Pavel Datsyuk scored 18 points in the month of December, netting seven goals with 11 assists, helping the Wings to a 12-2-1 record for the month.

DETROIT — Arguably the best one-on-one player in the NHL, Pavel Datsyuk was a big reason that the Red Wings marched through December with a 12-2-1 record.

Bantered about as a possible Hart Trophy candidate, Datsyuk ranked third among NHL players in scoring last month, earning him recognition as the Carthartt “Hardest Working” Player of the Month for December.

Datsyuk received his award from Carhartt sponsorship and event specialist Sanja Zarubica during a pre-game ceremony prior to the start of the Wings-Avalanche game at Joe Louis Arena on January 8.

During the 2007-08 regular-season, Carhartt is presenting the monthly award to the hardest working Red Wings’ player, along with Carhartt merchandise. The award recognizes the player for his hard work and individual dedication to commitment necessary to excel on the ice. The Red Wings’ coaching staff and front office personnel select the monthly recipients.

In December, Datsyuk scored seven goals with 11 assists while posting a plus-11 plus/minus rating in 15 games that included a pair of goals and an assist in the Wings’ 4-1 over Montreal on Dec. 4.

Datsyuk compiled six multiple-points games during the month, including an outstanding three-point performance at Phoenix (Dec. 29) highlighted by a tie-breaking goal late in the third period that propelled the Wings to a 4-2 victory -- their fourth straight. He also collected three assists in three different December games in wins over Minnesota (Dec. 7), Washington (Dec. 17) and St. Louis (Dec. 26).

Datsyuk has led Detroit in scoring for the last two seasons. If he can lead the Wings in scoring for the third straight season, he will become the fourth such player to do so, joining Ted Lindsay, Gordie Howe and Steve Yzerman.

Datsyuk is the third Red Wings’ player so honored by Carhartt this season, joining past recipients Henrik Zetterberg (October) and Chris Osgood (November).

For over 115 years, Carhartt has manufactured premium workwear known for exceptional durability, comfort, quality of construction, and fit that you can feel in the fabrics and see in the performance. Established in 1889, Carhartt is family-owned and operated with over 4,000 employees dedicated to providing Best-in-Class apparel for the active worker.

Carhartt and the Red Wings would like to recognize Pavel Datsyuk for his outstanding work and success during the month of November and wish him continued success throughout the remainder of the 2007-08 season.