Gotta See It: Lombardi Nets Slick Goal in GR Loss; Wallinder Back

Amadeus Lombardi is now racking up style points to go with his improved offensive production this season

Check out his stick-handling to create his scoring play in the Grand Rapids Griffins’ 5-2 loss to the Iowa Wild. He channeled his Pavel Datsyuk YouTube memories with the one.

Slick steal. Sleek movement. Goal.

#IAvsGR | The night after Pavel Datsyuk’s night in Detroit, Amadeus Lombardi with a Datsyukian play to put the Griffins up early in this one

A sneaky steal and a beautiful finish in tight. 1-0 Grand Rapids pic.twitter.com/EuXVxkWl6u

— Andrew Rinaldi (@GR_Rinaldi_) November 23, 2024

This was Lombardi’s seventh goal of the season and 10th point in the last 11 games. Last season, Lombardi only scored five goals in 70 games.

“He looks way more confident with the puck,”  Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson said in his post-game press briefing. “Making the right plays at the right time now. A lot less turnovers from him — that was happening last year. He’s matured that way, realizing what it takes to be a good pro. 

Lombardi is playing with Cross Hanas (five goals) and Alexandre Doucet (three goals) who are also playing at a higher level.

“Still working on his defensive game,” Watson added about Lombardi. “That’s the next step for him to grow into a 200-foot player.”

Friday’s game also marked the return of defenseman William Wallinder to the lineup after missing 10 games with an undisclosed injury.

“He’s a good skater, plays long, he’s a good defender when he plays like that,” Watson said. “I like what he brings. He’s a young guy. He has some energy.”

Wallinder is probably on Detroit’s radar to play next season with the Red Wings.

Soderblom Slump

Meanwhile, Elmer Soderblom‘s goal drought continued. He has gone 16 games without scoring, although he did pick up his fifth assist.

Watson said he would be more concerned if Soderblom wasn’t getting chances. But he is getting chances, but just can’t bury it.

“He is doing the right things,” Watson said.

Watson believes once Soderblom finally scores “the floodgates will open up for him.”

“He has to stick with it,” Watson said. “Have to continue to get pucks to the net. When he’s moving his feet, playing big, getting to the net, that’s when he at his best.”