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Detroit Red Wings: Playoff preview and predictions

By Mike Rizzo

Mar 22, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Gustav Nyquist (14) and Tampa Bay Lightning center Vladislav Namestnikov (90) head lock each other during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Gustav Nyquist (14) and Tampa Bay Lightning center Vladislav Namestnikov (90) head lock each other during the third period at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016 NHL playoffs open on Wednesday night and the Detroit Red Wings have a 2015 playoff rematch with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Detroit Red Wings clinched a playoff spot on Saturday even though they lost to the New York Rangers 3-1. Thanks to the Ottawa Senators beating the Boston Bruins, the Red Wings clinched the third spot in the Atlantic Division to match up with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Red Wings and Lightning is a rematch of last years first round. The Lightning came back to win the series in seven after being down three games to two.

The main difference this time around is the Lightning will be without Steven Stamkos. He is out anywhere from one month to three months after having surgery to remove blood clots.

The Red Wings haven’t named a starter for this postseason yet but I would go with Jimmy Howard. Petr Mrazek is clearly hurt and Howard has earned the opportunity.

Whether it’s Mrazek or Howard that gets the start, they need to be stellar for the Red Wings to beat Tampa. The Red Wings defense has been a weak point most of the season so the man in net will likely have to cover up the defense’s deficiencies to pull out an opening round win.

With that being said, I see this being another long, tight series. I think the Lightning have the edge in goal with Ben Bishop but he is beatable as the Red Wings saw last year up until game seven.

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This series is a series I think the Red Wings can win. ESPN also thinks this series will be a long one. Before I get into my prediction for this series, here is the schedule for the series .

The Red Wings defense will be a big question mark for them. Not having to deal with Stamkos is a positive but can they hold the rest of the Lightning offense? Can they help Howard/Mrazek? I think the defense does a decent job against Tampa.

Time for my prediction, I said before the Red Wings will go to the Conference Finals and I do believe it. I think the Lightning will miss Stamkos a lot, the injuries are also piling up for the Lightning.

Next: Detroit Tigers Series Info vs. Pittsburgh Pirates

Will Ben Bishop be able to carry the Lightning on his back? I don’t think so. I think Red Wings win in six, I think the Red Wings offense will carry the Red Wings to the next round, while the defense and goaltending hold off the Lightning offense. Do you guys agree? Comment below!

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