The Daily: Husso Pays Price for Griffins Poor Game; Lyon in Net

Even in the holiday season, a goalie doesn’t enjoy the phrase “lit up like a Christmas tree.” That happened to goalie Ville Husso Friday night when the Grand Rapids Griffins experienced maybe their worst performance of the season.

The Milwaukee Admirals beat the Griffins 6-1 and Husso was between the pipes for all six goals.

It was surreal because the Griffins have enjoyed one of their best starts in franchise history. Their 17-9-2 record is the AHL’s third-best mark. They were off their game Friday. Husso paid the price.

“It’s not who we are or what we are,” Griffins coach Dan Watson said. “That’s kind of a one-off.”

That’s what road trips to Colorado and then Texas can do to a team. “But there is no excuse,” Watson told the media assembled at the post-game press conference. “You still have to show up. Still have to play hard. We just weren’t there. We looked a little tired, looked a little weak in our battles. ”

Husso was making his first appearance for the Griffins since the Red Wings returned him earlier this week. He had previously played impressively for the Griffins, going 4-0 with a 1 .58 GAA before Friday’s disaster.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Defense falters in Detroit’s 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens Friday in Little Caesars Arena.

Detroit wing Patrick Kane is rediscovering his game after his nine-game pointless streak.

Red Wings will have goalie Trey Augustine and forward Max Plante playing for USA at the World Junior Championships.

Red Wings Extra

Would expect Alex Lyon to start for the Red Wings in goal tonight in Montreal. He gave up four  goals to the Philadelphia Flyers in his last outing, but still won the game…Defenseman Ben Chiarot is plus-9 over four games  since Dec. 12.

Hockey Now Network

Florida: Sasha Barkov is the hero once again in the Panthers’ OT win over the St. Louis Blues. Florida Panthers. 

Pittsburgh: Shelly Anderson writes that the Penquins, 8-2-1 in their last 11 games, are learning how to win in a variety of ways. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Former Red Wings player Givani Smith didn’t mind the trade to Colorado. It’s getting him an expanded opportunity. San Jose Sharks.