Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said he saw this coming for weeks.
The former iconic Red Wings captain figured Tampa Bay would open the first round of the playoffs agianst his old team, one he led for two decades, winning three Stanley Cups. And Yzerman, 49, admits it is a bit strange having to compete against a franchise he's so connected to.
Yzerman likely trails only Gordie Howe in terms of beloved Red Wings, so this is a huge storyline for the series.
"I'd prefer to play other teams," Yzerman said. "Obviously I have a tremendous respect for the organization from top to bottom.