Glendale, Ariz. — In a nearly empty cafeteria deep in the guts of the Gila River Arena, two hours before a game with the Coyotes, only one of the 10 tables is occupied.
As smells of cooking fill the room, the Red Wings broadcasters are busy preparing for the night ahead.
Presently, the tables will fill with off-ice NHL officials, front office personnel, staff from the two franchises and media, all gathering for one of the better traditions of the league, a pregame meal that happens before every regular-season contest.
But first, the homework; time to cram.