By: Jeremy Laura
LOTTERY UN-LUCKY
The Detroit Red Wings organization had a rough Monday. The team fell one spot in the draft lottery, from 12th to 13th. That on its own isn’t painful. Watching the Islanders jump from 10 to 1 stung a bit. Detroit has become almost notoriously unlucky in the event. Multiple slides of 2 and 3 spots have caused fans frustrations.
The bright side of a double-digit pick may have been on display in Grand Rapids. Even in a loss, the 17th pick of 2023 is looking good. Axel Sandin-Pellikka was selected with the pick obtained from Vancouver. However, it does beg the question. Is this an offseason where Detroit would trade the pick? The trade market may be friendlier than a UFA acquisition.
GRIFFINS FALL IN GAME 2, ONE LOSS AWAY FROM ELIMINATION:
Highlight video from game 2:
Yesterday’s entry covered the postseason opportunity for prospects in the AHL. However, it may swiftly be nearing an end. It took nearly five periods of play and eight goals against before Grand Rapids finally got on the board. Texas scored four goals on 19 shots, with four on 18 in Game 1. Jack Campbell had the start in net, but the result was nearly identical. Texas looks like a team in full control of the game.
Grand Rapids finally tallied twice after the 4 goal deficit. At 15:52, the AHL affiliate tallied. It was the first of the game and of the postseason. The team was on the Power Play. The puck was moved by Brandsegg-Nygard from the blue Line to Dominic Shine. Shine was stationed at the side of the net. He put a shot on goal that bounced out to Eemil Viro, who snapped the puck in.
MICHAEL BRANDSEGG-NYGARD’S 2-POINT NIGHT:
After assisting on the first goal, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard scored in the third period. Last year’s first-round pick seems to have bulked up. The learning curve on North American ice is steep. In the playoffs, it’s even more so. At 5:21 in the 3rd period, Dominic Shine also grabbed a 2nd point. The forward worked hard behind the net in a puck battle. Shine then passed the puck to Michael Brandsegg-Nygard. MBN was stationed at net front and quickly snapped the puck in. This was his first goal as a Griffin. There’s little doubt that the masking tape and Sharpie were on hand at the bench.
The quick shot saw the forward go to one knee. His frame seems to have gained muscle and power. Now he has to adjust to the smaller ice. Decisions must be made quickly, and gaps close quickly. His European teammate, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, seems to be finding his way as well.
ABOUT SANDIN-PELLIKKA
ASP has put together more stretches of impressive play. Though it hasn’t translated to points, the skill set is on display. Quick starts and stops help the defenseman open passing and shooting lanes. Many pucks were launched toward the net for a tip-in. Sandin-Pellikka seems to see the opportunities in real time. The smaller ice surface has not seemed intimidating to the 20-year-old. There seems to be an ever-evolving process in improvement from shift to shift.
At this moment, no one is jumping off the page. Part of that is just the dominant play of the Stars. Credit where it is due, Texas was prepared from the opening puck drop in game 1. Grand Rapids finally seemed to have flipped the switch, but the chasm is wide. The next 3 games will be played in Texas, and it would take a sweep to move on. That seems a highly unlikely scenario. However, one or two wins could help the club and the players greatly.
AN IMPORTANT SUMMER
Detroit’s front office and fan base need to see a spark. Morale, based on fan sentiment, seems low. This summer needs to be transformative, particularly for the blue line. There seems to be a hard divide in fan support for the “Yzerplan”. As the GM noted in the presser, he’s going to push forward with drafting and developing. Free Agent signings have disappointed for the most part. Patrick Kane is the exception there. Alex DeBrincat seems to be the strongest trade acquisition. While the club actively pursued Jacob Trouba, the deal failed to culminate.
Acquiring an impact top 4 defenseman should be a top priority. Tuomisto seems to be a suitable replacement for Holl in his role. After two games however, an impressive camp will be needed by other prospects. Shine has shown the ability to work the puck in the corners. Austin Watson, the veteran, tried to rally the team single-handedly. Others seem completely stifled by a high-skilled Texas roster.
The NHL franchise needs a spark to move the needle. The opportunity to take a position is there. The ability and performance need only rise to the occasion.
