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

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Amadeus Lombardi, griffins

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?

 

 

 

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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.

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