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Detroit Red Wings

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

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2 weeks ago

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Amadeus Lombardi, Grand rapids griffins
(Photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Griffins hockey)

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.

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.”

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Mike Babcock

I don’t think any floodgates will open for Soda.

He is what he is at this point.

A big guy who doesn’t play big.

Lacks the foot speed to keep up.

Good hands but hasn’t shown any ability to score goals.

He’s more of a suspect than a prospect.

Remember Svechnikov?

Everyone raved how hard he worked, great guy in the locker room, it was just a matter of time when the floodgates would open and they never did.

Some guys just don’t make it in the NHL no matter how hard we want it to happen.

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Thomas Rady

Mike dont guve up on Soda yet. He is a big kid who is growing into his body. He will never be a tough guy. He is only 21 yrs old. He is playing hard. I’m giving him some more time

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Mike Babcock

Elmer is 23.

I never said he’d be a tough guy.

You’re putting words in my mouth to prove a false narrative.

Svechnikov played hard too.

Everyone said he was a great teammate, a great worker and made excuses for him.

But that doesn’t make an NHL player.

Sorry, Soda is not the player we’ve been waiting for him to be.

I don’t blame Yzerman for drafting him in the 6th round.

He bet on potential but Soda has plateaued and is what he is.

He’ll probably end up returning to Sweden and playing in the SEL.

Last edited 12 days ago by Mike Babcock
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Mark W

Over 2-1/3rd seasons in GR Soderblom’s stats have remained just about the same and not really good. Planing out is only okay for phenoms. All others need season to season improvement if not a break-out like Lombardi is showing now in year 2. I guess they’ll keep him until season’s end and unless he suddenly breaks out big, that’ll be all. I was hoping for more too.

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