Pavel Datsyuk receives the Carhartt 'Hardest Working Player of the Month' Trophy for January from Doug Murphy of the Red Wings' Ad Sales department and Sanja Zarubica, Carhatt's sponsorship and event specialist.

DETROIT — Pavel Datsyuk rang in the new year the same way he closed out last year – by receiving the Red Wings’ Carhartt Hardest Working Player of the Month Award.

The Red Wings center finished 2008 on an eight-game point-scoring streak, collecting 16 points, which helped Detroit to a 9-3-1 record in December.

The superstar center had an equally impressive January, collecting 17-points (four goals, 13 assists) with a plus-7 rating in 12 games. He had six multiple-point games, capped by a pair of three-point nights against Columbus (Jan. 6) and at Dallas (Jan. 12). He also had two-point games against Dallas (Jan. 8), at Anaheim (Jan. 14), at San Jose (Jan. 17), and at Phoenix (Jan. 20).

Datsyuk had five multi-point games in December.

For the second straight month, Datsyuk received his award from Carhartt sponsorship and event specialist Sanja Zarubica during a pre-game ceremony prior to the start of the Wings-Coyotes game at Joe Louis Arena on Feb. 4.

During the regular-season, Carhartt has presented the monthly award to the hardest working Red Wings’ player, along with Carhartt merchandise. The award, in its second season, 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.

Statistically speaking, Datsyuk finished his best special teams month of the season, registering two power-play goals and seven assists with the man-advantage. He also scored a game-winning goal – his second of the season – in the Wings’ 3-0 win over the Blue Jackets on Jan. 6.

Datsyuk kicked off January with a second-period goal that gave the Red Wings a 4-3 lead against the Chicago Blackhawks in the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. The Wings scored twice more en route to a 6-4 win.

The defending Selke Trophy winner continues to shine as an outstanding two-way contributor this season. Datsyuk remains among the top 10 best face-off men in the league, winning draws at a 57 percent clip. Following Monday’s games, he also led the league with 62 takeaways, which was seven better than Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin, who was second with 55.

Through 50 games this season, Datsyuk leads the Wings in assists (40) and points (59).

Datsyuk, who also won the Hardest Working award in Dec. 2007, is the 11th Red Wing so honored by Carhartt since last season, joining past recipients Henrik Zetterberg (Oct. 2007), Chris Osgood (Nov. 2007), Dan Cleary (Jan. 2008), trainers Piet VanZant and Russ Baumann (Feb. 2008), Johan Franzen (March 2008), Marian Hossa (Oct. 2008) and Andreas Lilja (Nov. 2008)

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 January and wish him continued success throughout the 2008-09 season.