Cossa Posts 1-0 Shutout as Griffins Extend Points Streak

NHL prospect goalies don’t find express lanes in the American Hockey League. Alex Lyon played in the AHL for seven different seasons before landing as Detroit’s No. 1 this season. Premium young goalie prospects Yaroslav Askarov (Nashville Predators) and Jesper Wallstedt (Minnesota Wild) are in their second full season in the NHL.

Even Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy spent parts of two seasons in the AHL before becoming the Lightning’s starter.

That certainly suggests that Grand Rapids Griffins rookie Sebastian Cossa has more ground to cover before he is NHL ready. But Cossa’s play this season, particularly over the past two months, shows he’s making the progress the Detroit Red Wings need him to make.

Cossa made 28 saves Wednesday night to post his first AHL shutout — a 1-0 decision over the Central Division rival Texas Stars. The win extended the team’s points streak to 13 games and moved the Griffins past Texas for second place in the Central Division.

Cossa on Roll

This was the first time in 11 years that a Griffins rookie netminder has recorded a 1-0 shutout. Cossa is 7-1-2 in his last 10 decisions with a 1.90 goals-against average and save percentage above .930.

Can't stop watching this AMAZING save by the one and only Sebastian Cossa 🤩 #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/4bP7U8Y3Gm

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 22, 2024

“It’s a long process, five games doesn’t make it for you,” Cossa told Griffins broadcaster Bob Kaser. “It’s over a whole  season. A lot of hard work left. Just trying to continue the streak.”

Coach Dan Watson lauded 2021 first-round pick Cossa for the preparation he put into his craft every day. He has found his rhythm for what he needs to do to be ready to play.

“He’s playing well,” Cossa said, “and tonight you saw him take another step against a good team in a big game for us.”

Defenseman Albert Johansson (drafted 60th overall in 2018) scored the game’s only goal 25 seconds into the game. Austin Czarnik had an assist for his 16th point in the past 17 games.