via blog.mlive.com

Ok, I have a question for you guys... Who has been the best defense men for Detroit in this year play-offs? Lidstrom? Nope. Rafalski. Not a chance. According to coach Mike Babcock it has been Niklas Kronwall.

Kronwall's career started rough, with injuries ranging from a broken leg to a fractured sacrum. He was in and out of the lineup so much that it was hard for him to find any consistency in his game. Its seems as though these play-offs are his coming out party. He leads all defense men in play-off scoring and his penchant for the big open ice hit has his teammates impressed.

"It gives us so much more energy," forward Henrik Zetterberg said. "It's unbelievable to see Kronner do it night in and night out. It's nice to see him healthy and playing good in all situations. He makes huge hits and nice plays, so he's a pretty complete package." (Quote courtesy of detnews.com)

The opposition has also noticed Kronwall's physical play as of late. "You have to have your head up and be ready. If your elbows get up quick enough, you have to protect yourself also," Malone, the 6-4, 224-pound Penguins forward, said during a conference call Wednesday. "If by accident your stick gets up a little bit, maybe he learns his lesson. He's definitely a player you have to keep your eye on." (Quote courtesy of Mlive.com)

If the Wings can win their fourth cup since 1997, be ready to hear Kronwall's name in the talks for the Conn Smythe, he definitely deserves it.