The Milwaukee Admirals defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins 5-2 in the battle of the junior varsity squads Saturday at Van Andel Arena.

Because of Detroit call-ups and their own injuries, the Griffins are playing without their top five scorers — John Leonard (41 points), Dominik Shine (37), Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (37), Sheldon Dries (37) and Amadeus Lombardi (34). When you consider scoring rate, you can say the top six offensive players because Nate Danielson (15 points in 18 games) is also injured.  And don’t forget the Red Wings traded Justin Holl who was a strong presence on the Grand Rapids defense. Meanwhile, the Admirals were without six of their top eight point-producers.

With the loss, The Grand Rapids record moved to 43-10-3-1 with 90 points through 57 games. That dropped the Griffins to second place in the AHL for the first time this season.

Griffins goalie Sebastian Cossa also suffered one of his most lopsided losses of the season. Coming into the game, Cossa had not given up more than one goal in a period for 24 consecutive periods. But the Admirals scored three against Cossa in the first period Saturday night.

Eduards Tralmaks did score his 19th goal for the Griffins. The Detroit AHL affiliate will be on the road today to play the Chicago Wolves at 6 p.m.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Late goal by Lucas Raymond salvages a point for the Red Wings in Dallas.

Detroit prospect Eddie Genborg’s SHL season is over. Where does he go from here?

Goalie Trey Augustine is No. 5 on TSN’s Top 50 NHL affiliated prospects

Red Wings Extra

Earning a point against the Stars was crucial for the Red Wings. For now, the focus has to be on Columbus and Boston. That point keeps Detroit tied with the Boston Bruins in the wildcard race and leaves it a point ahead of Columbus. But after a 1-2-1 road trip, the Red Wings desperately need a home win Monday against the Calgary Flames. They own the second-worst record (26-33-7). The Flames are 2-6-1 in their last nine, including a 3-2 loss to the New York Islanders Saturday night. At 2.47 goals per game, they rank last in the NHL in goal scoring.

Hockey Now Digest

New Jersey: James Nichols wonders whether it will come down to trading Simon Nemec or Dougie Hamilton to upgrade New Jersey’s forward group. New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia:  William James explains why the Flyers couldn’t rise up to earn the two points they truly needed. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: Bryan Rust receives pie in the face on Pie Day. The media unwittingly participated. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Igor Chernyshov will travel with the Sharks after a scary hit. San Jose Sharks. 

 

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