The Daily: ‘Hawks Kids Stymie Griffins Again; Motte Back?

The Chicago Blackhawks’ minor-league affiliate has taken some of the enjoyment out of the best start in Grand Rapids Griffins’ history.

The Rockford IceHogs pinned a 4-1 loss on the Griffins Friday to end their streak of earning at least a point in five consecutive games. The Griffins have only lost twice this season, and both were at the hands of the IceHogs. Rockford beat Grand Rapids by the same 4-1 score on Oct. 12.  Friday’s result was the Griffins’ first loss of the season at Van Andel Arena.

Red Wings goalie prospect Sebastian Cossa stopped 24 of 27 shots in the game. He owns a 1.97 goals-against average and .938 save percentage this season.

Defenseman Brogan Rafferty scored the Griffins’ lone goal with 2023 first-round pick Nate Danielson earning one of the assists. It was his third point of the season.

Griffins – 1 IceHogs – 4
Highlights ⬇️#gogrg pic.twitter.com/UEldnOQz2j

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) November 2, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff looks at whether the Red Wings have the right players to fit well into coach Derek Lalonde‘s system.

Goalie Ville Husso could end up being part of the Red Wings goalie situation once he is healthy. This is a paywall story. Click here to subscribe.

Former Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman put up six points in back-to-back games for the San Jose Sharks this week.

Red Wings Extra

Tyler Motte (upper body injury) is expected back in the lineup today when the Red Wings face the Buffalo Sabres at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m., ET). After scoring two power play goals Wednesday in a loss to Winnipeg, the Red Wings now ranks 10th (23.3%). But Detroit still ranks 30th (65.6%) in penalty killing.

Hockey Now Network

Buffalo: Reports say the Sabres are considering trade options to strengthen their playoff hopes.  Like the Red Wings, they likely are competing for one of the wildcard spots in the Eastern Conference. Buffalo Sabres.

Colorado: Valeri Nichushkin skated after Friday’s Colorado practice. On May 13, he was suspended for at least six months without pay. Colorado Avalanche. 

Florida: Sasha Barkov is the “Homecoming King” after he leads the Panthers over the Dallas Stars in his native Finland. Florida Panthers. 

San Jose: Sheng Peng explores how Jack Thompson can get better in this paywall story on San Jose Hockey Now. If you subscribe to Detroit Hockey Now, you also receive the paywall stories of other Hockey Now sites in addition to ad-free content. Click here to subscribe.