The Daily: Nedeljkovic Gives Farm Aid to GR; Avs Still Hunt Horvat

The Grand Rapids Griffins are a beneficiary of the Detroit Red Wings’ crowded goaltending situation.  Alex Nedeljkovic turned in another strong goaltending effort (36 saves) Saturday to help the Griffins earn a point in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Texas Stars.

Nedeljkovic is 2-0-1, while stopping 95 of 100 shots, during his three conditioning starts with the Griffins. He boasts a 1.63 goals-against average to go with his .950 save percentage. He can play five games or stay two weeks with the Griffins.

The Griffins have two home games against the Iowa Wild this week on Wednesday and Friday.

In December, Magnus Hellberg also went to Grand Rapids on a conditioning stint and won two of his four starts with a 2.50 GAA and a .932 save percentage.

What that means is that Nedeljkovic and Hellberg have been in net for 32.1% (nine) of the Griffins’ 28 points in the standings. Their combined 2.12 GAA and .939 save percentage has been a big help for a Griffins team that is last in the Central Division with a 13-17-1-1 record. Grand Rapids’ usual goalies, Jussi Olkinuora and Victor Brattstrom have been giving up close to four goals per game. Olkinuora is 6-8-0 with a 3.75 GAA and .868 save percentage. Brattstrom is at 3.99 and .880.

Still got a point.
Griffins – 2 Starts – 3 / SO
Post Game Highlights ⬇️#GoGRG pic.twitter.com/2Adsx53YdW

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) January 8, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman scored a rare ‘3-D’ goal in the 4-1 loss to Toronto. Walman scored on a breakaway with two other defensemen assisting. The last Detroiter to do was in 2010.

Goalie Alex Nedeljkovic likes what he sees from Simon Edvinsson on the Griffins’ defense.  Red Wings prospect has an overflowing amount of poise.

Special teams and inability to score has led to the Red Wings‘ three consecutive losses.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings (16-15-7) are home Tuesday to play the Winnipeg Jets (25-13-1) and Thursday for a rematch against the Toronto Maple Leafs (24-9-7). The Jets own a four-game winning streak and are second in the Western Conference with a +26 goal differential.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: David Pastrnak continues to be the Bruins’ primary difference-maker. He’s on a pace for 60-plus goals. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: According to a report out of Vancouver, the Avalanche are very much interested in Bo Horvat. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Eric Staal has discovered the fountain of youth in Florida. He has 13 points in 17 games. Florida Panthers.

Montreal: Canadiens may put greater emphasis on developing prospects at the NHL level. Montreal Canadiens. 

New York: Hockey Now writer Stefen Rosner gives his take on why Aatu Raty should be returned to the AHL. New York Islanders.

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Philadelphia: Morgan Frost is on an upward trajectory and Bobby Brink scored his first professional goal. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Still no Kris Letang for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes.

San Jose:  Sharks hang tough against Boston Bruins, but still end up losing to the NHL’s No. 1 team. San Jose Sharks. 

Washington: Tom Wilson and Nick Backstrom will return to the Capitals’ lineup after missing the first three months of the season. Washington Capitals