Husso Sharp in Griffins’ Morning Win at Iowa

Coach Derek Lalonde is on the record saying he believes Grand Rapids Griffins netminder Ville Husso will be back in the Detroit Red Wings goaltending mix at some point this season.

Husso performed as if  that was the case Thursday when he posted 37 saves to spark the Grand Rapids Griffins to a 5-2 win against Iowa Stars in their 23rd annual school day game. The contest started at 11:30 a.m. Husso faced 11 shots in the first period, 16 in the second and 12 in the third.

Husso out-performed Minnesota Wild top prospect Jesper Wallstedt (21 shots, 16 saves. This was his first game since Oct. 25 when he left a game against Spiringfield with a minor injury.

In three games with the Griffins this season, the Finnish netminder owns a 1.23 goals-against average and .957 save percentage. If Husso could play at this level in NHL competition, then the Red Wings would have three goaltenders playing at an elite level.

Cam Talbot and Alex Lyon boast a .915 team save percentage, ranking fifth in the NHL this season.

Czechia free agent signee Jakub Rychlovsky scored his first goal for the Griffins, while defenseman Shai Buium added two assists. Cross Hanas netted his third goal of the season, while Nate Danielson picked up his third assist.Amadeus Lombardi picked up his third assist (eighth point) of the season.

Joe Snively, Sheldon Dries and Alex Doucet also scored for the Griffins against Iowa.

The Griffins’ five goals tied the team’s season high this this season. Grand Rapids was 7-1 against the Wild last season.

The Griffins are 7-3-1 on the season, which places them second in the Central Division, one point behind the Milwaukee Admirals.

Grand Rapids’ next game is Friday in Rockford (8 p.m) against the IceHogs.