You knew this might be an awfully difficult evening, and it certainly was for the Red Wings.
On the back end of a two-game trip to Florida, against two great teams, the final game on a seven-game stretch against seven elite teams — well, it all culminated in a 6-2 Red Wings' loss in Florida against the Panthers.
BOX SCORE: Panthers 6, Red Wings 2
The Panthers (37-13-5) had the NHL's best offense leading into this game, averaging 4.06 goals per game, and it was in full attack in this game.
Florida led 3-1 after the first period, two power-play goals igniting the Panthers, and led 6-1 after 40 minutes as the rout was on.