Jonatan Berggren returned to the lineup and helped Grand Rapids earn a split of the weekend series in Texas. The Stars won the opening game on Saturday 5-2. The Griffins replied with a 4-3 victory on Sunday. Grand Rapids were without Matt Luff and Givani Smith, who were both recalled to play for Detroit. Luff took a puck to the face on Saturday and is currently listed as day-to-day with a facial injury.
The Griffins now have a record of 4-3-0 on the season.
Player Preview: Simon Edvinsson
Simon Edvinsson continues to adapt to the smaller ice surface in North America. After being the 6th overall selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft and playing one season in the SHL, Edvinsson is currently a rookie playing for the Griffins in the AHL. Edvinsson is only 19 and has plenty to learn before moving to the NHL. Last night, Edvinsson chipped in with two assists and was awarded the first star of the game. Edvinsson has scored one goal, five assists, four points, an even +/- rating, and seven shots on goal in six games with the Griffins this year.
Edvinsson will likely spend most of the season in the AHL and will not be promoted until Detroit management feels that he can be a significant upgrade at the NHL level. At 6’6 and over 200 lbs, Edvinsson certainly has the size and skill to be an essential player on the Red Wings blueline to start the 2023-2024 season.
Detroit Red Wings Prospects Update
Austin Czarnik played both games in Texas on the weekend. He picked up one goal and one assist and was awarded the game’s second star on Sunday. Czarnik continues to lead the Griffins in scoring. Czarnik has five goals, four assists, nine points, 14 shots on goal, and a +1 rating in seven games.
Taro Hirose also played both weekend games in Texas. Hirose picked up two assists during the weekend. He is currently second in scoring for the Griffins. Hirose now has one goal, seven assists, eight points, and a -1 rating through seven games.
Cross Hanas played both weekend games in Texas. Hanas picked up one assist during the weekend. In seven games this year, Hanas has scored three goals, two assists, five points, a -6 rating, and 13 shots on goal.
Jared McIsaac picked up one assist on Sunday. In seven games this season, McIsaac has four assists and continues to lead the Griffins with a +4 rating.
Steven Kampfer was held off the scoresheet in both games in Texas. Kampfer has three assists and a +1 rating for the Griffins in seven games.
Jonatan Berggren returned from an upper-body injury and scored his first goal of the season on Sunday. In three games to start the year, Berggren has one goal, one assist, two points, and a -2 rating.
Donovan Sebrango picked up one assist on Sunday and now has one goal and two points in his first four games this season.
Kyle Criscuolo played one game on the weekend. Criscuolo is off to a slow start offensively for the Griffins, as he has only picked up two assists in six games.
Eemil Viro scored his first AHL goal on Sunday. In six games to start his career with the Griffins, Viro has one goal and a -4 rating in six games.
Sebastian Cossa allowed all five goals in the loss on Saturday. Cossa now has a record of 1-1-0, with a 3.50 GAA and an .851 SV% in two games this year.
Jussi Olkinuora made 27 saves on 30 shots to record the win on Sunday. Olkinuora now has a record of 2-2-0, a 3.66 GAA, and a .880 SV% through his first four games this year.
Next Week
Grand Rapids play three road games this week. They begin the trip playing Thursday and Friday against Iowa. Game time Thursday is 11:30 AM ET, and Friday’s game has puck drop at 8:00 PM ET. Both games will be played at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA. The final match of the trip will be played on Saturday against the Rockford IceHogs. Game time is 8:00 PM ET at BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL.
