Quick trips have always been my family’s thing. Literally, we drove ten to twelve hours just to get photos at a turn, then drive right back. Why? Who knows, just the way things happen around here.
It makes nights like Sunday in Grand Rapids, Michigan, that much nicer.
We’ve found our rhythm, our groove—if you will, in Furniture City. Even without our favorite watering hole being opened, it’s always a treat to saunter through Rosa Parks Circle, thinking of the fun times we had. Once, my nephew, Baloo (the yodeling, Build a Bear, bernedoodle), decided it would be a great idea to jump into a grate about two feet deep, just as an example.
It’s quite the contrast to the tense, anxiety-inducing moments leading up to the puck drop for the Detroit Red Wings games that I watch from the comfort of my home. This is the same dread that filled me whenever I turned on a Grand Rapids Griffins game just a couple of years prior (before head coach Dan Watson took over). After an entertaining 60-minute game, the Grand Rapids Griffins sent fans on their way to celebrate a victory and legendary Brad “Dogg” Thompson’s 2,000th game with the organization.
Of course, there was a middle of the walk back to the car pitstop that involved a surprising guest. Then, we continued to walk, checking out the birdcage. It’s this historic building with a set of lights at the top that changes from time to time (that night, it was a pinkish-red color to anyone who was on the edge of their seat).
As we meandered back to the parking garage, we collected another mark for our sightseeing bingo card. One honorary first star of the night, Amadeus Lombardi was in the wild walking out of a parking garage (or parking ramp for those in Grand Rapids).
What’s going on with the promising Detroit Red Wings prospect, Amadeus Lombardi?
Speaking of the spiffy Lombardi, he's not just a class act because of his fancy attire. He's also a respectful young man, who knew the assignment with Dogg's special night. Even though Lombardi was awarded the first star of the night for his play, he made sure that Dogg came out on the ice with him and was the focus of the cheers from the crowd. Classy move, if I do say so myself.
Personally, I've enjoyed Lombardi. He seems like a great human being. Yet, I’ll be the first to admit it. Shamefully, I wasn’t an instant fan of Lombardi.
The young center has undeniable swagger (if that’s still a word), personality, and a little spunk. However, I’m skeptical of the super-skilled guys.
It’s no offense to the individual players. Skilled guys and the Detroit Red Wings haven’t seen the most long-term success in recent years. So, when I see a young, highly skilled player (especially a forward), I’m apprehensive at best.
Last season, it was no different with Lombardi. Adding to my doubts, he had fancy feet and hands, but at times, I wondered how much of it was just for show. He’d try doing everything on his own at times, deking through opponents and causing unneeded turnovers or plays that seemed to lead nowhere.
Valient efforts were wonderful, just a bit misguided and not as effective as I had hoped.
This season, Lombardi not only traded his flowing locks for a shaved head, but he also brought a bit more methodical approach to his game. Even during the prospect games in Traverse City, Michigan, Lombardi was a standout in my viewing. This perspective shift hasn’t waivered since. He looks like a completely different player.
No longer just wielding a set of mad skills with questionable substance, he seemed like he was on a mission. It is reminiscent of the current captain of the Detroit Red Wings, Dylan Larkin. The two have the high-octane styles of play with maybe a bit more high pace to Larkin’s game, while Lombardi is a bit more of a skilled puck handler. Either way, the two have a bit of an echo or complimentary style when it comes to their games.
Much like Larkin, too, Lombardi has adjusted to playing a bit slower of a pace of hockey so that he can best use his teammates to his advantage.
For any party interested, Lombardi played in 70 regular season games with five goals and 21 assists for a total of 26 points, along with a +5 plus/minus rating. In the playoffs, Lombardi amassed one goal in eight appearances, no assists, and a -2 rating. In his time last season, he took only 16 minutes worth of penalty minutes as well—doesn’t get sent to the penalty box a whole lot, which is nice. Those numbers might not catch anybody’s attention, but I think his rookie campaign was decent.
The transition from juniors to professional hockey is a steep jump, and Lombardi made a smooth one overall. He’s a player that coach Watson relies upon in various situations. I expect the usage (both in time on ice and specific roles within the lineup) to increase as the season chugs along. With the additions of Nate Danielson and Sheldon Dries to the Grand Rapids Griffins, it seems Lombardi’s been kept at about the same spot and role in the lineup as last season so far. Injuries and call-ups will change that dynamic. Once Lombardi gets a chance higher in the lineup, I’m sure he will remain there for the rest of the season.
Also, in the little pamphlet they gave out at the Grand Rapids Griffins game, coach Watson mentions wanting to roll all four lines. The goal is to have the confidence and ability to play any line at any given time. He seems to have stuck to this relatively well; I can’t 100% confirm this point of view as the time on ice isn’t released to the public, but it seems that the lines are pretty balanced with their time on ice.
Impressively, even though he’s been in a third line role most of this season, Lombardi has 14 total points (eight goals, six assists) with a -1 rating. He’s only taken one trip to the penalty box this season (a two-minute minor), so that’s good too. Lombardi seems to have broken through offensively in the American Hockey League (AHL). Next, and especially if he wants to remain a center, Lombardi has to continue to improve on the defensive side of the puck.
In the small sample size, Lombardi has looked willing and able to play a well-rounded 200-foot game. However, it will take time. Both the Detroit Red Wings and Lombardi, a fourth-round pick in 2022, have plenty of time to grow.
Although, I’m still not quite sold on his role as a full-time center. Both his overall game and path to the National Hockey League (NHL) might be better suited to the wing, I still can’t deny the improvement I’ve seen from Lombardi in such a small amount of time.
As far as his ceiling is concerned, it's up to Lombardi. My hope is he becomes a middle-six forward who provides help on the power play and depth scoring to a team that desperately needs both.
No matter the position Lombardi finds success playing or role in the NHL, the Detroit Red Wings might have found a good one with their late-round pick. I’m glad he’s proving me wrong.