Red Wings' Datsyuk sidelined against Islanders with injury that doesn't appear serious

UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Detroit Red Wings leading scorer Pavel Datsyuk is sitting out against the New York Islanders because of an undisclosed lower-body injury that doesn't appear to be serious.

Datsyuk was injured Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks in a game in which he scored the winning goal in overtime. The decision to keep him out of Tuesday night's game was a bit of a surprise and largely precautionary. Detroit put out a lineup with 11 forwards and seven defencemen against the Islanders.

The Red Wings were caught short of forwards after sending right wing Chris Conner to Grand Rapids of the AHL on Monday.

Datsyuk, who played in the Red Wings' first 41 games, has 13 goals and a team-high 43 points. He said he hopes to play Thursday night at home against Phoenix.