The Daily: Grand Rapids Griffins’ Playoff Hope Takes a Major Hit

The Grand Rapids Griffins’ playoff odds are longer today after a 5-2 loss to the Iowa Wild Wednesday night.

The Wild hold the fifth and final playoff spot in the AHL Central Division with a .522 point percentage. The Texas Stars are sixth at.500, followed by the Griffins at .493. The standings are determined by percentages because the AHL has an unbalanced schedule this season.

Jonatan Berggren netted his 19th goal for the Griffins who have five games remaining this season.

Nick Swaney had a four-point night to lead the Iowa home win against Grand Rapids.

On Wednesday, the Red Wings returned Riley Barber to the Griffins.

In Case You Missed It

Former Detroit Red Wings player Darren McCarty went very public with his defense of Dylan Larkin’s leadership and his opinion about whether coach Jeff Blashill should be fired.

With Larkin out for the season, Joe Veleno gets another chance to step up and be an offensive catalyst.

Nate Brown looks at the underpinnings of the Red Wings’ win against the Tampa Bay Lightning

Hot Wings

Jakub Vrana has 20 goals in 32 games as a Red Wing. That’s a 51-goal season over 82 games.

Cold Wings

Since Michael Rasmussen caught everyone’s attention with four goals in five games, he has gone pointless in six games. He only has a total of four shots on goal in those games.

Hockey New Network

Pittsburgh: Where does Nathan Beaulieu fit in on the Pittsburgh Penguins?

Philly: As if the season couldn’t get worse for the Philadelphia Flyers, trainers have come down with a rare blood disorder they claim was caused by chemicals that the Zamboni at the Flyers’ training center uses.

Washington: The Washington Capitals are bringing back the Screaming Eagle logo for their reverse retro jerseys next season.

Colorado: Despite being the best team in the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche have many fans in their arena rooting for the visitors. Denver has plenty of transplants.

Vegas: Vegas Golden Knights’ grave danger of top players aren’t getting it done. That’s the simplest explanation for why the Golden Knights are about to miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

San Jose: The ruling on Evander Kane’s grievance case against the San Jose Sharks won’t come quickly.

Montreal: Luc Gelinas of RDS joined Marco D’Amico and Jimmy Murphy on the latest Montreal Hockey Now Podcast to discuss  Montreal Canadiens.

Calgary: Johnny Gaudreau continues to make a strong case to included in the Hart Trophy conversation. Calgary Flames are the beneficiary.