The Daily: Can Kings Stop McDavid?; Cossa Ready for Playoffs

The Detroit Red Wings and Grand Rapids Griffins didn’t qualify the playoffs. Key prospects Amadeus Lombardi, William Wallinder and Marco Kasper were ousted in the first round.

But the Red Wings do have a vested interested in ECHL playoffs.

They begin this week with Sebastian Cossa in net for the Toledo Walleye taking on the Indy Fuel starting Friday in Toledo

The Walleye wrapped up their season Sunday with Cossa making 34 saves in 3-2 overtime loss to the Fort Wayne Komets.

Cossa (2.56 goals-against average and .913 save percentage) has had a strong season for the Walleye. His record is 26-16-4. The Steve Yzerman decision to put him in Toledo was the correct one. The ECHL is challenging because of the constantly-changing rosters, hostile arenas and highly competitive play.

“Our decision was really in debating with him where’s he gonna play, number one the most important thing was we want him playing a lot and we want him playing in a league where he’s being challenged, where it’s not too hard and not too easy,” Yzerman said.

The Walleye are gaining reinforcements for the playoffs. The Red Wings reassigned seven players Seth Barton, Donovan Sebrango and Eemil Viro, and goaltender John Lethemon from the Grand Rapids Griffins to Toledo. In addition, the Griffins reassigned forwards Trenton Bliss, Kirill Tyutyayev and Drew Worrad to the Walleye.

The Griffins made news Sunday by firing head coach Ben Simon and his staff. That’s a Red Wings’ decision. Shawn Horcoff, Yzerman’s assistant GM, is in charge of the Griffins. The Red Wings do seem to like Walleye coach Dan Watson. He was formerly Derek Lalonde’s assistant in Toledo.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

•  GM Steve Yzerman and the Detroit Red Wings still stick to the process as time marches on
•  Writer Bob Duff lays out the pros and cons of Detroit going after Michigan native Alex Debrincat
•  Coach Derek Lalonde said the Red Wings finished where they should have finished this season.

Red Wings’ Next Game

The Red Wings (35-37-10) closed out their season with five consecutive losses. Some of Detroit’s players will be heading to play for their country at the World Championships in Finland and Latvia next month. The Red Wings’ development camp will occur this summer after the NHL draft.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Could Patrice Bergeron miss the Bruins’ opening playoff game against the Panthers? Boston Bruins.

Colorado: What to make of the Avalanche’s first-round opponent, the Seattle Kraken. Colorado Avalanche.

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Florida: Matthew Tkachuk ready for his first taste of Florida playoff hockey. Florida Panthers. 

Los Angeles: How do the Kings shut down  Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs? Los Angeles Kings

Montreal: Brendan Gallagher’s late-season strong play bodes well for the Canadiens’ future. Montreal Canadiens.

Philadelphia: Development of young players this season is the Flyers’ first step toward relevance.  Philadephia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Coach Mike Sullivan will have a role in the transition to the next general manager. Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: Long-time San Jose players Logan Couture wants to stay with the San Jose Sharks.