For a team as weary and worn as the Detroit Red Wings, an extended Christmas break is a most welcome arrival.
Mental toughness has been emphasized during a first half so dreary the Wings sit in 31st place in the NHL at 9-26-3 with a staggering minus-68 goal differential. Players sounded as defeated as they looked after losing, 5-2, to the Arizona Coyotes on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena, an outcome that left the Wings with two victories their last 18 games.
“I guess Christmas comes at a good time right now,” veteran forward and alternate captain Frans Nielsen said.