Datsyuk, Zetterberg paired up ahead of schedule

The Red Wings always start the season with a divide-and-conquer approach when it comes to star forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Coach Mike Babcock prefers to play them on separate lines for better balance and to strengthen two units.

Inevitably, they wind up on the same line.

Their reunion took place sooner than expected this season. The two joined forces in the second period of the second game, paired with Dan Cleary, Saturday in Colorado. They remained together during Thursday's 2-0 victory over Vancouver.

Datsyuk and Zetterberg didn't figure in the scoring, but they helped shut down Vancouver's top line, featuring Daniel and Henrik Sedin.

"Those two guys have great chemistry," Cleary said. "They like each other. They think the same. It's not like they need an adjustment period."

The two might be separated and reunited frequently this season. It's a tremendous luxury for Babcock knowing these players who play and think alike can be paired together at a moment's notice and immediately click.

"We like playing with each other. Every time we get a chance, we kind of get a little energy boost," Zetterberg said.

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