Tremendous loss for more reasons than just the absence of Kronwall. Andres Lilja is now guaranteed significant playoff minutes. And, as we know, that means significant emotional duress for you and your families.

Niklas Kronwall is a talented kid, someone an organ-I-zation would look to as a leader and catalyst for future success. But that’s impossible to do because, his fault or not, he just can’t stay healthy.

Ted Kulfan tracked down Ken Holland who discussed the injury to Kronwall and a lower back strain for, yes, Lidstrom.

“It’s a tough break for Niklas and our team,” said Wings general manager Ken Holland. “Dealing with adversity is part of the NHL playoffs. We still feel we have good depth on defense.”

Joining Kronwall off the ice—for one game, at least—will be Nicklas Lidstrom.

Lidstrom has a slight back sprain and will sit out Sunday’s game in Columbus. He is expected to return Tuesday, when the Wings play host to Columbus.

“Given what’s occurred over the last 24 hours, we’re not going to take any chances,” Holland said.