The Grand Rapids Griffins won two of three games last week and have improved their season record to 22-20-7. The Griffins started the week playing on the road and defeating Cleveland 2-1 in OT. The Griffins then split back-to-back home games against Bakersfield on Friday and Saturday losing 2-0 on Friday and winning a 4-3 SO on Saturday. The Griffins remain in a close battle for the 4th and final playoff spot in the Central Division.
Player Preview: Calvin Pickard
Calvin Pickard played all three games last week. For the second consecutive week, Pickard recorded two wins and one loss. Pickard was named 2nd star on Wednesday after making 33 saves to preserve the victory. In Wednesday’s 2-0 loss, Pickard was named 3rd star after making 35 saves. On the season, Pickard has a record of 18-12-5, with a 2.43 GAA, and .924 SV%, in 36 games.
Pickard will turn 30 in April and is currently on the last year of his deal with Detroit. This year, Pickard’s contract calls for him to earn a pro-rated salary of $800,000 when he is recalled to the NHL. When Pickard plays in the AHL, his contract calls for a $250,000 salary. Pickard will be an UFA at the end of the season.
Pickard will likely be recalled to be the backup in Detroit if one of the current Red Wings goaltenders is traded before the deadline.
Detroit Red Wings Prospects Update
Taro Hirose continues to lead the Griffins in scoring. Hirose chipped in with three assists during the three games last week. Hirose was also the 3rd star in Saturday’s SO win over Bakersfield. In 48 games, Hirose has scored 12 goals, 30 assists, 42 points, and a -9 rating.
Jonatan Berggren remains second in Griffins scoring after the week. In three games, Berggren scored one goal in Saturday’s SO victory. In 46 games, Berggren has 14 goals, 22 assists, 36 points, and a -9 rating.
Kyle Criscuolo remains 3rd in scoring for the Griffins despite being held off the scoresheet in all three games last week. In 40 games, Criscuolo has 12 goals, 17 assists, 29 points, and a -6 rating.
Ryan Murphy continues to be the top scoring defenseman for the Griffins. Murphy scored the SO winner and earned 1st star on Saturday. In 45 games, Murphy has scored 10 goals, 13 assists, 23 points, and a -8 rating. Murphy also leads all Griffins defensemen with 84 shots on goal.
Jared McIsaac had a quiet week picking up one assist in the 2-1 OT win on Wednesday. In 48 games this season, McIsaac now has five goals, 13 assists, 18 points, a -5 rating, and 82 shots on goal.
Chase Pearson scored one goal and added nine shots on goal during the three games last week. In 37 games, Pearson has scored five goals, 10 assists, 15 points, and a -13 rating.
Dan Renouf had one assist and six shots on goal during the three games last week. In 36 games, Renouf has scored one goal, eight assists, nine points, and leads the Griffins with a +14 rating.
Next Week
Grand Rapids play three games in three nights starting with a two-game set at home Friday and Saturday against Iowa. Both games with the Wild will start at 7:00 PM ET and will be played at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI. The Griffins will then travel to Milwaukee to play the Admirals. Game time on Sunday is 6:00 PM ET at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, WI.