The Detroit Red Wings will enjoy an elongated NHL All-Star break and they were quick to pounce on the opportunity for six days of rest and relaxation after playing their final pre-break game Monday, a 4-2 win over the New York Islanders.
“We have a little bit of a longer break so it’s nice this year,… Detroit defenseman Danny DeKeyser said. “Some teams have to play (Tuesday) or even Wednesday so it will be nice to enjoy some time off.…
Like many Wings, DeKeyser left Tuesday for some fun in the sun.
“I’ll be in the Bahamas for a few days, laying on the beach, soaking up some Vitamin D,… DeKeyser said.
That recipe seemed to be a popular one within the Detroit dressing room.
“I’m going south,… goalie Petr Mrazek said. “Miami first, and then see my girlfriend (Sara Olivova) at school (she’s a volleyball player at Georgia State).
“I’m excited for the break, the season’s long. We’re over half a season, so I think the six days are going to help us.…
Others were less specific about their plans for the time off from the grind of the NHL schedule.
All forward Gustav Nyquist would say about his destination was that “it will be a warm place for sure, so I can’t wait to get some sun and just relax and have a good time. “Obviously that will be real nice with a few extra days off than most teams. The schedule worked out in our favor this time for sure, so we’ll get a nice, long break that’s kind of unusual.…
Center Riley Sheahan intended to stay closer to home and visit with loved ones.
“It’s going to be nice,… Sheahan said. “All the guys doing their different things, enjoying some time off.
“I know a lot of guys are going to places where they can enjoy the sun. That’ll be huge and we’ll get to spend a little more time with your families and people that are close to you, so it’ll be good.…
Just the opportunity to shut down for a few days, recharge the batteries and heal the wounds was viewed as a blessing.
“It’s kind of exciting to go away and rewind,… defenseman Brendan Smith said. “It’s kind of like Christmas, where we had a couple of days, and then you come back and get to work.…
Not everyone was straying far from Detroit during their down time. Coach Jeff Blashill’s plans are much closer to home, as a few days off is allowing him the rare chance to see his son in action on the ice.
“I’m going to Canton, Michigan, for the districts of the nine-year-old hockey,… Blashill said.
Roster Juggling With the Wings on break, they moved to get forward Eric Tangradi and defenseman Nick Jensen back in action, returning both players to AHL Grand Rapids and recalling forward Joakim Andersson from the same club.
Tangradi made his Red Wings debut Monday, delivering one hit and losing his only faceoff in 6:55 of ice time.
“It’s “just about being ready at any point,… Tangradi said. “I know injuries have been going on around the league and have impacted this team a little bit.
“It’s just being a professional and being ready to go whenever that time may come.
“I just try to play a simple game, finish checks, go up and down the wing. If good things happen, great. If not, just keep plugging away down there.…
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