ESPN: Datsyuk expects to play Sunday

Apparently, he's told Babcock he's ready. Okay, Pavel. Now you need to perform. No excuses. Update (9:52 PM): Ansar Khan has a slightly different story:

After a short practice Saturday, the Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk declared himself ready to play in Game 2 Sunday. Well, sort of. Asked if he thinks he'll play, Datsyuk said, "I think so.'' Then he said he would see how he feels after he wakes up Sunday. Then he said everything's great. But then he said nothing's changed.

Umm. Okay, Pavel. Babcock wasn't much more encouraging:

“He says he’s playing tomorrow. If he wants to play, I’ll probably let him play. See how he is tomorrow. We’re not going to do anything silly. If he’s ready to go he’ll go, if he’s not ready to go he won’t go. We’re going to do what’s right for him.’’

Pavel had better have a positive impact or all of this waffling is really going to piss me off.