When Andrew Copp was able to recover from an injury quicker than expected, the Detroit Red Wings and Grand Rapid Griffins both benefitted.

Copp’s return cleared the way for John Leonard to return to the Griffins. Leonard contributed a shorthanded goal and an assist Friday to help the Griffins post a 4-2 road victory against the Rockford IceHogs. Ondrej Becher broke a 2-2 tie with a third period goal that proved to be the game-winner. Carter Mazur also scored.

The game also marked the AHL debut of Swedish forward Eddie Genborg who is in Grand Rapids Griffins on an ATO. The 2025 Red Wings second-round pick didn’t figure in the scoring but had one shot on goal.

Michal Postava totaled 20 saves to raise his record to 13-5-0. Leonard leads the Griffins with 28 goals

The Griffins had lost three of their last four coming into this game. Amadeus Lombardi is back in the Grand Rapids lineup after dealing with an injury. Nate Danielson is still sidelined.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Veteran J.T. Compher is playing impressively well in between Alex DeBrincat and Patrick Kane.

The Red Wings boast two finalists for the Hobey Baker Award. 

Goalie John Gibson has been crucial to the Red Wings finding a higher level of success.

Red Wings Extra

The Eastern Conference playoff race will enter another phase tonight with Boston Bruins playing a road game in Detroit (8 p.m.) and other others all in action. Columbus has a home game against Seattle (5 p.m. ET). The New York Islanders will play the Canadiens in Montreal (7 p.m.). The Ottawa Senators are home to play in the Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m.). . . Five times this season, the Red Wings have scored the go-ahead goal in the last five minutes of regulation. Only three other teams have done more times: Anaheim (7), the New York Islanders (7) and St. Louis (6).

Hockey Now Digest

Boston: The Bruins have the NHL’s toughest remaining schedule. Boston Bruins.

Colorado: The Avalanche have clinched a playoff spot. It’s OK to feel envious. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: Seth Jones comes back from injury, now his defensive partner Niko Mikkola is hurt. Florida Panthers.

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby adds his voice to those who see inconsistency in the rulings from the league’s Department of Player Safety. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Can former Red Wings goalie Alex Nedeljkovic change the narrative of his career? Sheng Peng explores that question. San Jose Sharks. 

 

 

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