GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Detroit Red Wings' Pavel Datsyuk has skyrocketed up the NHL's list of scoring leaders.

Datsyuk, with 51 points, is tied for third in the league heading into tonight's games, just three points behind scoring leader Evgeni Malkin of Pittsburgh.

“He went from everyone was kind of critiquing him to (three) points away from taking over the scoring lead,'' Todd Bertuzzi, one of Datsyuk's linemates, said. “So he does everything pretty quiet, without a lot of fanfare, and I think he likes that. At the same time we understand how important he is and appreciate the work he does at both ends.''

Datsyuk has 41 points (11 goals, 30 assists) in his past 30 games.

“It feels like he's always been on this roll since I've been here,'' Johan Franzen, Datsyuk's other linemate, said. “He gets a lot of points and creates so much offense from nowhere. Always feels like he's walking away with two or three points every night; effortless, it looks like.

“Pucks follow him around and he's making great plays most every night. It's fun to watch.''

Teammate Niklas Kronwall said that entire line is playing great. The Red Wings take a five-game winning streak into Saturday's game against Columbus at Joe Louis Arena (7 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

“They're coming up with some huge goals,'' Kronwall said. “They play strong. They (Franzen and Bertuzzi) are big guys and they're holding onto the puck down low. When they do that, they're providing a lot of offense and also grinding on their (defense).''