Detroit — Many Red Wings used the week-long All-Star break to head someplace warm and take in the sunshine.
Tyler Bertuzzi and his fiancee have an infant daughter, so going someplace far away wasn’t likely to happen.
“It’s kind of hard traveling with a little girl,” Bertuzzi said. “My financee’s parents came up and we just had some family time. To be able to wake up, make breakfast, just hang out with the family, it was good.”
After a difficult first half to the season, with three separate injuries, just a bit of time to reset and focus on the final 34 games was beneficial.
Bertuzzi arguably had one of his most noticeable games of the season during Tuesday’s 5-2 loss against Edmonton. Bertuzzi scored his second goal, and was in the middle of many scrums and being active.
“He’s building his game,” coach Derek Lalonde said. “It went for him last night, and even in practice (Wednesday), it would be hard not to notice. It’s a very good sign.”
During what’s been a turbulent season, Bertuzzi is simply concentrating on these final two months and turn his season around.
“It’s been a frustrating start, but all you can do is put your head down and work,” Bertuzzi said. “I’m hoping for a better second half and trying to get back in the groove of things.”
What looms over these next several weeks, though, is the NHL trade deadline on March 3 and whether Bertuzzi will be dealt. Bertuzzi can be an unrestricted free agent this summer. If general manager Steve Yzerman and Bertuzzi’s representatives can’t come to a new contract, there’s the possibility Yzerman will trade Bertuzzi for assets rather than risk losing him for nothing.
Bertuzzi’s name has been mentioned prominently before in trade talks. He’s gotten used to it.
“There’s always something floating out there,” Bertuzzi said. “It’s been like that for three years now. I didn’t look into it (then), I’m not going to do it this year.”
Bertuzzi deletes Twitter and Instagram to minimize the trade noise, but his friends are sure to pass along any rumors out there.
“Nothing yet,” Bertuzzi said. “Last year it was a little bit. I’m waiting for it.”
Lalonde watched plenty of Bertuzzi when Lalonde was on Tampa Bay’s coaching staff, and has always liked what Bertuzzi can do to help a team.
“He hunts pucks, keeps pucks alive, he’s got that stick,” Lalonde said. “To me, watching him last year and what he’s been missing with not having his rhythm, not being around, is these little two-foot races in the offensive zone on the forecheck that he gets a stick on and keeps pucks alive. He was unable to get there. Now you can see his pace getting there. He’s keeping plays alive. The goal he scored was a great example of execution on a set forecheck into a forecheck.
“They kept the play alive and (put it) in the back of the net. That’s who he is. I have to give him credit for trying to manage his game a little better.”
New program
The Red Wings surprised a group of school children at Chrysler Elementary School in Detroit, when Dylan Larkin, and Mo Seider played floor hockey at the school for the launch of the ‘Street Hockey in The D: At School’ program on Wednesday.
Ice chips
Filip Zadina could be drawing into the lineup for the first time since suffering a foot injury in November. Judging by Wednesday’s practice, Zadina could be replacing slumping Dominik Kubalik Thursday when the Wings host Calgary (7 p.m./BSD/97.1).
… Another possible lineup change is defenseman Robert Hagg seeing his first game action since December. Hagg was paired with Olli Maatta in Wednesday’s practice. Hagg has also battled various injuries this season.
… The Wings had numerous chances to get back into Tuesday’s loss to Edmonton, glorious offensive chances, but failed to put the puck in the net. It was a frustrating loss in that regard.
“We got to finish,” Lalonde said. “I know it sounds simple. We’re not natural finishers, goal-scorers, we don’t have a ton of 30-, 40-, 50-goal scorers on our team. We actually don’t have any of them, really. It kind of has to be by a group. We just have to cash in some of those chances.”
Flames at Red Wings
Faceoff: 7 p.m. Thursday, Little Caesars Arena
TV/radio: BSD/97.1
Outlook: The Flames (24-17-10) are in a thick battle to stay in the Western Conference playoff chase…The Flames opened a four-game road trip Monday with a 5-4 overtime loss at the New York Rangers…C Elias Lindholm (48 points), RW Tyler Toffoli (19 goals) and C Nazem Kadri (19 goals) pace Calgary offensively.
ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @tkulfan