Staff predictions: Wings unlikely to beat Lightning

Playoff hockey is a spring staple in Motown, but are the Detroit Red Wings destined for a short run? Their first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning begins Thursday in the Sunshine State (7:30 p.m., FSD, CNBC), but our panel of experts already knows how things will play out.

(It's not good.)

Helene St. James

Will the Red Wings beat the Lightning?

Yes. The Wings need their goaltending to come through, but if that happens, they've got enough world-class veterans, young stars, a stronger defense and superior power play to beat a team with little playoff experience. Wings in seven.

Stanley Cup: Rangers.

George Sipple

Will the Red Wings beat the Lightning?

No. The Red Wings are a mess right now. The goaltending controversy will only rage on. Even if forward Justin Abdelkader (hand) plays, how effective can he be? The biggest question looms after the Wings are eliminated. Will coach Mike Babcock be back next season? Lightning in five.

Stanley Cup: New York Rangers.

Mitch Albom

Will the Red Wings beat the Lightning?

No. The Wings don't ever exit easily, but Tampa Bay has some fast scorers, and getting down early could affect a young goaltender such as Petr Mrazek. Tampa Bay is great at home and bad on the road, suggesting a long series. The Wings have been inconsistent -- and unpredictable -- all year, and over seven games, they could be all of that again. But a slight edge goes to Steve Yzerman's well-assembled team. Lightning in seven.

Stanley Cup: Rangers.

Drew Sharp

Will the Red Wings beat the Lightning?

No. I do believe that this series will go seven games, but Tampa Bay is deeper offensively and is getting healthier defensively. The Wings desperately need their youngsters to step up, but they aren't ready just yet.

Stanley Cup: Rangers

Jeff Seidel

Will the Red Wings beat the Lightning?

No. The Wings will lose in six. The Lightning have too much speed, too much depth and too many guys who can put the puck in the net.

Stanley Cup: St. Louis Blues.