The Daily: Berggren Among Top Rookies in GR Griffins’ History

Detroit Red Wings prospect Jonatan Berggren needs just six points in his last six games to become the highest-scoring rookie in Grand Rapids Griffins’ history.

With 54 points in 70 games, he is currently fourth on the franchise’s rookie points list. He trails only Glen Metropolit (55 in 1997-98),  Gustav Nyquist (58 in 2011-12) and Teemu Pulkkinen (59 in 2013-14). Berggren is the sixth Griffins’ rookie to record 50 or more points. The Griffins’ single-season rookie history was detailed on their website recently.

His chances of taking down the Griffins’ mark are encouraging, given he has six multiple-point performances in his past 12 games. Berggren has a five-game point-scoring streak. He has three goals and six assists during the surge.

The Griffins desperately need his streak to continue. They are in a nip-and-tuck battle with the Iowa Wild and Texas Stars for the fifth and final playoff spot in the AHL’s Central Division. The Griffins play a road game against the Wild Tuesday. Because the AHL is playing an unbalanced schedule this season, the AHL standings are determined by points percentage. The Wild own the fifth spot today by virtue of a .515 percentage. The Griffins are at .500.

The Red Wings consider it important that the Griffins make the playoffs. That gives Detroit’s prospects more opportunities to play important games.

In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff writes about how the Detroit Red Wings‘ current playoff drought is worse than the drought had during the Dead Wings period.

Five Takeaways from the Red Wings’ ugly 6-1 loss to Florida Panthers. Their schedule isn’t getting any easier.

Two key Detroit Red Wings’ prospects, Simon Edvinsson and Pontus Andreasson, are missing from a crucial SHL playoff series.

Hot Wings

Jakub Vrana assisted on Pius Suter’s goal, giving him 15 points (10-5-15) in 20 games this season. He boasts 26 points (18-8-26) in 30 games since being acquired by Detroit on April 12, 2021.

Cold Wings

The Red Wings have lost 10 of their last 13. They have scored two or fewer goals in eight of those games.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Boston Bruins need David Pastrnak and Hampus Lindholm back ASAP.

Colorado: The Colorado Avalanche can still tie the franchise record for most wins.

Florida: No contest in Detroit. Florida Panthers win their 10th consecutive game.

[bet-promo id=”1844″ ]

Montreal: The Montreal Canadiens are setting records in the worst way.

Philadelphia: Noah Cates is drawing attention, but the Philadelphia Flyers lost their fifth consecutive game.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes in his blog that the Pittsburgh Penguins need more from Jeff Carter.