DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings will span four time zones and cross the border twice while playing six games in six cities over 10 days in their longest trip in more than five years.

Their challenge is to not lose ground in a highly competitive Eastern Conference, where only five points separates the top 13 teams – or even gain ground.

“I think it’ll be good for our team to get out, so we’re looking forward to it,” coach Todd McLellan said. “I think every coach in the league would tell you that right now we’re not looking at the standings because you go from first to seventh in one night without even playing, so it really doesn’t matter.”

The trip starts in Columbus on Thursday (7:30 p.m., ESPN-Plus/Hulu), continues Saturday in Seattle, followed by Western Canada (Monday in Vancouver, D

See Full Page