Struggles mounting for clubs coming off byes

Yet another reason for coaches to hate the CBA-mandated bye week.

Over the last three days, the Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, and Calgary Flames each lost in their returns to action, further underscoring the difficulties for teams in the first game back from vacation.

The three losses - handed to them by an aggregated total of 14-2 - dropped the record of teams returning from recess to 3-8-1.

Two squads on opposite ends of the league spectrum are the only ones to defeat non-idle teams in their first game back. The defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins (who had a full week off in early January) and Arizona Coyotes beat the Tampa Bay Lightning and Winnipeg Jets, respectively.

The Toronto Maple Leafs claimed the other triumphant return last month, but defeated the New York Rangers, who recessed at the same time.

Overall, teams that took a break have been outscored 42-24. However, three of the six teams that lost in their returns - and that have competed again since - were able to score a victory the next time out.