COLUMBUS, Ohio -- His Detroit Red Wings teammates know the importance of having a healthy and effective Dan Cleary in the lineup for the playoffs.

“Clears is one of those guys that, unless you really know hockey, maybe you (don’t) know how much he means to this team,’’ defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. “He’s one of our most important guys. He can play offense, he can play defense, he kills penalties, he’s out there when the game’s on the line.

“He proves it night in and night out that he’s a very reliable player. He brings a lot to this team.’’

Cleary has had a sub-par season, due in part to a separated shoulder in December that idled him for 12 games and a late-season pulled groin that forced him to miss six games.

But he returned to action

and provided an offensive spark on a line with Darren Helm and Patrick Eaves. Now, in addition to its speed and energy, the line is a more viable offensive threat, with three players who have double-digit goal totals -- Cleary with 15, and Helm and Eaves with 11 each.

“They’re easy guys to play with. They got good speed and tenacity and really play hard,’’ Cleary said. “They’re hard on the puck, skate well. Sometimes, Patty’s in front of the net, or Helmer, so you got to make sure you’re in shooting position.

“If we’re going to play together, we have to be a line that’s good defensively and should be able to score every game.’’

Cleary was one of the team’s more effective forwards in the playoffs with nine goals, 15 points and an NHL-best plus-17 rating.

“The key for me is skating,’’ Cleary said. “It’s been a tough season, injury-wise, trying to get in the swing of things. Hopefully now, I can put the injuries behind me and get going.

“The real important time is coming up. I’m really looking forward to it.’’

Said Red Wings coach Mike Babcock: “He’s a factor, he’s a good player. We’d like him to score a bit for us. Be a physical guy.’’