Red Wings: Griffins STILL Almost Perfect

Red Wings depth on display in the AHL

The Red Wings rookies continue to thrive, however there’s even more depth in the AHL.  The Griffins have improved to 11-0-0-1, thus without a regulation loss to start the year. Veteran John Leonard is leading, not just the team, but the AHL with his his 11 goals scored. 

Detroit’s schedule is intense, yet the team has done well to create options for call ups.  Leonard, along with Amadeus Lombardi, could well be on Yzerman’s radar if needed. Both lead the team in points, and both are eager for an opportunity to break into the NHL. 

Lombardi continue to heat up

Amadeus Lombardi had a slow start for goal scoring, however his contributions are significant. Lombardi has 14 points through 12 games, which includes in the past three.  Two of those three goals were game winners, consequently Lombardi is starting to turn heads again. 

Last season saw a hot start derailed by injury, yet Lombardi was not dissuaded. Held to just 44 games, even so Lombardi scored 19 goals and 21 assist.  The former fourth round pick is determined to grab a spot on Detroit’s NHL roster. 

The NHL’s relentless schedule

Due to the Olympic break, the NHL will shut down for three weeks next year. Consequently, the schedule has been compacted to account for that time off. Players who get injured, therefore, can miss five to seven games in just two weeks off. Organization depth it’s important, if not critical to finding success this season. 

For players like Lombardi, staying healthy is going to be key to this season more than ever. The Red Wings have seen four rookies hit the ice this year, and more could be on the way. The performances in Grand Rapids will determine who gets the next opportunity. Leonard and Lombardi may now be at the top of that list for the Red Wings.