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The Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk has 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 18 career Olympic games.

(Melanie Maxwell | The Ann Arbor News)

DETROIT – Detroit Red Wings star Pavel Datsyuk will wear a C on his jersey for the first time in his professional career next month, and he’ll do it on hockey’s biggest international stage.

Being named captain of the Russian Olympic team is even more special for Datsyuk because the Games are in Sochi, Russia.

“It’s an honor, humbled to represent Russian team, especially in home country,” Datsyuk said. “Lots of pressure for us, but so happy.”

Said coach Mike Babcock: “It’s a great honor and deservingly so.”

Datsyuk got the nod over three-time NHL MVP Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, among others.

“Lots of talk about (Datsyuk being captain), but coach decide,” Datsyuk said. “I’m happy to help team and the coach.”

Datsyuk has been an alternate captain for the Red Wings since the 2006-07 season.

“The Russian team is amazing,” Detroit defenseman Brendan Smith said. “I think you could find at least three real big candidates (for captain), so it’s pretty impressive that he got named.

“He’s the leader in our room a lot and he’s always showing by example. I think if he gets speak his own language he’d be even a more vocal player for that team so it makes more sense that he’d be captain.”

This will be Datsyuk's fourth Olympic Games. He has 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 14 career Olympic games.

Said teammate Niklas Kronwall: “Well-deserved, absolutely. Big honor. I’m happy for him. I think he’s the perfect guy to settle things down and make sure that they stay focused on the right things."

The Red Wings will have two captains at the Olympics, as Henrik Zetterberg was named last week to lead Sweden in that capacity.

Datsyuk didn’t practice Wednesday and will miss his fifth game in a row Thursday at the New York Rangers due a lower-body injury.

“Need another couple days and then we’ll see when team comes back,” Datsyuk said. “Skate with team again (Friday) and then we’ll see what happens.”

He admitted it’s disconcerting that he’s been out this long.

“Yeah, I’m not expecting this way,” Datsyuk said. “I was thinking I’m going to miss one game and come back but it’s not feel great. Just fight through.”

When someone asked Datsyuk about the injury and if it hurts to skate, he said, “It’s so secret. I know you work for Canada or the U.S.”