The Daily: Griffins Have Been Here Before; Crosby Joins Canada

The Grand Rapids Griffins undoubtedly are still miffed by their poor performance in Game 1 of the American Hockey League playoffs, although history shows their 4-0 shutout loss to the Texas Stars can be overcome.

The last time the Griffins were blanked in their opening playoff game, they went on to win the Calder Cup.

On April 26, 2013, goalie Darcy Kuemper and the Houston Aeros downed the Griffins 3-0. Grand Rapids went on to win that series in five games then continued on to win the AHL championship.

The Griffins simply want to play better tonight, and earn a victory to even the series. The last three games of that series will be played in Texas. Detroit’s top prospect Axel Sandin Pellikka will be in the Griffins’ lineup tonight.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Former Detroit coach Jeff Blashill will be interviewing for some of the NHL coaching vacancies.

Don’t expect GM Steve Yzerman to issue offer sheets to any of the NHL’s top restricted free agents this summer.

Yzerman doesn’t see Sebastian Cossa as quite ready for the NHL, but he doesn’t rule out Cossa proving he’s ready next fall. A lengthy playoff run this spring for the Griffins could help show his development.

Red Wings Extra

Yzerman has said the Red Wings goaltending needs to be better next season. They have Cam Talbot and Petr Mrazek coming back, and they are in the process of changing their goaltending coach. The final step may be bringing in another veteran goalie. Here are the UFA options: Ville Husso, Alex Lyon,  Jake Allen, Alexandar Georgiev, Vitek Vanecek, Anton Forsberg, Ilya Samsonov, David Rittich, Dan Vladar,  James Reimer and Jonas Johansson.

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: In a paywall story, CHN looks at whether Avalanche general manager Chris MacFarlane should be fired for how he handled the Mikko Rantanen trade situation. Colorado Avalanche. 

Florida: Eetu Luostarinen is the forgotten man in the Panthers’ Stanley Cup defense. Florida Panthers. 

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby has decided to join Team Canada for the World Championships. Pittsburgh Penguins.