Griffins Hope Lombardi Energy Refuels Offense

The Grand Rapids Griffins undoubtedly hope the Amadeus Lombardi return to the lineup after a 28-game injury absence will provide the offensive spark they desperately need.

Grand Rapids, with Lombardi playing for the first time since Dec. 1, lost 5-2 Wednesday night to Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Griffins have lost seven out of eight games and only scored 11 goals in those contests. That’s 1.375 goals per game.

“I think I have a lot more to give this group,” said Lombardi who had one assist in the game. “I felt OK at times. I’ll be better Friday. I thought we played well. We generated chances. It will come.”

Lombardi, 21, was off to a tremendous start (nine goals and six assists for 15 points in 20 games) before going down with an upper body injury. The timing couldn’t have been much worse because the Red Wings hoped they were witnessing a breakout season.

While the injury was frustrating, Lombardi has tried to concentrate on the positive.

“It was almost like I got an extra summer,” Lombardi said. “I was able to work out five or six days a week once I healed.  I am ready to be back.

Nate Danielson and Alex Doucet had the goals for the Griffins who put 41 shots on goal on the Phantoms. Shai Buium earned his 16th assist of the season. He is still looking for his first AHL goal.

Point-per-game Player?

With Lombardi back, the Griffins’ focus must be on making sure they qualify for the playoffs and are ready to compete in the postseason.

One question the Red Wings probably have is whether Lombardi is having a breakthrough this season. He’s smallish by NHL standards, but is skillful and brings plenty of energy to each shift.

“He can be dynamic at this level,” Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson said. “He shows us that he can move his feet and think and carry the puck all at the same time. Now he’s making the right decisions with the puck at high speeds. I think he’s a point per game guy this league easily if he’s healthy and if he can get going again. So that’s what we’re looking for.”

Last season, Lombardi played a checking role for the Griffins.

“It was learning the pro game, learning when take some risks with the pucks,” Watson. “A lot of turnovers happened last year that got out of his game the first 20 this year.”