New York — It’ll be a familiar playoff series for Red Wings fans.
Like last season, the Red Wings will be playing the Tampa Bay Lightning again, likely beginning Wednesday in Tampa Bay.
The Lightning defeated the Red Wings in a seven-game series last spring, rallying to win the final two games.
This season?
Tampa Bay goes in without star forward Steven Stamkos (blood clot, arm) and defenseman Anton Stralman, two important pieces in their lineup.
But the Red Wings aren’t taking the Lightning lineup for granted.
“They still have a lot of weapons, they have a lot of great players on that team,” goaltender Jimmy Howard said.