Pavel Datsyuk gave an incredibly long interview to Sport-Express's Igor Eronko yesterday, and it's an interview that tends to break online translators because it's so long, but the interview is also more than worth your time.

TMR reader Vadim posted some of the more interesting parts of the interview in English-language translation, and here are Vadim's selections from Datsyuk's Q and A:

Q – Do you think [Danis] Zaripov will succeed in NHL?

A – First, he needs to sign a contract. It will not be easy, but he is a very good player. A lot will depend on what team will end up with.

Q – Would you like to see him in Detroit?

A – I do not think that’s the best scenario for him. He will be better in Washington or Rangers. It will be tough for him in Pittsburgh, they have first two lines already. And third and fourth line is not for him.

Q – You once said that Babcock made you the player you became.

A – He gave me a lot. Asked me to concentrate on defense. Made me more of a defensive forward. Especially closer to

the end of my career. But in general every coach added something. Bowman, on the other hand, allowed me to play my game and improvise. Even though I was so young.

Q – Blashill is called Babcock’s clone.

A – Blashill is not really a clone, simply Detroit has a certain system in place that started with Babcock.

Q – They are even talking alike and do not smile.

A – That’s their style, they are focused all the time, no time for jokes. Canadian school: cannot smile and make players relax (smiling).

Q – Vitalij Vishnevski was saying that Babcock had an interesting approach: before the playoffs series he was

giving each player a task to study one of the opposing players. The coaching staff was making their own dossier and then every player was sharing his research in front of the team and then everything was combined in one book. Does anybody else do that?

A – I did not have that many coaches in my career, but Mike did exactly as you said. I do not think Bowman had the same approach. But Blashill who worked a lot with Babcock had the same system.

Q – Bowman does not have enough fingers for all his championship rings. How do you remember him?

A – He was my coach in my first year in NHL. I remember everything from that time. He always invented different exercises, sometimes showed his displeasure. Was not talking much, but with his strong character, he was making all the stars work as a team. Everybody worked hard and nobody complained. At least nobody showed dissatisfaction.

Q – Detroit had many stars back then

A – Yes. And everybody wanted to play the piano. But nobody was shying away from pulling the piano.

Q – As soon as you left Detroit, they missed the playoffs for the first time in 25 years

A – It’s not even that important they missed the playoffs. In most recent seasons, there was constant talk: will Detroit make or miss the playoffs. Can Detroit win the Cup did not seem to be of interest to anybody. Everybody talked only about making the playoffs. So, it’s very good the Red Wings missed the playoffs. The recharge started. There was so much pressure when we were making the playoffs 24th and 25th time in a row. It seemed like we made it and the goal is achieved. Now everything will change, there will be no such pressure and they will be to see the ultimate goal. In reality you need to fight for the cup and not just to make the playoffs.

Q – If you will be elected to the Hall of fame, and the possibility is very high, you will be elected as Arizona player.

A – I have not thought about it yet

...

Q – Andrei Markov said that he wants to play 1000 games in NHL, so he is thinking that in 2 years, when his contract is up, he might return to NHL

A – How many games he has left?

Q--10

A – I still 50 to go, the whole season. I am not thinking about it. But everything is possible. Just need to prepare for it. To have a goal.

Q – Fedorov at one point passed to you “Russian banner” in Detroit. Can this banner be passed to Svechnikov after you?

A – In 2002 every NHL team had at least 1 Russian player. Now not that many team have Russians. So, it’s not easy to pass this banner. Svechnikov has a good chance to make Detroit roster if he continues the same way. But it’s too early to call him a banner carrier.

Q – But he has the talent...

A – Yes, he has, but there are a lot of talented players who do not fulfill their potential. I think talent and hard work go together.

Q – Urban Dictionary has a word “Datsyukian”. If the dribbling is fantastic and cannot be explained, those tricks are Datsyukian

A – Ken Daniels came up with this term. He is a good commentator.

Q – Do you consider your heritage that your name is used in SIRI and even in slang?

A – I think when I stop playing and it will disappear. There will be a new word, Mc Davidian for example.

Q – Do you have a goal you remember the most

A – Against Nashville and a backhander against San Jose. But what I remember most is how I was not able to score in OT when Larionov scored the game winner against Carolina. I had a good chance in the fist OT, I created it myself, but did not finish. I still remember that. Did everything right, but too young, not enough skills. But the decision was correct. It’s now I am analyzing, still in my head.

Q – And how about a great goal against Turco...

A – It was not the game winning goal. The goal was impressive, but I did not have the same drive. That was at the end of the game.

Q – Zetterberg by the way also announced that he will leave to Sweden with 1 year remaining on his contract.

A – “Oh, Zetterberg also announced”, - you are saying it as if he learned it from me. Datsyukian is a disease now. Leave with 1 year left in the contract. This is his decision. And in any case, he had a great career in Detroit.

Q – Crosby is working very hard?

A – He is working very hard on the ice, does tons of work.

Q – Players complained Crosby hits your hands with the

stick on the faceoffs...

A – That’s all in the past already.