The Detroit Red Wings have begun their preparations for their return after the Olympic break. Only four Red Wings players made the trip to the Milan, Italy to represent their respective countries and two just got sent home. Defenseman Moritz Seider and Germany lost 6-2 against Slovakia in the semifinals. Then, hours later, Lucas Raymond and Sweden were eliminated by the United States in a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss. With the two eliminated, it meant it was time to head back to Detroit to prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.
On Thursday, Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan revealed when he expected both Seider and Raymond to return to practice. McLellan said that he is giving both of them the weekend off to recover from the Olympics, and that he expects them back next week.
"I spoke to them, they need some time, both physically and emotionally," said McLellan. "It's a toll over there, so we want them refreshed and recovered. They'll get back over the weekend, and we'll integrate them into practice."
Todd McLellan gives Mo Seider, Lucas Raymond weekend off before returning to Red Wings from Olympics
Given their exits from the Olympics, it's understandable that both Seider and Raymond will need a bit of time to rest and recover before returning to practice.
Seider and Germany were considered one of the dark horses to win the gold medal in the Winter Olympics. However, they picked up just one win in group play. Despite defeating France in the qualifying round, Germany was defeated decisively by Slovakia to end their run in Milan.
As for Raymond, he solidified himself as one of the better players in the Olympics. Before their quarterfinals matchup against the United States, Raymond had eight points through Sweden's first four games. In the closing seconds of regulation of their matchup against Team USA, Raymond connected with Mika Zibanejad on a beautiful cross-ice pass to set up the overtime-forcing goal. That play showcased just how great of a playmaker Raymond is.
With their runs over, the focus will now be on the rest of the season, as the Red Wings look to clinch their first playoff spot in a decade. The team is 33-19-6 for 72 points through 58 games, putting them in a tie with the Montreal Canadiens for second place in the Atlantic Division. The Red Wings have 24 games remaining, and are in decent position to clinch their first spot since 2016. Picking up as many wins as possible during this final stretch should help them.
For those wondering when Seider and Raymond would return to the team to practice before their first game back against the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 26, expect it to be sometime next week.