The Daily: GR Plays Role in Red Wings’ Surge: No Crosby Update

Simon Edvinsson’s presence. Albert Johansson’s rise to be one of Detroit’s top four defenseman. Jonathan Berggren’s timely goals. Elmer Soderblom’s five-game points streak. The signing of feisty Dominik Shine.

Who’s next to be called up?

The importance of Detroit’s Grand Rapids affiliate has certainly been on display this season. Dan Watson’s skill set includes an ability to develop players for the next step.

The Griffins are coming out of their much-needed AHL All-Star break tonight when they play a road game against the Milwaukee Admirals.

Grand Rapids leads the Central Division by three points over Texas (Dallas Stars) and five over the Milwaukee (Nashville Predators). But injuries, call-ups and illnesses have caused struggles of late. They didn’t score a single goal in back-to-back losses to Colorado. It was the first time the Griffins were shut out in back-to-back games since 2016.

It helps the Griffins that the Red Wings sent Shine back to Grand Rapids, and that Carter Mazur is starting to get his timing back after missing most of this season with an injury. Injured Amadeus Lombardi could be back in another week.

Just getting home with some friends from a little hockey excursion through Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. These former members of @griffinshockey @TheAHL are contributing mightily to the hottest team in the National Hockey League, who just swept the recent four-game… pic.twitter.com/LtBTrqBTJa

— Bob Kaser (@bkaser1) February 5, 2025

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

J.T. Compher should be ready to play against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday. He has one goal in his past 12 games.

If Detroit wins Saturday, Todd McLellan will have the best start by a head coach in Red Wings history.

Jeff Petry’s surgery won’t necessarily require GM Steve Yzerman to make a trade for a defenseman.

Red Wings Extra

The Tampa Bay Lightning upended the Ottawa Senators 5-1 to move into third place in the Atlantic. That left the Red Wings and Senators in the two Eastern Conference wildcard positions. The Lightning will be in Detroit Saturday to play a 1 p.m. ET game against the Red Wings (FanDuel Sports Network)

Hockey Now Network

Chicago: National broadcasters have been critical of Connor Bedard’s play recently, and he had something to say about that. Chicago Blackhawks. 

New Jersey: Stefan Noesen calls out Devils after another ugly loss: “We have to figure this out.” New Jersey Devils 

Pittsburgh: The Penguins haven’t provided a prognosis or update on Sidney Crosby’s injury. It’s unclear whether he will be able to play tonight against the New York Rangers. He was on the ice, but didn’t practice with his team on Thursday. Pittsburgh Penguins.