The Detroit Red Wings fell in a first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning last season as the Bolts made their way to the 2015 Stanley Cup Final.
That’s not to say the Red Wings were a mere road bump during that journey, though.
The Lightning rode a Ben Bishop shutout in a Game 7 to squeak by the Red Wings last season, and this coming matchup might not be any easier.
In fact, it’s tough to forecast a favorite as of this very moment. On one hand, you have a Lightning team that’s been positively pulverized by injuries. On the other, you have a struggling Red Wings squad that wobbled a bit down the stretch.
Either way, there’s a good chance we’ll see some quality hockey, and maybe a shot of Steve Yzerman or twenty.
Related: We also know it will be Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Update: It’s reportedly going to begin on Wednesday. Will Tyler Johnson be healthy by then?
#tblightning loses 5-2 to #Habs in finale, and lost Johnson to upper body injury. First-round against Red Wings starts Wednesday in Tampa
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) April 10, 2016