the point on the power play and was key to the Lightning's puck-possession game.

Victor Hedman remains and he will be asked to log additional minutes in the absence of Stralman. Hedman proved last postseason that he is capable of handling as much work as needed.

Stralman's injury has given Matt Carle a second chance after he was benched early in the season. Carle may never be the player the Lightning hoped he would be when they gave him a six-year contract in 2012, but he's playing a lot of minutes and limiting his mistakes and turnovers.

Jason Garrison and Braydon Coburn are the more physical defensemen. Andrej Sustr has flashed a lot of potential this season and is beginning to reward the Lightning's patience.

Red Wings: The lack of a dominating,top-flight defenseman has bedeviled Detroit all season.

Danny DeKeyser may be the closest thing to a No. 1, but those who slot in behind him are more suited for lower-pair duty. DeKeyser is a top-end talent when it comes to a shutdown role and plays almost 22 minutes a game.

Niklas Kronwall was close to a No. 1 at his peak, but he's 35 and has missed time during two stretches this season because of a balky knee.

Mike Green, at least offensively, was a top-pair player for much of his career. Despite leading Detroit's defensemen in points with 35, he has not lived up to the expectations associated with the long-term contract he signed in July.

Kyle Quincey supplies most of the physicality. But as a group, this unit made too