The NHL playoffs begin May 2 and there appears to be one certainty.
Whichever team gets the pleasure of facing the Florida Panthers is going to have a difficult time winning four of seven games in a series. It's simply not going to be easy.
The Red Wings saw first-hand how formidable the Eastern Conference-leading Panthers are Thursday, as Florida exploded in the first period on its way to a 5-2 victory.
Florida (56-15-6) tied the franchise record with a 12th consecutive victory and swept the four-game season series against the Wings.
The loss left the Wings with a split on their quick two-game trip through the Sunshine State, including Tuesday's upset win in Tampa.