11/1 Griffins vs. Rochester Americans

[TStar]

Griffins lose 3-1 but outshoot Rochester 34-24.

Adam Dennis beat Adam Berkhoel

3 Stars
1. Marek Zagrapan (Rochester)
2. Adam Dennis (Rochester)
3. Brett Engelhardt

Prospect Performance
D Jonathan Ericsson - 5PIM (fighting)
C Darren Helm - Nothing of note
G Jimmy Howard - DNP (recalled)
D Jakub Kindl - -1, 4PIM (high-sticking, hooking)
C Evan McGrath - 1 shot, 2 PIM (hooking)
C Ryan Oulahen - 1 shot
D Kyle Quincey - +1, 3 shots, 2PIM (tripping)
LW Mattias Ritola - 3 shots
LW Johan Ryno - DNP

[RedWings]

Any idea why Ryno didn't play?

[fanaway]

Frig sakes, what is going on with these guys. Can someone who was there (and I understand if you weren't based on how they are playing at home) give an assessment of the prospects play of late. Stothers needs to jack these boys up.

[Griffan]

Frig sakes, what is going on with these guys. Can someone who was there (and I understand if you weren't based on how they are playing at home) give an assessment of the prospects play of late. Stothers needs to jack these boys up.

Ericsson ... Big guy who doesn't play physical. Rocket of a shot but won't shoot the puck. Will drop the gloves if needed. His play has declined since the middle of last season and continues to do so.

Helm ... Fast skater, not afraid to go to the net, good shot. Can't understand why he doesn't see more ice time.

Kindl ... Also big and not physical, bad outlet passes, weak positionally, tends to cross over into his partner's zone and leave his man uncovered, can rush the puck but gets caught up ice, poor decision making.

Oulahen ... Much improved skating over last season, hustles, works hard, solid defensively in his own end, has offensive skills as well, consistant.

McGrath ... Skating has improved, will play physical, good hands, good shot, consistancy needs to improve.

Quincey ... Stepped in and as expected took control on the blue line, typical Quincey, hits hard, skates well, good outlet passes and solid in front of the net. Good puck movement in the offensive zone, quick and accurate passes. Lost interest last season after being sent down from Detroit and played poorly in GR. Hopefully that doesn't happen again should he stay down and the team continue to struggle.

Ritola ... European Himelfarb, stick handles like a S.O.B. then loses the puck, He does have some really nice moves but tends to make the extra move that either results in a lost puck or a giveaway, good skater, not afraid of being hit but won't give a hit, learning the game.

Ryno ... hasn't played enough to be fair but he has similar weaknesses as Kindl and Ericsson as far as physical play is concerned. He also is inconsistant but is learning the game. I'd like to see him in the lineup more often.

Tonight there was no zip after the first period. Penalties did them in. Some were deserved but a few were questionable. They took themselves out of 3 PP chances due to dumb penalties. Weak coverage in front of the net led to 2 goals. Berkhoel played well but didn't get much help. This team just looks lost. They're not clicking. The best way to describe it is sloppy. I can't explain it. The first period they looked good, best I've seen them at home this season. Second and third they looked tired and lost. More like a collection of individuals than a team. It's frustrating as hell but it's part of the deal when you support an AHL team.

There have been a lot of changes to the Griffins and it will take time for them to come around. New coach, new attitudes, only 9 returning players from last season, no established veteran leadership. This team has some good players. The team will come together but we have to be patient.

I don't know what goes on behind closed doors and quite honestly it's none of our business. I do know that Stothers isn't going to sit idly and let this team continue to slide. He said so at the meet and greet and I have to believe he's true to his word.

Hope this helps

Brian

[RedWings]

Fantastic recap Brian, much appreciated.

Worried about Kindl, but he struggled to adapt to the OHL at first so I guess we just need to give him time. But considering his decision making and giveaways are still constants, that's a worry.

[fanaway]

Thanks Brian.

I see the PP was 0-9 again last night while giving up two shorties which made the 2 goal difference.

Any chance of McGrath getting some time on the PP maybe instead of Ritola on the left side of the top unit with Hartigan and Gelech? I thought he looked good in limited PP minutes in Hamiliton.

The ramp time on Kindl and Ericsson is clearly giving us problems as well. From what I saw and what I've read it will be an up and down year.

Hopefully Helm starts to see a little more ice as well.

Thanks again Brian

[Go Wings]

Great recap thanks Brian. Hmm from Brian's recap it's clear Quincey is ready which I think alot of us agree. Detroit should dump Lilja and give Quincey his spot.

[Griffan]

Great recap thanks Brian. Hmm from Brian's recap it's clear Quincey is ready which I think alot of us agree. Detroit should dump Lilja and give Quincey his spot.

If he's going to take a regular shift in Detroit then I'd say call him up. If not then let him play here in GR. It would be nice if the Wings moved someone to make room for Quincey because he is ready to make the leap IMO. On the other hand he can be a good example for Ericsson and Kindl to follow here in GR too.

Brian

[heyfolks]

It sounded as if Q had played his way onto the team before the injury. That said, I doubt he is called up and someone moved after that fast start and solid team D. If a trade is made, the Wings may part with Lebda or Meech to move him up because Babcock wants size. Yet, if they wait until next season, they move Q up, let Lilja go and save a bit of money.

That or Chelios moves on. I like the guy. He is THE American icon in hockey. Yet, in the cap era you can't afford to lose good young players who will help the club for 10 or more years.