Status of Detroit star Datsyuk up in the air for game 3

Detroit star Pavel Datsyuk's status for Game 3 of the Western Conference finals against the Chicago Blackhawks was still unclear after the Red Wings' morning skate.

Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said Datsyuk, who was hit in the foot with a puck during Game 2 on Tuesday night, didn't participate in the on-ice workout at the United Center on Friday. A decision on whether the MVP finalist plays will be made before the game in the evening.

Datsyuk had 97 points during the regular season but has managed just seven in 13 playoff games, including only one goal. Detroit leads the series 2-0.

On another topic, Babcock responded again to comments a day earlier from Jeremy Roenick on Comcast SportsNet. The former NHL star said the Detroit coach didn't like American players and especially Chris Chelios, the 47-year-old veteran whose ice time has been limited this season. Roenick and Chelios were teammates on the Blackhawks.

"I was sitting over at the pancake place with the coaches this morning and Cheli walked over and said, 'I think I should bring you an apple,'" Babcock said.

"Yeah, it bothered me because it's a blatant lie," Babcock added, saying the spotlight should be on the four teams and players left in the playoffs.

Chelios, who is from Chicago and played nine seasons with the Blackhawks before being traded to Detroit 10 years ago, said it was just Roenick being himself.

"JR is JR. The NHL would be boring without JR. Nothing to it," Chelios said. "He called me, said he's sorry."

And Chelios said his relationship with Babcock is fine.

"I've never had an issue or problem with him," Chelios said.