by Jeremy Laura
GRIFFINS SWEPT IN OPENING ROUND
While Detroit Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman prepares for the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft, the club’s AHL prospects looked to make an impression, but the Texas Stars have turned out to be more than the young squad was prepared to face. The Grand Rapids Griffins held a 4-1 lead heading into the 3rd period. This was the first lead for Grand Rapids in the series. The Stars were determined to erase the deficit.
Texas rallied in the third period due to costly defensive and goaltending mistakes that saw the game tied. It took roughly 30 extra minutes of overtime for the Stars to finish off the Griffins 5-4 in double-overtime and sweep the series.
As disappointing as the loss was, there were some bright spots.
MICHAEL BRANDSEGG-NYGARD
After a 2-point game in a 4-2 loss, MBN opened the scoring in this contest. The 2024 first-round pick had his physicality on full display. After Texas scored the opening tally, Brandsegg-Nygard tied the game at 1 apiece. Similar to his goal in game 2, the forward found a quiet spot on the ice. A pass was immediately off his stick and into the net. This may be a power play specialist.
The right-shot winger didn’t make a grand impression in training camp. He seemed to be a step behind the play, and game 1 of the AHL finals seemed similar. However, during the course of game 2 something clicked. Assisting on an opening tally, MBN then scored his first. This wasn’t just a playoff first, it was his first in the AHL. After that goal, shift by shift, his confidence grew.
This player may be a bit of a diamond in the rough. The final tally was 3 points (2G, 1A) in the 3 game series. The pick may be a stronger asset than many initially thought. His quick release without cleaning off the puck could serve well in the bumper position. To be certain, Brandsegg-Nygard may have increased his stock for the Detroit Red Wings.
THE OTHER SCORERS
Nate Danielson, Dominik Shine, and Amadeus Lombardi all scored as well. Lombardi’s goal showed how good he can be with the puck. Skating in on the right side, the centerman cut to the net and maneuvered around the goalie. He tapped a shot home on a sequence that should have fans excited. With good health, Lombardi may be a candidate for the NHL next season.
Shine had a breakaway and picked the corner on the right side. Danielson jumped on a puck that settled in front of the net. Both showed poise in their effort. Danielson is still fighting to hold on to the puck, and may need top-line AHL minutes to start the year. Shine found his way to Detroit and may be a bottom-six contributor in the future.
SEBASTIAN COSSA
Cossa stands as a goalie without a middle ground. When the first round pick is on, he looks sharp and makes big saves. When things go poorly, they go very poorly. The effort shown in the first 2 periods was washed away by 3 goals against in the third period. One was a tough giveaway as Cossa left the net to handle the puck and turned it over. The Stars capitalized on an empty net.
The big saves were impressive, but the damage done by the lapse was undeniable. The goaltender must find a way to mitigate the peaks and valleys. Consistency and focused engagement on a nightly basis are a must. It may call for more development in the AHL.
DEFENSE
Axel Sandin-Pellikka continues to show offensive prowess. His defensive work saw some highlights. However, a spot on the NHL roster will require a stay-at-home partner. ASP can skate and jump into the play. Awareness of coverage at the point is required with that ability. However, there is a lot of upside in the 20-year right-shot defenseman.
Anton Johansson’s short stint may have pushed him ahead of other prospects. The physical nature he shows is sorely needed in Detroit. The gritty defenseman ended the night with a single assist. Often paired with Buium, the two seem to bring a hard edge that lifts the team. Shai Buium also looks strong at times. It will be interesting to see how they are used in the preseason.
William Wallinder and Antti Tuomisto both seem to be on the cusp of a shot in Detroit. Wallinder skates incredibly well, and Tuomisto seems to be an option to replace Holl. Their postseason didn’t see a strong showing. Grand Rapids, however, may have a strong blue line group next season. Any defenseman that can strengthen Detroit’s penalty kill would be a welcome call-up.
THE VERDICT
Lombardi and Brandsegg-Nygard stood out, even in a series sweep. Sandin-Pellikka and Anton Johansson seem to have an elevated status. It was a tough post-season that saw the team outscored 13 to 6 over 3 games. Game 1 was described as lacking energy and intensity. These are moments where the office hopes to see a standout.
Summer assignments will be given. There is work to be done to grab a roster spot. However, there are spots to grab. Petry doesn’t seem likely to be extended. There is a strong sentiment toward seeing Holl as a buyout candidate (or at least a waiver option). As Marco Kasper found a place, other players can follow that example.
In an interview with coach Dan Watson, I asked what the “it” factor was. The coach seized on a point that was interesting. It was “players who hate losing more than they like winning”. The ability to face each game with intensity. The ability to swing momentum in the team’s favor. When that is in play, a prospect opens the door of opportunity.
