The Grand Rapids Griffins loss 4-0 in their opening playoff game is not what Detroit Red Wings boss Steve Yzerman wants to see after his team’s disappointing finish.

“It’s extremely important– any playoff run for these kids,” Yzerman said in his season-ending press conference, which was before this game was played. “You look at Marco (Kasper), for example, even actually Elmer (Soderblom) and Marco in particular.  We had Simon and Jonathan there as well, playing. They were counted on in key roles. And these games are hard. The American League, as we all know, is a good league, And in particular, you get in these playoff games, It’s a real grind. And I thought every one of them really responded well last year. ”

The Texas Stars significantly outplayed the Griffins for the first 40 minutes to take charge of the outcome. The importance of the loss is magnified by the fact the Griffins were playing at home. Plus, this is only a five-game series and Texas plays the extra home game.

Before that game occurred, Yzerman said:  “We’re hopeful with the same group of guys, they’re in the same situation, a new group of guys, they get value, can go on a long run, but most importantly, learn how hard it is and how hard you have to play and how committed you have to be. It’s just at another level, but the same in the NHL when eventually they get there.”

Goalie Sebastian Cossa, Detroit’s goalie of the future, was pulled in Game 1 after giving up four goals. Cossa and the Griffins will be looking for a bounce-back performance in Game 2 on Monday.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Bob Duff writes about how the Dylan Larkin-Steve Yzerman tension is being overblown.

Rookie Marco Kasper will be playing for Austria at the World Championships.

Paywall story: Do the Red Wings realistically have a shot at potential free agent Mitch Marner? We know they are willing to pay him top dollar. To subscribe to DHN+ stories, click here.

Red Wings Extra

Former Red Wings player Austin Czarnik, the Swiss National League scoring leader this past season, arguably was the top free agent in the loop until he accepted a deal to play for Lausanne. The Michigan native was a dominant performer for Bern last season, putting up 20 goals and 36 assists for 56 points in 49 games.  “His experience at the highest level, his versatility and his speed of play will have an immediate impact on our offense,” Lausanne manager John Fust said. “He adds real value to our squad thanks to his North American background, his ability to read the game, and his capacity to make the difference in decisive moments.”

Hockey Now Network

Colorado: The Avs won a wildly entertaining game against the Dallas Stars. Here is a look at how they got there. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: It’s set: The Panthers will face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the next round of the NHL postseason. Here’s a first look at why this series has been eagerly anticipated. Florida Panthers.

New Jersey: Goalie Jacob Markstrom says he is open to signing a contract extension with the New Jersey Devils. 

Philadelphia: Hockey insider Kevin Weekes reported that former Red Wings assistant coach and current Western Michigan coach Pat Ferschweiler interviewed for the Flyers’ head coaching job. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski looks at whether a new coach will be able to save defenseman Ryan Graves. Pittsburgh Penguins.