3 Best Detroit Red Wings prospects in the AHL playoffs (so far)

“Listen to these words, ‘Ooh child, things will get easier. Ooh child, things will get brighter,’ now bring it down hard.”

Just as the Grand Rapids Griffins organization left a sour taste in fans’ mouths without providing enough rally towels, their game on the ice fell short as well Wednesday night. 

Though the Van Andel Arena wasn’t packed, it was loud enough. “Let’s go Griffins” and the famous, “You suck” chants at the opposing goaltender echoed throughout the game. Even a resounding, “Refs you suck” couldn’t pump up the players.

It was a stinker of a game. Quite the opposite of the game 1 of the series, which saw a questionable first half give way to a stellar second half of the game.

Maybe Sebastian Cossa being knocked over as he surrendered a goal shook his confidence, or the previous loss at Van Andel, a rare occurrence this season, let doubt creep into his mind. Maybe Albert Johansson and Simon Edvinsson are still searching for the magic that made their bromance come alive midseason. Could the Grand Rapids Griffins have underestimated their opponents? Very likely.

Possibly Jonatan Berggren is still adjusting to the extra attention he’s garnering from the opposition with little to no help from his teammates. Any dash of hope or confidence shattered in an instance with a cross-check, hip check, or hold as his enemies pleased. 

In the past 2 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins, these are the 3 Detroit Red Wings prospects that have excelled (plus a bonus). Here’s who and why, plus a bonus.

Who have been your standouts from the first 2 games?

Bonus: Radim Šimek

I was going to include Radim Šimek on the list of prospects, but I heard the negative noodles before typing. 

“A 31-year old is not considered a prospect at any position in hockey.” 

Aside from being personally offended at anyone thinking 31 years of age is “old,” I have to say that you are likely right. However, it takes nothing away from Šimek’s performance in the last 2 games (and since he’s joined the Grand Rapids Griffins, quite frankly).

When we traded for him I thought and felt many things. Confusion. Frustration. With the predominant question being, but why? We have countless left handed defensemen who are really good. So good, in fact, that we had to say goodbye to a promising one in Donovan Sebrango already. We don’t have a need for another veteran player taking a slot from a young defenseman.

Luckily for me, I’m constantly proven wrong. Especially in the context of the Detroit Red Wings, thanks to general manager Steve Yzerman.

The Detroit Red Wings system desperately needed a quality veteran defenseman since former Grand Rapids Griffins captain (and legend) Brian Lashoff retired. He can only do so much behind the bench as a defensive coach. It seems that the Grand Rapids Griffins found their answer in Šimek.

He plays a hard, effective game that surprises me at times. From keeping pucks in the zone, to heavy hits, to taking hits to make a play, to the effort, to making plays, and everywhere in between, Šimek is just the player this organization needed. We got him just in the nick of time.

Antti Tuomisto

Speaking of defensemen, Antti Tuomisto has had a quiet 2 games. There was a 2-minute tripping penalty in the opening minute of game 1, however, it was a questionable call at best. 

He hasn’t been on the ice for a goal (both for or against). I can feel disappointment from some fans, but try to remember the Grand Rapids Griffins gave up 5 goals on Wednesday night and 2 in the prior game. Maybe Tuomisto was lucky, or maybe he completed his objective.

Pizzazz is great for certain players, while other players work in the shadows. Every now and then, Tuomisto lays a thunderous hit or blasts a shot from the point. For the most part, though, Tuomisto is a defensively-responsible, smartly-positioned player who puts his team before himself. All these aspects shined throughout both games to those fans who paid attention.

His skating has significantly improved since being drafted in 2019, but he’s not winning foot races. Instead, he must play conservatively and pay close attention to the game to find success on the ice. 

Thus far, the future looks bright for Tuomisto both in the near and far future. 

Jonatan Berggren

The most polarizing prospect for the Detroit Red Wings has emerged from Filip Zadina’s shadow. Berggren is a player that a fan either loves or hates. I fall into the former category. 

A couple of fans had the audacity to claim that a broken play was the reason Berggren was demoted. Funny, to me his play last night and the previous game said everything to the contrary. 

To me, Berggren looks hurt. I do mean hurt. Not sure if it’s a hip, his back, a combination of things, or something else, but he’s playing through something(s). He’s not alone in that category. Many Grand Rapids Griffins seem banged up heading into game 3. I’m not sure if any injury justifies sitting out the next game, but we shall see. From what I could tell, though, Berggren is playing through more than a little injury.

In game 1, opponents rocked and socked him however they wanted to, as Berggren doesn’t exist to the referees for some reason. He had the last laugh with the overtime winner.

Game 2 saw even more vicious hits. Anytime Berggren seemed to have a spark of any kind, an opposing player was there with a waterfall the size of Niagra Falls. It didn’t stop Berggren from doing his best to attempt plays.

It’s all that i can ask of Berggren until something else gives. 

I think he needs help. Maybe it’s in the form of switching up his linemates, his defensemen making better passes, or his team giving a darn again.

Here’s to hoping in game 3, Berggren can channel his inner Star-Lord. Challenging the opposition to a dance-off, face-off (for those of you who have seen Guardians of the Galaxy 3), or anything else while he piles up points would be ideal. (Please note there is a curse word in the below video.)