The Daily: Griffins Keep Winning; Austin Watson Still Hot

There’s no mystery surrounding why the Grand Rapids Griffins own the AHL’s third-best record of 17-8-1. They are are 14-0 when they give up two or fewer goals this season.

The Detroit Red Wings’ AHL affiliate continue to rely on stingy defensive play, evidenced again Tuesday with their 4-2 road win against the Texas Stars. They play again tonight.

Detroit defenseman prospect William Wallinder netted his first goal of the season and Austin Watson scored his eighth. He has six goals and nine points in his past 10 games. Is it time for the Red Wings to bring him up?

Grand Rapids defensemen Shai Buium and Antti Tuomisto also picked up assists in the game.

Top Shelf 🍪 #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/mJ6yy8qbjV

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) December 18, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former Detroit player Jakub Vrana is falling out of favor with the Washington Capitals.

Detroit players, such as Patrick Kane and Lucas Raymond, have to keep shooting the puck if they are going to have any shot at the playoffs.

Paywall story: Several positive indicators have emerged for the Red Wings because of the Grand Rapids Griffins’ strong start. If you want to subscribe to DHN+ stories, click here.

Red Wings Extra

Alex Lyon has been cleared to play tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers (7 p.m, ) at Little Caesars Arena. But coach Derek Lalonde said Tuesday he was undecided about today’s starter. The Red Wings are also hopeful to have injured Cam Talbot for the weekend. Then they will have to decide whether to carry three goalies again. “We’d like to get there first,” Lalonde said. “Someone gave me a stat, we’re one of the first teams to have four goalie wins (from four different goalies) in the first certain amount of games of the year, which is a good sign. We talked about starting with three goalies, needing three goalies. Here we are again. We’ve been four deep. Let’s get to three healthy goalies and then that’ll be a good decision to have.”

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: The Avalanche may be looking for both a center and a defenseman. Could the Avs be looking at Philadelphia’s Morgan Frost? Colorado Avalanche.

Pittsburgh: When it comes to the playoffs, the Penguins are starting “to get that feeling.” Pittsburgh Penguins. 

San Jose: Sheng Peng speculates about when the Sharks will develop a killer instinct. San Jose Sharks.