NHL playoffs: Detroit Red Wings at Tampa Bay Lightning (Game 1) - April 13, 2016

Red Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou battles with Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman.

(The Associated Press)

DETROIT - The Detroit Red Wings need to do something to spark their power play in this first-round playoff series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Could Andreas Athanasiou help? The rookie makes things happen in his limited ice time. His speed puts opponents on their heels and he has some finishing ability, with 10 goals in 40 games, regular season and playoffs combined, while playing mostly in a bottom-six capacity.

Coach Jeff Blashill said Monday it's not out of the realm of possibility.

"We've certainly looked at everything as we go through the decision process," Blashill said. "Is there any ways that we can help ourselves do better in any area, including the power play? I would certainly give lots of credit to Tampa's penalty kill. I think they were one of the top penalty-killing units in the last 2-3 months down the stretch. They do a really good job, so let's make sure they get lots of credit there."

Regardless, the Red Wings must convert more often, starting in Game 4 Tuesday at Joe Louis Arena. They are 1 for 17 in the series (5.9 percent) and have managed only 17 shots in 27:19 with the extra man.

"We have a guy we thought about inserting in (Teemu) Pulkkinen as well; he brings a real addition to a potential power play," Blashill said. "Double-A spent some time on our power play last year when I had him in Grand Rapids, not tons of time. He did a good job. It's something we'll look at."

Athanasiou scored the deciding goal in Sunday's 2-0 victory. He had four shots on goal in just 9:05 - playing little in the third period. And made a spectacular spin move in the slot in the first period but shot wide.

"I thought last night was by far his best game through the first two especially," Blashill said. "He does two things with his speed. One, he backs the other team off, and two, he lifts the energy of the building. Even if the play doesn't complete anything, it does lift the energy of the building."

The Red Wings' power play could use an energy boost. They appeared to have solved their season-long issues late in the year when they converted in eight consecutive games, going 11 for 25. But they have since gone 2 for 29 in six games.

They are having difficulty finding lanes to get the puck on net.

"I think they have done a great job," Detroit's Mike Green said. "They've definitely committed to putting their bodies in front of our lanes. It's caused a little bit of a hard time for us to get pucks through. With some strategic movements and us moving more out of those lanes ... sometimes it doesn't need to be a pretty shot, it just needs to get through. If we can establish that I think we'll be just fine."

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