Detroit Red Wings

The Daily: Nedeljkovic Stablizes GR In Net; Former Red Wing Breaks Leg

Published

1 year ago

January 22, 2023

The Alex Nedeljkovic demotion to the American Hockey League continues to have a positive impact on the Grand Rapids Griffins’ competitiveness.

Nedeljkovic made 29 saves to help the Griffins earn a point in a 3-2 overtime loss Saturday to the Springfield Thunderbirds. The Griffins (15-19-2) are sixth out seven teams in the Central Division. But Nedeljkovic’s record is 4-2-2 since being assigned to Grand Rapids. His goals-against average is 2.35 and his save percentage is .920. His stabilizing presence helps create a more competitive environment for Detroit’s young prospects.

Before Nedeljkovic arrived, the Griffins were relying on Jussi Olkinuora (6-8-0, 3.75 GAA and .868 save percentage) and Victor Brattstrom (2-6-2, 3.68, .887) in net.

In other Griffins’ news, Red Wings defensive prospect Albert Johansson (60th overall in 2019) and forward Jakub Vrana both scored their second goals of the AHL season.

Although the Griffins earned a point, the OT loss was disappointing. The Griffins owned a 2-0 first-period lead and couldn’t hold on. Nikita Alexandrov scored the game-winner at 1;31 of OT against Nedeljkovic.

Griffins – 2 Thunderbirds – 3 /OT
Post game Highlights ⬇️#GoGRG pic.twitter.com/xhjqQu9LbJ

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) January 22, 2023

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff writes about how Ville Husso has rediscovered his game after losing his mojo for a short while.

Nate Brown offers rebuild lessons the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres can teach the Red Wings.

The Red Wings haven’t yet learned the art of closing the deal. They played impressively well defensively against the Flyers and yet still lost a 2-1 decision.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings (19-18-8) will be home Tuesday to face the San Jose Sharks (14-24-9). The Sharks are heavily into the Connor Bedard Sweepstakes, even though defenseman Erik Karlsson (15-47–62) is on pace to register more than 100 points. The Red Wings beat the Sharks 7-4 on Nov. 17 in the Shark Tank

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Former Red Wing Tomas Nosek, now with the Bruins, is out for a month with a broken leg. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: Alex Newhook’s all-around game is evolving in a good way for the Avalanche. Colorado Avalanche

Florida: The Panthers are 7-2-1 in their past 10 and are starting to look like the team we saw last season. Florida Panthers.

Montreal: The Canadiens have a surplus of left-shot D men and may move one. Montreal Canadiens.

New York: Stefan Rosner takes a deep dive into the question of whether Lane Lambert should be on the hot seat. He concludes that the answer is complicated. New York Islanders.

Philadelphia: It’s hard to believe, but the Flyers are only five points out of a playoff spot. That’s what happens when you post a 9-3 record over 12 games. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Over the past six weeks, veteran Penguins defenseman Kris Letang has suffered a stroke and lost his father unexpectedly. These have been trying times and Letang, speaking with emotion, said he appreciated the support he has received from his teammates. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: NHL’s worst team, last out of 32 teams, takes a bite out of the Sharks. San Jose Sharks.

Washington: Finally, Tom Wilson and Nicklas Backstrom are back in the lineup playing and now Alex Ovechkin is out, Washington Capitals