Wings appreciate Kronwall's game

Niklas Kronwall may be public Enemy No. 1 in the eyes of Blackhawks fans, as witness the lusty booing the big Detroit defenseman heard every time he touched the puck in Sunday's Game 4 at the United Center.

A gigantic hit on Hawks star Martin Havlat in Game 3 - the one that knocked out Havlat - will earn a player that kind of reaction.

But as much as he is the enemy in the eyes of Hawks fans, in Detroit it's a different story.

The organization is counting on the big Swede to someday perhaps be defenseman No. 1 for the Red Wings when and if the ageless Nicklas Lidstrom decides to hang up the skates.

And games like Sunday's, in which the 28-year-old Kronwall had a bull's-eye on his back yet performed with all the coolness of James Bond, are perfect examples why.

"At crucial times, I think he knows how to play," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. "I thought he was outstanding last year in the playoffs. I think it's been well-documented he was the best defenseman at the World Championships a few years back. He's a real good player.

"But like you say, when someone else is the lead dog, you don't get those moments. You don't get to be the poise guy under the heat of making the play. I thought Kronwall did a real good job of leadership (Sunday). If I'm building a team in the National Hockey League, I want Kronwall on my team."

Truth be told, most teams would want a fearless hitter and a steady presence on the blue line like Kronwall on their side. Not only for what he does, but for what he might do at any time.

"They know he's out there," Babcock said of Detroit's opposition. "You know, I mean, he's out there. And no one likes getting hit like that.

"Who does he usually get? They're usually puck guys. I think it's a great thing. If you get dinged a couple of times or you see guys getting dinged, you know they're out there."

It's all part of Detroit's physical play that is often overlooked because it usually remains dormant until the playoffs roll around.

"I think we compete on the puck hard; that's a physical part of the game," Babcock said. "And I think we finish more checks than people realize, as well.

"We don't do it for 82 games. I try to get them to do it for about the last 22 games and then in the playoffs."

Updating the Red Wings' injury situation, Babcock ruled out Kris Draper for Wednesday's Game 5, adding that forward Pavel Datsyuk and defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom are day to day.