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Tuning in for the Griffins first post season game was not necessarily the distraction from Detroit’s early exit one would hope for. The Texas Stars scored 4 times on 19 shots before Cossa was pulled, and the Griffins could find the back of the net in this one.
There were a few individual plays that stood out, mostly by Lombardi, but this game felt like a bit of a “shock and awe” for the Griffins. Texas was ready to play. It’s tempting to look at the week off Grand Rapids had as they avoided the play in round, but Texas was also off for those games. The stars just seemed to overwhelm Grand Rapids, and Cossa wasn’t able to lock the door.
Bob Kaser made an interesting comment in the pregame. He talked about the first part of the year vs. the second and specifically cited Cossa. It was a quote that basically stated that when Cossa is on his game, he looks NHL ready. When he’s off, he can be really off. Tonight he didn’t look ready.
It’s game 1, the Griffins have had some additions and swaps in the lineup, but when you don’t get those saves that keep the team in the game it’s tough sledding. Texas, rightfully, had all 3 stars of the game. Their goalie posted a 29 shot shutout. Grand Rapids had their best chances when Lombardi would get in the offensive zone and his creativity would open shooting lanes. Full marks to Texas for defensive prowess, a physical forecheck and a goalie that was there when needed. In the 3rd period Watson tried to get the team going with some physicality but it was too late.
After a press conference that was, at the very least, a tough watch the Griffin’s playoff opener was going to be a glimpse at the prospects many (self included) wanted and want to see take jobs in the Detroit lineup. The team didn’t look “playoff ready” and the intensity felt a bit one sided (that side being TX). This may be the best possible lesson heading into game 2, with plenty of time to think about how hard the team needs to come out of the gate. There is a mixed bag of experience in terms of post seasons. Buium saw NCAA championships, Sandin Pellikka saw one championship run and one playoff run that fell short (Brandsegg Nygard was around for that as well), and a chunk of the team remembers the Milwaukee series from last year. Watson (opinion) can help put the team in the frame of mind as an NHL veteran and leader. We’ll see how they approach game 2.
On the plus side, it was noted
by PHR that Yzerman wants Patrick Kane back for next season in a rare show of hand during the press conference. There seemed to be a general agreement in the comments that the Kane/Kasper/Debrincat line was firing as the most consistent line at the end of the season. While the left wing for Larkin/Raymond remains a fluid situation, Lombardi showed flashes of the speed and creativity even in a tough loss that could (and personal opinion thinks should) see the centerman on the wing in camp and preseason. He could project very much like Kasper, and that would be a welcome development.
If you tuned in for the broadcast, please put your thoughts in. It just looked like Grand Rapids couldn’t engage but that’s a singular point of view. Texas was ready and put this one to bed fairly early. Does the coach need to say much or are the players fully aware that this is clearly a post season that will garner the eyes of the entire organization? Do you allow the room leaders (players) to have the floor for this moment or is it time to rein in and recalibrate?
Grand Rapids now has a 6 day wait until game 2, so it will be interesting to see how things look in practice for the next week.
Game watch, no Griffins goals to highlight.
1st Period goals:
At 3:40 Tx opens scoring. 1-0 tx
At 6:46 TX scores again. 2-0 TX
Shots:
Score: 2-0 TX
2nd Period goals:
At 5:30 TX scores on PP. 3-0 TX. 3 goals on 14 shots.
TX scores their 4th on their 19th shot, Cossa gets pulled
Shots: 22-21 TX
Score: 4-0 TX
3rd Period goals:
No 3rd period goals
Shots: 30-29 TX
Score: 4-0 TX
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