DETROIT --In his prime, Niklas Kronwall was one of the most feared body checkers in the NHL and a defenseman who provided consistent offense.
That's exactly the kind of player the Detroit Red Wings need if they want to make their 25th consecutive trip to the Stanley Cup Playoffs a memorable one.
But Kronwall, 35, has been slowed by arthroscopic surgery on his left knee that forced him to miss 15 games in January and February, and a sprained left knee in March that cost him three games.
X-Factor: Red Wings need Kronwall of old
Veteran defenseman has to be at his physical best for Detroit to advance in postseason
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