miralem Pjanic to Juventus but welcome back a fit-again Kevin Strootman. Keeping pace in Italy will be tough. ' ' '