5 biggest storylines for the Grand Rapids Griffins so far

Where the Detroit Red Wings are struggling, the Grand Rapids Griffins are thriving. They're 5-1-1-0 with 11 points and a points percentage of 0.786 with 95 penalty minutes accumulated so far, which is good for first in the entire AHL.

Yet again, the Grand Rapids Griffins continue to eclipse their NHL affiliate.

These five stories have been especially intriguing with the Griffins so far:

Jesse Kiiskinen leads the offensive charge

Even though Jesse Kiiskinen is playing in his first full season in the AHL, and he’s only seen time on third line, Kiiskinen is adjusting better than anyone could have hoped for to the North American-style of play.

In just seven games, Kiiskinen is a point per game with five goals two assists for a total of seven points. Kiiskinen holds a +5 rating and has helped on the power play with a goal already. On top of his offensive touch, Kiiskinen isn’t shy of playing a physical game -- something that many fans questioned when he played in Finland. He even had his first fight earlier this season:

After the scrap, the Griffins took a page out of the Red Wings’ book and fist bumped Kiiskinen as he made his way to the sin bin. 

I'd like to give a shout out to Jacob Bryson, too, as he’s tied with Kiiskinen for the top offense honors with one goal and six assists in the seven games played. 

Michal Postava has come into his own

For any concerns about the next long term netminder in Detroit, Michal Postava should put those concerns to rest. 

Postava received AHL Player of the Week honors to open his second season in a Griffins uniform with a 2-0-0 record, 1.00 goals against average and .967 save percentage in that time period.

Appearing in four games so far this season, he's surrendered just five goals on the season for a 1.25 GAA and a .954 SV%. Postava’s numbers are good for fourth in the league in GAA and fifth in SV% -- mind you, he’s already played the most games of the top-five. He's done nothing to continue his meteoric rise through the AHL.

If he keeps up his great play, it will become difficult to keep him out of the Red Wings lineup. Postava’s growth might even make a trade of Detroit’s starter, John Gibson, possible (even probable).

Postava's an aggressive, feisty and athletic goalie who is as competitive as any goaltender we’ve seen. 

The Griffins are balanced offensively

While there are flashy players like Kiiskinen, Bryson and even John Leonard, there is even more to celebrate with Grand Rapids. 

Of the 25 skaters, only four haven’t recorded a point so far. Funny enough, Postava isn’t one of the four as he has already registered an assist. What can't he do?

It’s an impressive feat from a team that lost much of its offense from last year to other leagues and teams. 

The leadership group is doing its due diligence

As his name suggests, Dominik Shine continues to, well, shine for the Griffins.

As cheesy of a statement as it is, it’s also a fact. Shine is the perfect captain for Grand Rapids, and each season he demonstrates why. 

The best part about Shine is that he refuses to take a day off. His story of perseverance - highlighted by his first NHL goal - inspires young players Grand Rapids just as much as it inspires veterans in Detroit. Shine is someone everyone can (and should) aspire to be -- whether it’s hockey or anything in life.

Shine has played in all seven games so far and recorded one goal and four assists for a total of five points. For a 33 year old who almost hung up his skates in favor of his dad-era, Shine is still impressing fans of all ages.

Rounding out the leadership group are William Lagesson and John Leonard -- and I'm not sure the Griffins could have a chosen better players to wear the letters.

Lagesson is a hard-nosed defenseman who came up through Frölunda HC's system (the same organization that helped develop Lucas Raymond, Rasmus Dahlin, Simon Edvinsson, Elmer Söderblom and so on). He's an incredible resource and confidant for the incoming prospects.

In addition to his time in Sweden, Lagesson has spent time at UMass, from 2015-2017, where he wore an "A" in his final season.

Between the Edmonton Oilers, Montréal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Anaheim Ducks organizations and the Chicago Wolves (where he also wore an "A" on his sweater), Lagesson has quite a career under his belt.

Lagesson's shortened season last year (30 games between Detroit and Grand Rapids) seemed destined to continue somewhere else. Instead, Lagesson re-signed and is still committed to the Griffins.

A reliable, steady presence who ended last season with 61 games played with three goals and 18 assists for a total of 21 points, Lagesson recorded 36 penalty minutes and a +33 rating on the season. He's a great presence that the Grand Rapids coaching staff, players and fans alike are thankful for each game.

Last but not least is John Leonard, who just flat out scores goals. After attending UMass Amherst (alongside Cale Makar), Leonard spent time within the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes organizations as well as time with the Charlotte Checkers before joining the Wings.

Since joining the Red Wings organizaion, Leonard has taken his game to the next level. Last season, Leonard scored 33 goals and assisted on 21 other goals in 47 games played with the Griffins. His brief stint with Detroit was successful, too; he played in 11 games where he scored twice and assisted on two other goals for a total of four points. To top it all off, he's extremely disciplined. He finished the season with 12 penalty minutes and a +8 rating.

While Leonard started the season injured, he quickly up for lost time. In just three games this season, Leonard has scored five times (including a hat trick) and assisted on a goal for a total of six points. He hasn't recorded a penalty and has a +1 rating so far.

The coaching remains just as impressive

Whether it’s head coach Dan Watson, defensive coach Brian Lashoff or goaltending coach Roope Koistinen, the whole staff is star-studded.

Specifically, under head coach Watson, the Griffins have recorded 125 wins, with 68 losses and 23 overtime losses in 216 games, Watson’s teams have had a .632 wins percentage across his AHL career.

From the moment he took over as a head coach, the emphasis was on building team culture. Their goal: to be difficult to play against and to play for each others, Watson’s players have an identity. 

It would be reasonable for teams to fall off a bit, especially when the Red Wings change their head coaching staff, systems and players. As a feeder to Detroit, Grand Rapids’ roster is always in a state of flux with the best players often leaving the lineup. Typically, at the most important times of the season, Watson’s most valuable players are recalled as the Red Wings suffer injuries, have players traded out or other circumstances occur.

It’s a tough balancing act, yet it’s one that Watson embraces fully and wears so well. His players are ready to run through walls for him. They buy into any system he’s trying to sell and make any adjustments that he may require.

Just as impressive is how the Griffins players, regardless of status (rookie, second-year AHL-player or veteran), seamlessly fit into the Red Wings when they are recalled. If it’s just a game or two - or most of the season - Watson’s guys are as prepared as any players heading to the NHL.

So far this season, he's done nothing but built upon the foundations he’s molded in the past. 

Any Red Wings fan who might be down in the dumps about the parent club should take a moment to appreciate the Griffins who stil know how to do things right (even when everything else seems upside down).

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