Griffins Report Week 8: Tough weekend in Manitoba

After a 4-1 victory in Cleveland on Monday, the Grand Rapids Griffins lost both games in Manitoba on the weekend.  On Friday, the Griffins were on the short end of a 4-2 game.  On Saturday, the Moose were victorious 3-2.

The Griffins were without five regulars for the weekend games.  Kyle Criscuolo and Brian Lashoff were called up to Detroit and missed both weekend games.  Defenseman Dan Renouf remains in Detroit and has dressed for four games for the Red Wings.  Joe Veleno scored his 3rd goal in 13 games during his call-up to Detroit.  Donovan Sebrango is currently at the WJC tryout camp with Team Canada and will be out of the Griffins lineup indefinitely.

The Griffins recalled Detroit draft pick Seth Barton and Randy Gazzola from Toledo to round out the roster.

Player to Watch

Calvin Pickard

Calvin Pickard has been terrific in goal for the Griffins.  Pickard has now played 19 of the 22 games the Griffins have played this year.  He currently has a record of 9-7-2, a GAA of 2.47 and a .926 SV%.

Unfortunately, Pickard doesn’t seems to have much in the way of a backup as Victor Brattstrom has been horrible in four games, and Kaden Fulcher has played only eight games in Toldeo (ECHL).

Pickard will not be able to continue at this pace but, it sure has been fun watching him tend to the Griffins goal this season.

Detroit Prospect Update

Taro Hirose continues to lead the Griffins in scoring with 15 assists and 19 points in 20 games.  Hirose was held without a point in both Manitoba games on the weekend.

Kyle Criscuolo was recalled to Detroit this week and did not dress for the Red Wings.  He was reassigned to the Griffins and should be available to play against Toronto next weekend.  Criscuolo continues to sit 2nd in Griffins scoring with nine goals and 17 points in 15 games.

Riley Barber has moved into a tie for 3rd in Griffins scoring with Jonatan Berggren.  Both players have seven goals and nine asists for 16 points on the season.

Ryan Murphy maintains his lead as the top scoring defenseman on the Griffins.  In 22 games, Murphy has scored four gaols and 14 points.

Brian Lashoff (returned Friday night) and Dan Renouf will be welcome additions back to the Griffins once they are no longer required in Detroit.  Both defensemen lead the Griffins with +8 ratings.

Jared McIsaac is now 2nd in defense scoring with six points in 21 games.  With so many regular defensemen out of the Griffins lineup, McIsaac continues to play important minutes as a rookie on the Grand Rapids blueline.

Next Week

The Griffins play two home games against the Toronto Marlies next weekend.  They begin the weekend on Saturday, game time is 7:00 PM ET.  The second game will be a matinee affair on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET.  Both games will be played at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI.