Lightning's Paquette: 'Probably' payback coming after Abdelkader attack

The Tampa Bay Lightning can see the effects of Justin Abdelkader's handiwork.

The Detroit Red Wings' super agitator left forward Mike Blunden with nine stitches during a brawl - which Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper called "mild" - and up 2-0 in the series, the Lightning may think they have some breathing room for retribution.

Cedric Paquette, asked if he expects the Lightning to retaliate, was honest: "Probably," he said, according to Lightning website writer Bryan Burns.

"That's not smart from (Abdelkader)," Paquette added. "When there's a guy laying on the ice like that, you respect your opponent."

Abdelkader disagrees, clearly. With Blunden beneath him in the melee, Abdelkader let his fists fly.

After the game, both teams said what was expected: It's hockey. It's the playoffs. There's a lot of emotion out there.

The bad blood will carry over. Because it's hockey. Because it's the playoffs. But Cooper's not worried about it.

"I hope our compete carries over," he said. "That's all that matters."

Game 3 should be fun to watch.