Edvinsson Plays The Hero in Latest Griffins Victory

One hallmark of the Grand Rapids Griffins’ current 16-game points streak is that it has not been dependent upon one player, or one line, or a hot goaltender, to lead the way

In every game, a different guy takes the role of headliner.

Wednesday night defenseman Simon Edvinsson became the No. 1 star when he scored with six seconds left in overtime to lift the Griffins to a 3-2 win against Iowa that extended the Grand Rapids streak to 16. That’s three short of the franchise record of 19 that was set in 2015. The Griffins haven’t lost in regulation since Jan. 12.

“We just found a way to win — obviously it wasn’t the prettiest one,” said Grifins goalie Sebastian Cossa

The winning goal came against Minnesota Wild draft pick Jesper Wallstedt who was the next goalie drafted after  Cossa in the first round of the 2021 NHL draft. Some scouts had Wallstedt rated ahead of Cossa in the pre-draft rankings.

Edvinsson’s goal was his eighth of the season. Marco Kasper also scored his ninth goal for Detroit, and Zach Aston Reese also scored for the Griffins. Jonatan Berggren continued his impressive season by picking up an assist on Kasper’s goal. Antti Tuomisto and Taro Hirose assisted on the game-winner.

“Fundamentally I think we are sound,” Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson said. “Our structure is pretty good.”

Goalie Sebastian Cossa made 26 saves to extend his points streak to nine games (7-0-2).

The Griffins play the Iowa Wild again Friday.