"One thing to remember about Patrick Eaves is he was considered a goal-scorer when he broke into the NHL.

His role changed when he came to the Red Wings two seasons ago, becoming more of a defensive-oriented player.

So when coach Mike Babcock decided to begin this training camp with Eaves on a scoring line centered by Pavel Datsyuk, with Danny Cleary on the other wing, it was an indication maybe there's some offense still to be mined out of Eaves.

"Those are two world-class players and to be out there it makes you better," said Eaves, who celebrated in the first intrasquad scrimmage Sunday with a goal in Team Delvecchio's 2-1 victory over Team Howe.

Fabian Brunnstrom added a goal. Valtteri Filppula scored for Team Howe.

Eaves scored on a one-timer Sunday off a pass from prospect Alan Quine. It was reminiscent of some of the 13 goals Eaves scored last season with the Wings, or the 20 he scored as a rookie in Ottawa in 2005-06."