NHL: Lightning/Red Wings Notes

There are two NHL first round rematches from last season. One is the again higher ranked, Tampa Bay Lightning vs the Detroit Red Wings.

Last year the Lightning made it to the NHL finals for the second time in franchise history, losing to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games. It was the third title in six seasons for the Blackhawks after a 49 year title drought. The Lightning won in their other finals appearance beating the Calgary Flames in 7 games, to capture the 2004 Stanley Cup.

The Red Wings are in the playoffs for a current North American major sports league high 25th consecutive season. In that span, thus far, they won 4 Stanley Cup crowns, the first in 1997, which ended a 42 year title drought.