Red Wings' Monday game vs. Colorado postponed, amid Avs' COVID issues

Detroit — The Red Wings are going to have an unexpected day off Monday.

The NHL announced Friday that it has extended the period of game postponements for three teams, including the Colorado Avalanche, who were expected to play at Little Caesars Arena against the Wings.

But due to concern with the number of positive COVID cases within the last two days, as well concern for continued spread in the coming days, Colorado and Florida Panthers’ games will be postponed at least through the scheduled completion of the league's holiday break in the schedule on Dec. 26.

The decision was made by the NHL and the NHL Players Association.

A new date for the Avalanche game, along with ticket information, will be announced at a future date.

This will leave a gaping hole for the Wings, who entertain the New Jersey Devils on Saturday at LCA, but now with the postponement, will not play again until Dec. 23 in Minnesota.

The Avalanche had five players placed on the protocol list Thursday, and could have more added in the next several days.

The Wings are dealing with COVID, also, but thus far in a more limited scope.

Forwards Michael Rasmussen and Robby Fabbri are on the protocol list and unavailable, while defensemen Marc Staal and Danny DeKeyser and forward Tyler Bertuzzi all recently returned after missing games.

The NHL has also extended the period of game postponements for the Calgary Flames until through Dec. 23. The Flames have been decimated, with 17 players, and some staff, on the list.

A decision on when each team’s training facilities will re-open will be made by the league and the NHLPA in the coming days. The NHL is in the process of reviewing and revising all three teams’ regular-season schedules.

Calgary will have had six games postponed, Colorado four and Florida three.

There are reports Friday the NHL is possibly considering pausing before the holiday break — or possibly afterward — to combat the current virus outbreak.

ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @tkulfan

Devils at Red Wings 

►Faceoff: 8 p.m., Saturday, Little Caesars Arena

►TV/radio: BSD/97.1

►Outlook: The Devils (10-13-5) have lost seven of their last 10 games and are struggling to get back on track. ... C Jack Hughes is returning from injury, with eight points (five goals) in 11 games. ... Former Red Wings G Jonathan Bernier is out with a hip injury.