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As Detroit fans on “prospect watch” await game 2 for the Griffins in the post season, it’s difficult to put into context how important this playoff showing is from the perspective of what impact the pipeline will have for next season and going forward. The game 1 shutout against the stars saw a lineup with new faces coming off a full week of practice waiting out the play in round. Due to the oddities of the AHL, another 6 day wait stands between the Griffins and a chance to wipe away a tough night at the office.
Many of the prospects that are being bandied about by the fan base are front and center. Arguable, Axel Sandin-Pellikka is the most talked about in terms of people outside of the fan base and the NHL in general. Amadeus Lombardi, Nate Danielson and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard have all been addressed as potentially battling for time in Detroit next year, with the blue line rounding out with Tuomisto, Wallinder, Buium and now Andersson in the mix. Sebastian Cossa holds the top spot for potential “net gains” (see what I did there?) in a young goalie prospect that has shown flashes of being ready to compete for a spot and in a place where he could be called up (as Augustine is still at MSU for another season after recommitting for his 3rd year).
The problem in a shutout is that the “highlight pundits” don’t have any of the offensive numbers, and with 4 goals scored against have plenty of unfriendly data to fill in the spreadsheet. There were glimpses, but only glimpses, of players who can make an impact. Of the prospects, Lombardi and Sandin-Pellikka stood out in creativity and finding lanes. The team, in general, needs the playoff adrenaline for game 2 and being off for another 6 days makes that tougher (especially with all the comforts of home). It may almost be a good idea to pull the players and practice in Detroit, staying at a hotel for a couple of days. Sounds crazy, but being on the road changes the mindset. We’ll see what comes of it all.
As for the really bad B-movie conspiracy, that came after edit, thank you Blue Line Enforcer! In being way too emotional and way too off I screwed this up. Ferschweiler doesn’t coach at MSU. He’s the coach at Western with Nightingale at MSU. Horrible, horrible look and I’m sorry. Will leave it up with a tweak.
MSU(actually WMU) head coach Peter Ferschweiler interviewed for the job in Philly as bench boss.
* - my stupid inaccuracy in this kills the conspiracy that had no real legs to begin with. The only thing that remains true are two prospects who turned down their ELC, and the Spartans were scouted by Philly throughout the year. I’d rather own it than try to pretend i didn’t blow it!
Michigan State has a special team that have bonded and seeing prospect Trey Augustine at times be credited for “carrying” the group (with signs of “in Trey we trust” being made by fans) the move brought together for what makes for a water cooler conspiracy:
1 - Trey Augustine opts for at least the 2nd time not to sign his ELC
2 - Lightning prospect and Hobey Baker winner Isaac Howard is returning for a 4th year and can become a UFA after next year
3 - Philly had scouts at the MSU games for much of the season
So it writes itself. Ferschweiler gets the gig (again, correction, Nightingale would have to leave MSU, Ferschweiler is a WMU and won the NCAA title). , Isaac Howard loves the coach, Philly has seen plenty of the player to offer him the best possible in ELC offers. Augustine follows suit, and the 3 are reunited in orange and white. Pretty thin, but at least an entertaining scenario. If Ferschweiler leaves for the NHL, it will be interesting to see how the team dynamic is changed next season.
Now comes the difficult part. This entry is number 1,425 since my initial post in 2019 as the Detroit Red Wings blogger for Hockeybuzz. The time has come to pass the mantle and move on. It is with a heavy heart and a lump in my throat that this decision is being made. For the past 6 years (except for a brief stint away) Hockeybuzz has been more than an opportunity to blog for my hometown team. It’s been community, a chance to do what I never thought was possible. It’s seen friendships made, and even the back and forth was a privilege to be a part of when some takes weren’t well received. All of it has been an anchor in a chaotic change in life.
My reasons are personal, but with nothing but gratitude to Ek for the chance to be in this position. The path of my life has changed and a lot of things are changing with it. Even now I’m trying to drag this out before clicking the button to post. None of the best things in life ever seem to have an easy ending (see Seinfeld and the series “Lost”) but everything has an ending. As with the sport itself, you don’t always know that you just played your last shift. I will miss this, and all of you, more than I can say. For those who tune into strings’npucks on youtube, there will still be content but it’s a slow and transitional time of year.
I’m saying goodbye, and it hurts. Any “constant” in life becomes welcome. You rely on it to reset in chaos and Hockeybuzz along with each of you have given me the ability to hold on through some terrible storms. What the future holds is still very much in transition but what the past has provided is concrete. This will be one of the most cherished parts of my life and one that has become a part of my DNA. Thank you, everyone, from Eklund to the readers, the commenters and the friends that have been part of this journey. Just as I believe Detroit will find its way, I know that I will as well. So at 1,425 I’m signing off with extreme gratitude. Be good to yourselves and each other, and may we meet again (or even for the first time) soon. You can always email me through my youtube channel or “Stutteringguitarist”.com. I have amassed a huge collection of screenshots from words of kindnesss and notes from so many of you. You have been part of an incredible journey, without you it wouldn’t have been possible. Until we meet again, goodbye for now. - Jeremy
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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