The Grand Rapids Griffins and the Iowa Wild split their two game mini-series last week in Iowa. The Griffins started the series with a 4-3 OT win on Thursday. On Friday, Iowa finished the series with an easy 6-1 victory.
The Griffins now have a record of 17-18-7, good for 6th place in the Central Division.
Player Preview: Dan Renouf
Dan Renouf has been a strong veteran presence on the Griffins blueline this year. In 29 games, Renouf has scored one goal, seven assists, and eight points. Renouf also leads the Griffins with a +12 rating.
With injuries and illness mounting on the Detroit defense, Renouf was recalled to the Red Wings in time for their home game against Philadelphia on Saturday. With the Griffins playing four games this week, Renouf could be re-assigned back to the AHL in time for their road trip to Texas.
Renouf currently earns a prorated salary of $850,000 when he is recalled to Detroit and an AHL salary of $325,000 when he plays for Grand Rapids. At the end of the season, Renouf will be an UFA.
Detroit Red Wings Prospects Update
Taro Hirose continues to lead the Griffins in scoring. Hirose chipped in with one goal and one assist during the two games last week. In 41 games, Hirose has scored 10 goals and 24 assists for 34 points, and a -12 rating.
Jonatan Berggren scored two goals including the winner 16 seconds into OT on Thursday night to lead the Griffins. Berggren was named 1st star of the game. Berggren remains in 2nd place in scoring on the Griffins. In 39 games, Berggren has 11 goals, 20 assists, 31 points, and a -11 rating.
Kyle Criscuolo remains 3rd in scoring for the Griffins. Criscuolo was held off the scoresheet during both games last week. In 33 games, Criscuolo has 12 goals, 14 assists, 26 points, and a -6 rating.
Ryan Murphy continues to be the top scoring defenseman for the Griffins. Murphy had the only goal against Iowa on Friday night. In 38 games, Murphy has scored eight goals, 11 assists, 19 points, and a -10 rating.
Jared McIsaac chipped in with one PP assist on Thursday. In 41 games, McIsaac has four goals, 11 assists, 15 points, and a -7 rating. McIsaac leads all defensemen with 72 shots on goal.
Wyatt Newpower continues to play solid defense for the Griffins. Although he was held off the scoresheet last week, Newpower managed a +1 rating. In 36 games, Newpower has three goals, five assists, eight points, and a +1 rating.
Donovan Sebrango played two games last week and was held off the scoresheet in both games. In 36 games, Sebrango has one goal, five assists, six points, and a +3 rating.
Calvin Pickard was the winning goaltender in the 4-3 OT victory on Thursday. Pickard made 20 saves on 23 shots. The victory raised Pickard’s record to 14-10-6 in 30 games. Pickard also has a 2.56 GAA and a .920 SV% with the Griffins.
Next Week
Grand Rapids play four games next week, starting with two road games against the Texas Stars on Tuesday and Wednesday. Both games will be played at 8:00 PM ET at H.E.B. Center at Cedar Park in Cedar Park, TX. The Griffins return home for one game on Saturday against the Rockford IceHogs. Game time is 7:00 PM at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI. The Griffins complete their busy week with a return visit to play Rockford on Sunday afternoon. Game time is 5:00 PM ET at BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL.