May 12, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing Johan Franzen (93) during a stoppage in play against the Anaheim Ducks during the third period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Red Wing News

Red Wings’ Mule is in need of a kick-start - The Detroit News

His play from Round One has not transferred to Round Two yet.

Detroit Red Wings have been outscored badly in third period of eight Stanley Cup playoff games - Mlive

The Red Wings have not been able to close out games or take over games in the third and that has to change.

Way back for Red Wings? First, get up the ice - Detroit Free Press

The Wings spent way too much time in their own zone in Game 1.

Wings need to find a way to score on the power play; Hawks are 20-for-20 on kill in playoffs - Red Wings Front

The power play was solid in the first round, but not so much in Game One against the Hawks.

Pavel Datsyuk named Selke Finalist - Winging it in Motown

The perennial award for Datsyuk. He has tough competition this season, but as always there is a good chance he won.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Red Wings Vs Blackhawks – A Q&A With Blackhawk Up

A look into the mind of a Blackhawk fan.

Fair Or Not, Red Wings Need More From Niklas Kronwall In Round 2

The defense needs to get involved in the offense and it all starts with Kronwall.

May 12, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall (55) moves the puck against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Red Wings’ version of a “Big Three,” consisting of Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and Jimmy Howard, came through in enough crucial spots to propel the team to a first round upset of the Anaheim Ducks. To have any chance of doing the same to the NHL’s top regular season team, the Chicago Blackhawks, the Wings really need that trio to become a foursome.

Specifically, it would be helpful if defenseman Niklas Kronwall upped his level of play in the second round of the playoffs. Detroit’s blue line leader was solid in Round 1, but he definitely didn’t play like someone who some writers thought might be a Norris Trophy candidate earlier in the season (and by “some writers,” I mean me).

Everyone enjoyed the big hit on Kyle Palmieri during Game 4 that led to “You got Kronwalled!” chants ringing out through Joe Louis Arena. Open ice collisions have always been a key part of Kronwall’s game, and even though he doesn’t seem to look for them as often as in previous years, their threat helps keep opposing players skating with their heads on swivels.

Kronwall didn’t shy away from putting his body on the line against the Ducks, averaging more than two hits and two blocked shots per game. And he did it while maintaining his discipline, staying out of the penalty box for the entire series despite logging the most ice time of any defenseman.

No problems there. You can even forgive his -2 overall against Anaheim since it was at least partially caused by his fellow blueliners committing some cringe-worthy turnovers, often in their own end.

It’s on offense where Kronwall has to contribute more. One assist in seven games simply isn’t cutting it for a guy who at times during 2013 flirted with being the top scoring d-man in the entire NHL. Kronwall has a booming shot and needs to let it go more often against the Blackhawks – particularly on the power play, where the Wings’ lack of options continually (and dangerously) has them using forwards Damien Brunner and Mikael Samuelsson to man one of the points.

Maybe it’s unfair to ask Kronwall to do everything he’s been doing and chip in more scoring, but the fact is that the Red Wings need him to do it. Chicago has multiple blueliners who can join the rush and aid their forwards. Detroit has… well, just Kronwall right now. Danny DeKeyser was moving the puck well, but he’s out for the playoffs and wasn’t exactly piling up points even before he went down to injury. Ian White is so far in the doghouse (for a reason, but still) that he probably doesn’t even remember where the door is located.

That makes it Kronwall or bust when it comes to offense from the defense. So to sum up, the team needs him to play tons of minutes against Chicago’s top forwards, play physically without taking penalties, jump up in the play more while staying smart about it, and find a way to either score or set up more goals.

It’s a lot to ask, possibly too much. Considering what they’re up against, the Red Wings are going to have to hope he can answer it all anyway.