Griffins Report: Czarnik scores hat trick in 8-5 win

Grand Rapids Griffins center Austin Czarnik scored three goals on Saturday, leading the Griffins to an 8-5 win over San Diego. The Griffins and Gulls split the two-game weekend series after San Diego defeated the Griffins 6-2 on Friday. The Griffins record is currently 1-1-0 after two games. 

Player Preview: Austin Czarnik

Austin Czarnik played two games last week and earned the first star of the game on Saturday. Czarnik scored three goals on Saturday night after picking up two assists on Friday. With five points in two games last week, Czarnik leads the Griffins in scoring after week #1.

In July, Czarnik was signed to a two-year, two-way contract with Detroit. He currently earns $450,000 during his time in the AHL and has a $750,000 cap hit if he plays in Detroit.

Czarnik is currently playing in his 7th professional season and has 229 games of experience in the AHL and 142 NHL games to his credit. Czarnik adds experience at the AHL level and much-needed depth at forward for the Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings Prospects Update

Simon Edvinsson scored an empty-net goal for his first AHL goal on Saturday. Edvinsson also picked up three assists during the weekend and is currently second in Griffins scoring.

Matt Luff scored two goals and picked up three points during the opening weekend. Luff was also named the third star in Friday’s game after scoring a power play goal early in the second period.

Jared McIsaac picked up three assists on the weekend, including two assists on the power play on Saturday night.

Cross Hanas scored his first professional goal and picked up one assist in Saturday’s victory. The effort was good enough for Hanas to earn 2nd star of the game.

Taro Hirose picked up two power play assists in the second period of Saturday’s victory.

Steven Kampfer picked up two assists in Saturday’s win. His second assist was on Czarnik’s short-handed goal five minutes into the first period.

Victor Brattstrom made 33 saves on 38 shots for the win on Saturday.

Jussi Olkinuora made 22 saves on 28 shots during Friday’s home opener.

Next Week

Grand Rapids play three games this week, starting with a home game on Wednesday against Milwaukee. Wednesday’s game time is 7:00 PM ET at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI. The Griffins will travel to Toronto to play two weekend games on Saturday and Sunday. Both games will be played at 4:00 PM ET at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, ON.

Showtime in Detroit – The Production Line Podcast

After much speculation, the Red Wings signed Patrick Kane to a one-year contract. We breakdown all the details surrounding the signing, Kan's potential impact and fit, and what this does for the Red Wings moving forward. Later, we look back at the last three games following Sweden and the Red Wings currently sit third in the Atlantic Division through 20 games, with a record of 11-6-3. We highlight the performances of Alex Lyon, Shayne Gostisbehere, Lucas Raymond, and more!

1. Showtime in Detroit 53:13
2. Slumping out of Stockholm 54:57
3. Impressions Through Ten Games 01:12:27
4. New Year, New Goal Horn 51:15
5. Red Wings Season Preview 01:25:25