The Daily: GR Race Discourages Call-Ups; Boeser Fit Red Wings?

If the Red Wings are eliminated tonight, we may see GM Steve Yzerman start to reward some Grand Rapids Griffins for their AHL efforts. But that isn’t definite.

The GR player most deserving is Amadeus Lombardi who has overcome a lengthy injury to register 18 goals and 17 assists for 35 points in 39 games. The smallish center has five goals and three assists for eight points in his past four games. This is a prospect who has taken a significant step in his development.

Others with potential to be brought up: defensemen Antti Tuomisto and William Wallinder, both in their second season in Grand Rapids. The Red Wings are particularly pleased with Wallinder’s defensive improvement. Center Nate Danielson, on his way to a 40-plus point season, is also a candidate.

According to the CBA, the Red Wings can call up to four players from their AHL affiliate after the NHL trade deadline. That does not include players called up as emergency replacements. The Red Wings have been calling up players under that provision.

It won’t be an easy decision to bring up any Griffins because the team is battling with the Chicago Wolves for third place in the Central Division. They are currently tied with five games remaining. Coach Dan Watson may need his best players to earn the bye. The top three teams receive a first-round bye. Right now, the Wolves own the tiebreaker on Grand Rapids.

Also keep in mind that Skelleftea, down 3-1 in its best-of-seven Swedish Hockey League playoffs, is on the brink of elimination. Axel Sandin Pellikka and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard may be headed to Detroit if they get eliminated in the next game.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Detroit prospect Jesse Kiiskinen attempted a lacrosse-style goal while playing for Finland in an international game.

Paywall story: Five moves the Red Wings should have done earlier. One of them was bringing up Austin Watson to play on the fourth line. He has a strong season in Grand Rapids.. The Red Wings need some toughness. To subscribe to DHN+ stories, click here.

Alex DeBrincat’s 36th goal gave Detroit a 1-0 lead against Florida, but the Red Wings had another poor second period. They fell 4-1 to the defending Stanley Cup champions.

Red Wings Extra

If the Red Wings lose tonight on the road to Tampa Bay (7 p.m., FanDuel Sports Network) or Montreal picks up a point tonight in Ottawa, Detroit is officially eliminated from playoff consideration. It would be the ninth consecutive season out of the playoffs for Detroit. Petr Mrazek is expected to start in goal tonight. The Red Wings’ only remaining home game is Monday against the Dallas Stars.

Hockey Network

Philadelphia:  William James writes “Buy Stock in Tyson Foerster” because he is showing promise as a scorer. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Team Canada named Kyle Dubas general manager of the team for the upcoming World Championships. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Vancouver: Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre reports Canucks forward Brock Boeser isn’t optimistic about his chances of re-signing with Vancouver. This is a scorer the Red Wings could have interest in. “Honestly, it’s unlikely (I return) at this point,” Boeser said.”It sucks. It’s unfortunate. I am just trying to play good hockey and then I’ll worry about everything after that.”