The playoffs are here, so let the head games begin.

It didn't take long to be reminded how different things get in the postseason. Actually, it took less than one period. After only five minutes and 58 seconds of game time, Detroit captain Steve Yzerman was forced to leave his game against the Kings due to injury. The official word: Stevie Y had a sore leg. Which leg? Well, in the postseason, nobody says which leg. In fact, it could be his arm for all we know. We won't know for sure until the Wings are eliminated or Yzerman is too injured to return to the lineup for the remainder of the playoffs.

Teams don't like to get too specific about injuries this time of year. And they have a good reason. The opposition, looking for any edge, will attack an injured player. Got a bad right ankle? Expect a slash, or two, or 10. A bum left knee? Get ready for a nasty spear behind the damaged joint.

During the regular season, players will casually stroll around the room with an ice bag taped to a wrist or a shoulder. In the playoffs, guys hide that stuff. After all, you never know who's watching. Paranoid? Maybe. But, why take a chance?

So, go ahead and ask Wings' trainer John Wharton which of Yzerman's legs is sore and he'll be happy to tell you: It's one of two.

E.J. Hradek writes hockey for ESPN The Magazine. E-mail him at ej.hradek@espnmag.com.