DETROIT -- Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk today participated in his first full practice with the team since he broke his right hand on Dec. 22.

He had his cast removed four days ago and said he still hopes to return in the first game following the all-star break, Feb. 2 in Ottawa.

"It's a little bit stiff, but I feel every day better and stronger and more stretchable,'' Datsyuk said. “It's first priority, first game after all-star break. We'll see. I hope and I wish.''

Datsyuk, who is right-handed but shoots left, said it's difficult handling the stick.

“It's a little bit tough,'' he said. "I need more power.''

The Red Wings have gone 9-5-2 in his absence. They host New Jersey on Wednesday (7:30 p.m., FSD).

“I'm so happy, the guys battle hard … and Hudler, too,'' Datsyuk said.

Jiri Hudler, standing nearby, burst out laughing.

“Thanks, Pash,'' he said.

Danny Cleary (fractured ankle) and Mike Modano (lacerated wrist) also skated for about half of the practice.

Tomas Holmstrom, who broke his right hand on Jan. 14, said he hopes to start skating on Wednesday. He's not sure if he'll return on Feb. 2.

"I don't know yet, see how it looks like after the break,'' Holmstrom said.

Nicklas Lidstrom didn't skate today, as coach Mike Babcock said he was giving the team captain sort of an all-star break in advance to the weekend.