DETROIT - Big, physical forwards are crucial in the playoffs, players who go to the hard areas of the ice, win battles and disrupt the opposition.
The more the better. And if they can score goals, too, that's great.
That's why the Detroit Red Wings anticipate a boost when Justin Abdelkader makes his series debut Tuesday in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Joe Louis Arena.
"Abby is a force for us," defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. "I don't think people really know how much he means to this team.