The Daily: Griffins Still In First in AHL Central; No Love in Philly

The Grand Rapids Griffins have lost three of their last five games and yet still own a six-point lead for first place in the Central Division.

That’s how impressively the Griffins (15-7-1-0) have played in the first two months of American Hockey League season. This is the first time the Griffins have been in first place in December or later since the 2018-19 season.

The Griffins are doing this with Amadeus Lombardi and Carter Mazur still on the injured list and top goalie Sebastian Cossa currently on the Detroit roster. Mazur has been out since Oct. 18, but seems to be getting closer. Lombardi (nine goals, 15 points in 20 games) has been out 10 days.

Grand Rapids is two games in to a season-high six game road trip. The Griffins play Friday and Saturday in Colorado against the Eagles before heading to Texas to play the Stars next Tuesday and Wednesday.

The strength of coach Dan Watson’s team has been a strong team defense: the Griffins’ GAA of 2.48 ranks second in the AHL. NHL veteran Jack Campbell and prospect Carter Gylander are currently the Grand Rapids goalies.

Meanwhile, NHL veteran tough guy Austin Watson continues to play well for the Griffins. Currently on a four-game points streak, Watson has six goals and 17 points in 22 games.  Do the Red Wings need him on the fourth line?

WATTYY GOAL 👏🎬 #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/TJ0TNutFFF

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) December 7, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit’s collection of young goaltending talent extends beyond 2021 first-round pick Sebastian Cossa

Defenseman Moritz Seider‘s big hit was inspirational for the Red Wings in a 6-5 shootout win against the Buffalo Sabres.

Detroit prospect Rudy Guimond wins his CHL debut for Moncton. He’s heading to Yale next season.

Paywall story: DHN looks at why the Red Wings are frustrating their fan base. Among the issues: fans are waiting for GM Steve Yzerman to make a change or two to give the team a spark. If you need to subscribe, please click here:

Red Wings Extra

The Red Wings’ next game is Thursday in Philadelphia, a city that has showed the Detroit team no love since the Motown team beat the Flyers in 1997 Stanley Cup Final. Philadelphia is 17-1-1 at home against Detroit over the last 27 years.  Detroit’s only regulation win in Philadelphia was Feb. 9, 2022 when it beat the Flyers, 6-3.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Former Boston Bruins defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk announced his official retirement this week. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: Mikko Rantanen records his third hat trick or the season in a triumph over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Colorado Avalanche.

Pittsburgh: Coach Mike Sullivan seemed caught between anger and resignation after his team’s loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Sheng Peng looks at whether the Sharks are finally pointing in the right direction. San Jose Sharks.