Detroit Red Wings
Griffins Can Improve Their Playoff Picture Tonight
The Grand Rapids Griffins play on the road (8 p.m. ET) against the Rockford IceHogs tonight needing just one point to clinch a first-round playoff bye and a berth in the Central Division semifinals.
One reason why the Griffins are enjoying an improved season is the play of Detroit Red Wings prospect goalie Sebastian Cossa. He continued his strong play Friday night by making 24 saves to beat the IceHogs 3-0 for his second shutout of the season. Cossa extended his streak to 19 consecutive games of earning at least one point for the Griffins. He hasn’t lost a game in regulation since Jan. 12. Cossa is 19-7-9 on the season with a 2.47 goals-against average.
“This was a great bounce back game,” said Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson. “He wasn’t overly great last game. But tonight, again I have said that several times in the past, having a good bounce-back game, seeing the puck. challenging the shooter, being big around the crease. It’s good for him.”
The Griffins now own a home streak of earning at least one point in 19 consecutive games. The Griffins are now trying to tighten up defensively and working to be harder to play against in preparation for the playoffs.
Forward Jonatan Berggren, recently sent down by the Red Wings, scored his 24th goal of the season for the Griffins on Friday. Matt Luff and Carter Mazur assisted. Berggren has a nine-game points streak (15 points).
Prospect Amadeus Lombardi also picked up two assists in the game. The 20-year-old center, drafted in the fourth round, now has 24 points on the season. Defenseman Albert Johansson, projected to play for the Red Wings next season, also had an assist.
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The Red Wings’ prospects are in good hands with Dan Watson.
Well at least the Red Wings will have 1 team making the playoffs. ðŸ¤
Steve Yzerman solution: Re-sign washed up David Perron. 🙄
Two teams will be in the playoffs at least…. don’t forget my favorite Wing’s not so long shot, winger Alexandre Doucet – 41pts 51 games 3 pts last game +4 and The Toledo Walleye.
Rockford features a huge young Defense that averages 6ft.3.5in. and a bunch of crafty AHL veterans. They held off GR 3-1. GR’s offense and excellent D should win this game on paper. Judging by the 3rd period stats and types penalties the refs may have taken over the game. That and Rockfords size and gritty play must have been factors. Playoff teams gearing up.