Hudler Moved To Top Line To Help Confidence
It is imperative for Red Wings forward Jiri Hudler to get off to a good start following his disastrous 2010-11 season. That is why the club is putting him in a position to succeed by playing him on a top line with Pavel Datsyuk and Danny Cleary.
The Wings need Hudler to regain his confidence and his scoring touch from 2008-09, when he tallied career highs in goals (23) and points (57). The only time Hudler was dangerous last season was during a brief stretch on a line with Datsyuk and Cleary.
"He's one of the best players in the world," Hudler said of Datsyuk. "He makes a lot of stuff happen. Every team is aware how dangerous he is. You got to create space for yourself and just be ready when the puck comes."
Hudler scored on a nice backhand shot after being set up by Datsyuk during Friday's season-opening 5-3 win over Ottawa. On Saturday, he made a nice drop pass to set up a goal by Johan Franzen in Detroit's 3-0 win over Colorado.
Hudler struggled last season, scoring just one goal in his first 30 games and finishing with 10 goals and 27 assists. But he played well during a brief stretch with Datsyuk and Cleary.
"As far as I remember, my starts have never been something I was proud of," Hudler said. "Every year I think about it, a good start. You got to come down and play the game hard and good things happen."
Hudler, 27, came into training camp in the best shape of his life following a rigorous offseason workout regimen with UFC trainer Jonathan Chaimberg in Montreal.
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