Since Anton Stralman's injury on March 25, Matt Carle has filled in on the Lightning's top defensive pairing with Victor Hedman. The numbers since that time tell an interesting story.
Anton Stralman is widely considered one of the best defensemen in the NHL. His contract is often cited as one of the smartest free agent signings by any team in the past several years. He and Victor Hedman combine to form an elite defensive pairing that is fundamental to the Lightning's success over the past two seasons. When Stralman suffered a broken fibula on March 25th, the Lightning lost an irreplaceable player.