DETROIT – Although they ultimately fell to the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center less than 24 hours ago, the Detroit Red Wings showed a more structured third period and are focused on bringing that effort into Sunday night’s Original Six rivalry game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Little Caesars Arena.

The six-foot-five netminder’s performance was one of the surprises of the day and could prompt Slovakia’s coaching staff to ride the hot hand when the team returns to action Monday against the defending back-to-back gold medalist United States.

The Red Wings visit the Hurricanes Saturday night as Atlantic and Metro leaders clash at Lenovo Center in Raleigh.

Goalie John Gibson lost for the first time in nine starts after the Hurricanes scored three goals in the second period.

There was plenty of opportunity to spend valuable time with family, getting away from the daily grind of professional sports, and recharging for the season ahead.

The Red Wings have been one of the league's hottest teams in December. How did they get here after some November slumps?

While William Nylander’s inclusion on the trip to Detroit offers a glimmer of hope, his potential absence looms large for a Maple Leafs team facing the division-leading Red Wings without their star winger.

Before going into the NHL’s three-day holiday break in the 2024-25 campaign, the Red Wings were 13-17-4 (30 points) and seventh in the Atlantic Division. This season, with Tuesday’s exciting 4-3 overtime victory over the the Dallas Stars at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit was first in the Atlantic at 22-13-3 (47 points).