Griffins Playoff Recreation #5 * Dwelling Playoff Recreation #3 * AHL Recreation #R1
Common-Season Sequence: 6-3-0-1 Common-Season Dwelling Sequence: 3-2-0-0 Common-Season Street Sequence: 3-1-0-1
All-Time Common-Season Sequence: 110-94-2-8-6 All-Time Common-Season Dwelling Sequence: 54-42-2-6-4 All-Time Common-Season Street Sequence: 56-52-0-2-2
Playoff Sequence: 0-1 Playoff Dwelling Sequence: 0-1 Playoff Street Sequence: 0-0
All-Time Playoff Sequence: 14-16 All-Time Playoff Dwelling Sequence: 7-8 All-Time Playoff Street Sequence: 7-8
Recreation 1 Recap
Josiah Slavin’s tally 6:48 into the third interval on Thursday proved the distinction, because the Chicago Wolves rallied to take down the Grand Rapids Griffins 2-1 in Recreation 1 of the Central Division Finals at Van Andel Enviornment. Eduards Tralmaks recorded the Griffins’ lone objective almost quarter-hour into the second interval for his second of the postseason, with Axel Sandin-Pellikka and William Lagesson incomes their first assists of the playoffs. Michal Postava stopped 30 photographs whereas making his fifth-consecutive begin and now reveals a .943 save share and 1.41 goals-allowed common in the course of the postseason. The Griffins are 3-3 all time in best-of-five collection after dropping Recreation 1, most lately defeating the Manitoba Moose in 4 video games (3-1) in the course of the Central Division Semifinals.
Setting the Stage
The Griffins clinched their twentieth playoff berth (28 postseasons) in 30 seasons with a franchise-best 51-16-4-1 file (.743) and 107 factors, claiming first place within the Central Division, first within the Western Convention and second general within the AHL. After defeating the fourth-seeded Manitoba Moose 3-1, Grand Rapids matches up towards the second-seeded Chicago Wolves (36-21-8-7, 87 pts.), who took down the third-seeded Texas Stars 3-2 within the division semifinals. After lacking the postseason in each 2023 and 2024, the Wolves return to the division finals for the primary time since they gained the cup in 2022. Grand Rapids completed the common season collection towards Chicago with a 6-3-0-1 file, together with 3-2-0-0 at Van Andel Enviornment and 3-1-0-1 at Allstate Enviornment. Six of the ten conferences have been determined by one objective and 5 of them have been determined previous regulation. The Griffins scored 4 or extra targets in simply two of the outings and completed the regular-season collection with only a slim plus-two scoring margin (25-23). Chicago registered the lone shutout within the common season between the 2 franchises, doing so in a 1-0 victory at Allstate Enviornment on March 15. Grand Rapids averaged 2.80 targets per sport at Chicago and a couple of.20 targets towards the Wolves at Van Andel Enviornment. All through their 30 years as rivals in each the AHL and IHL, the Griffins and Wolves have met within the playoffs six occasions, with Chicago successful on 4 events. Every time these groups have clashed within the postseason, the successful staff has gone on to both win the cup (thrice: GR 2017, CHI 2002 and 2000 IHL) or lose to the eventual champion (thrice: GR 2003, CHI 2019 and 2004). Over their 5 earlier AHL playoff conferences, the winner reached the Calder Cup Finals thrice and gained the cup twice. The Griffins and Wolves final met within the playoffs in the course of the 2019 Central Division Semifinals, with Chicago claiming a 3-2 victory. The Griffins are 7-8 at residence and 7-8 on the street towards Chicago within the postseason. Grand Rapids possesses a 106-91 ledger within the postseason and 22-17 collection file, which incorporates video games within the IHL’s Turner Cup Playoffs from 1996-01. The Griffins have an 8-7 mark in a best-of-five collection. That is Chicago’s sixteenth Calder Cup Playoff look in 23 seasons, because it has lifted three Calder Cups in 2022, 2008 and 2002. The Wolves are 111-84 in postseason video games and have a 27-12 collection file. The Wolves’ energy play, which ranked twenty fourth within the AHL in the course of the common season (16.9%), went 3-for-30 (10.0%) towards the Griffins. Chicago’s penalty kill completed sixth (84.1%) within the AHL and went 32-for-38 towards the Griffins (84.2%). Chicago ranked fifteenth within the AHL with 3.13 targets per sport and tied for tenth with 3.03 targets allowed per contest. Grand Rapids positioned second in targets per sport with 3.54 and first in targets allowed with 2.21.
Championship-Caliber Crew
With a 5-2 win on the Cleveland Monsters on March 26, the Griffins clinched a division title for the primary time since 2014-15, once they gained the Midwest, and claimed the Central Division crown for the primary time since 2002-03. With three weeks remaining within the common season, this marked the Griffins’ second-earliest title in franchise historical past (2002-03 Central—March 9) and their eighth division title general. Grand Rapids, which has now gained six division titles as a member of the AHL, earned the Sam Pollock Trophy for the primary time since 2005-06, when it was awarded to the champion of the North Division. With San Jose’s 6-3 win over Colorado on April 3, the Griffins clinched the Western Convention regular-season title. This marked their third regular-season convention championship as members of the AHL (2005-06 & 2002-03) and the fifth in franchise historical past, together with IHL Japanese Convention crowns in 2000-01 and 1999-00.
GR/MB Sequence Recap
After dropping Recreation 1 at Manitoba 1-0, the Griffins went on to win the following three and secured a 3-1 collection victory. For the primary time ever, they gained a best-of-five playoff collection in 4 video games after dropping Recreation 1, they usually clinched a collection on residence ice for the primary time because the 2017 Calder Cup Finals. Grand Rapids outscored the Moose 11-5, displaying 2.75 targets per sport whereas permitting 1.67 targets. The Griffins additionally outshot Manitoba 131-91 (32.8 vs. 22.8). Lastly, the Griffins’ energy play completed 4-for-10 (40.0%) and the penalty kill went 8-for-9 (88.9%). Carter Mazur confirmed a team-best 5 factors and 4 targets in 4 outings and John Leonard and Erik Gustafsson led the roster with three assists. In web, rookie Michal Postava logged a 3-1 mark with one shutout, a 1.25 GAA and a .945 save share. Grand Rapids’ 5 complete targets allowed towards Manitoba tied a franchise file for fewest in a four-game collection. Marc Lamothe allowed 5 to Chicago in the course of the 2003 Western Convention Semifinals, a four-game sweep by the Griffins.
CHI/TEX Sequence Recap
Chicago’s collection with the Texas Stars went the complete 5 video games, with the Wolves successful the decisive Recreation 5, 6-1, at Allstate Enviornment. The Wolves cut up the 2 video games in Texas earlier than returning to Chicago and successful two of the three contests. Two of the 5 video games have been determined in additional time. Chicago outscored the Stars 17-13, displaying 3.40 targets per sport whereas permitting 2.60 targets. Chicago was outshot by Texas 147-130 (26.0 vs. 29.4). Lastly, the Wolves’ energy play completed 3-for-18 (16.7%) and the penalty kill went 14-for-16 (87.5%). Ryan Suzuki confirmed a team-high six factors and 4 targets in 5 outings and Bradly Nadeau led the roster with 4 assists. In web, Cayden Primeau went 3-2 with a 2.27 GAA and a .918 save share.
Excessive Stakes
All through their 30 years as rivals in each the AHL and IHL, the Griffins and Wolves have met within the playoffs six occasions, with Chicago successful on 4 events. Every time these groups have clashed within the postseason, the successful staff has gone on to both win the cup (thrice) or lose to the eventual champion (thrice). Over their 5 earlier AHL playoff conferences, the winner reached the Calder Cup Finals thrice and gained the cup twice.
| GR/CHI Sequence | Profitable Crew | How Profitable Crew Completed |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Central Division Semifinals | CHI, 3-2 | Misplaced to Charlotte (1-4) in Calder Cup Finals |
| 2018 Central Division Finals | GR, 4-1 | Defeated Syracuse (4-2) in Calder Cup Finals |
| 2004 West Division Semifinals | CHI, 4-0 | Misplaced to Milwaukee (2-4) in West Division Finals |
| 2003 Western Convention Semifinals | GR, 4-0 | Misplaced to Houston (3-4) in Western Convention Finals |
| 2002 Western Convention Quarterfinals | CHI, 3-2 | Defeated Bridgeport (4-1) in Calder Cup Finals |
| 2000 IHL Turner Cup Finals | CHI, 4-2 | Defeated Grand Rapids (4-2) in Turner Cup Finals |
Final One Standing
The Griffins are the lone division champion remaining within the Calder Cup Playoffs, as they downed the Manitoba Moose 3-1 within the division semifinals, making this the primary AHL postseason since 2014 during which three first-place golf equipment did not win a minimum of one playoff collection. The Windfall Bruins, who completed first within the AHL and Atlantic Division, have been bounced by the Springfield Thunderbirds within the largest upset in AHL postseason historical past. The Thunderbirds completed 38 factors beneath the Bruins within the common season. The Toronto Marlies took care of the Laval Rocket, who have been the highest seed within the North Division, 3-2. Lastly, the highest staff within the Pacific, the Ontario Reign, have been downed 3-2 to the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Along with three of the 4 No. 1 seeds being eradicated, solely three of the 4 two-seeds stay within the Chicago Wolves (Central), Colorado Eagles (Pacific) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Atlantic).
The Promised Land
On Feb. 27, the Griffins clinched their twentieth playoff berth with a 4-1 Hershey Bears victory over the Rockford IceHogs and have become the primary staff to clinch a spot within the postseason. Feb. 27 was the earliest clinching date in staff historical past, surpassing the earlier mark of March 6 in the course of the 2003-04 season, and the earliest for an AHL staff since 1992-93, when the Binghamton Rangers clinched on Feb. 24 with 24 video games remaining. Grand Rapids returns to the Calder Cup Playoffs for the third consecutive season underneath head coach Dan Watson, after lacking the earlier two postseasons in 2022 and 2023. The Griffins held a minimum of a share of first place within the Central Division for your complete season and led your complete AHL for a lot of the marketing campaign.
A Minimize Above
There have been 11 completely different Calder Cup champions since 2011, with Grand Rapids (2017, 2013) and Hershey (2024, 2023) being the one groups to earn a number of championships throughout that point. The opposite winners have been Abbotsford (2025), Chicago (2022), Charlotte (2019), Toronto (2018), Lake Erie (2016), Manchester (2015), Texas (2014), Norfolk (2012) and Binghamton (2011).
Prior Historical past
The Griffins and Wolves renew a rivalry that dates again to their IHL days in 1996-97. Each franchises joined the AHL in the identical season in 2001-02. For the reason that 1996-97 IHL season, the groups have met a mixed 220 occasions within the common season, with the Griffins possessing a 110-94-2-8-6 file (.541). The Wolves are the second-most frequent opponent of the Griffins. Grand Rapids and Chicago have met six occasions within the postseason (AHL & IHL), with the Wolves claiming 4 of the six collection victories. The Griffins and Wolves final met within the playoffs in the course of the 2019 Central Division Semifinals, with Chicago claiming a 3-2 victory. Over their 5 earlier AHL playoff conferences, the winner reached the Calder Cup Finals thrice and gained the cup twice. All time within the postseason, the Griffins are 7-8 at residence and 7-8 on the street towards Chicago.
Arduous to Kill
Through the Griffins’ franchise-record run of seven straight playoff appearances from 2013-2019, they gained two Calder Cups (2013 and 2017), twice misplaced to the eventual champion (Texas 2014, Lake Erie 2016), and twice misplaced to the cup runner-up (Utica 2015, Chicago 2019). Throughout their 15 earlier AHL playoff runs, they gained these pair of cups, misplaced to the eventual champion on 4 events, and in addition misplaced to the opposite finalist 4 occasions. Together with their first 5 seasons as members of the Worldwide Hockey League, the Griffins have certified for the postseason on 20 prior events, successful all of it twice, dropping six occasions to the eventual champ, and dropping 4 occasions to the runner-up.
Bench Boss
Third-year head coach Dan Watson makes his third straight Calder Cup Playoffs look. He’s the third head coach in franchise historical past to succeed in the postseason in every of his first three full years as head coach, becoming a member of Jeff Blashill (2012-15) and Todd Nelson (2015-18). Watson, who has by no means missed the postseason as a professional head coach, has an 8-9 playoff file in three seasons with Grand Rapids, which incorporates two journeys to the division finals (2026, 2024). With the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye, Watson went 51-34 (.600) over 5 postseasons, reaching the Kelly Cup Finals twice (2019 and 2022) and main Toledo to 4 Western Convention Finals berths (2017, 2019, 2022 and 2023).
Scouting Chicago
The Wolves are led by Felix Unger Sorum who confirmed 66 factors (17-49–66) in 72 video games, main the staff in factors, assists, video games performed and power-play assists (15). Unger Sorum ranks among the many AHL leaders in factors (T6th) and assists (T3rd). Bradly Nadeau, a 2025-26 AHL All-Star Traditional participant, ranked first on the roster with 27 targets in 52 outings, along with pacing the staff in power-play targets (7) and game-winners (5). On the defensive facet of the ice, fellow all-star basic choice Domenick Fensore led all of Chicago’s blueliners within the common season with 35 factors (10-25–35) in 60 video games. Cayden Primeau and Amir Miftakhov cut up time in web for the Wolves. Primeau led the way in which with a 21-11-7 mark (wins T11th) with 4 shutouts (T3rd), a 2.41 GAA (T7th) and a .916 save share (T4th) in 39 video games (T12th). Miftakhov logged a 12-8-7 ledger with two shutouts, a 3.25 GAA and an .888 save share in 28 video games. Chicago’s high rookie is Evan Vierling who posted 35 factors (16-19—35) in 70 contests. Within the 2026 postseason, Ryan Suzuki has led the Wolves with six factors (4-2–6) and 4 targets in 5 video games, whereas Nadeau has a team-high 4 assists in 5 outings. In web, Primeau has gone 3-2 in 5 playoff contests with a 2.27 GAA and a .918 save share. The Wolves’ roster consists of 4 former first-round alternatives in Cal Foote (14th in 2017 TB), Juuso Valimaki (sixteenth in 2017 CGY), Suzuki (twenty eighth in 2019 CAR) and Nadeau (thirtieth in 2023 CAR). The Wolves’ energy play, which ranked twenty fourth within the AHL in the course of the common season (16.9%), went 3-for-30 (10.0%) towards the Griffins. Chicago’s penalty kill completed sixth (84.1%) within the AHL and went 32-for-38 towards the Griffins (84.2%). Chicago ranked fifteenth within the AHL with 3.13 targets per sport and tied for tenth with 3.03 targets allowed per contest.
From Good friend to Foe
The Griffins and Wolves share a pair connections on championship-winning groups. Sebastian Cossa and Ronan Seeley gained a gold medal with Crew Canada on the 2022 World Junior Championship. Trey Augustine and Charlie Cerrato gained the US U15 Nationals Tier 1 league with Honeybaked U15 AAA in 2021. Wolves head coach Spiros Anastas was a Griffins assistant coach once they lifted the Calder Cup in 2013. Chicago’s Givani Smith was the forty sixth general decide by the Detroit Pink Wings in 2016 and performed elements of 5 seasons with Grand Rapids from 2016-23, totaling 52 factors in 148 video games. Smith additionally produced 14 factors in 85 video games with the Pink Wings from 2019-23. Lastly, William Lagesson suited up for the Wolves in 2022-23.
Common-Season Sequence Notes
Grand Rapids completed the common season collection towards Chicago with a 6-3-0-1 file, together with 3-2-0-0 at Van Andel Enviornment and 3-1-0-1 at Allstate Enviornment…Six of the ten conferences have been determined by one objective and 5 of them have been determined previous regulation…The Griffins scored 4 or extra targets in simply two of the outings and completed the regular-season collection with only a slim plus-two scoring margin (25-23)…Chicago registered the lone shutout within the common season between the 2 franchises, doing so in a 1-0 victory at Allstate Enviornment on March 15…Grand Rapids averaged 2.80 targets per sport at Chicago and a couple of.20 targets towards the Wolves at Van Andel Enviornment…Amadeus Lombardi led Grand Rapids towards Chicago with seven factors (3-4—7) in six video games, whereas Justin Robidas (3-3—6 in 8 GP) and Felix Unger Sorum (1-5—6 in 10 GP) tied for the staff lead the Wolves towards the Griffins with six factors…Sheldon Dries and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard each paced Grand Rapids with 4 targets towards Chicago, and Robidas and Domenick Fensore each potted three targets…Lombardi, Tyler Angle, Erik Gustafsson and John Leonard posted a team-high 4 assists towards the Wolves, whereas Unger Sorum led Chicago with 5 helpers…Main every staff in web have been Michal Postava, who went 3-1-0 with a 1.11 GAA and a .956 SV% in six video games, and Chicago’s Cayden Primeau, who confirmed a 2-1-1 mark with one shutout, a 1.48 GAA and a .948 SV% in 4 contests…Trey Augustine made his professional debut on April 10 towards Chicago (26 saves)…Sebastian Cossa posted a career-high 47 saves on Jan. 2 towards Chicago…Gabriel Seger competed in his one centesimal sport as a Griffin on Jan. 31 at Chicago…John Leonard registered his one centesimal AHL help on Jan. 3 on the Wolves…Michael Brandsegg-Nygard scored his first-career AHL regular-season objective at Chicago on Nov. 9…Eddie Genborg recorded his first AHL level with a main help on the overtime-winner on March 28 towards the Wolves.
Been There, Finished That
Assistant coach Brian Lashoff (2013 and 2017 Grand Rapids) is the lone Griffin to hoist the Calder Cup, whereas John Leonard reached final 12 months’s Calder Cup Finals with the Charlotte Checkers. Chicago’s Noel Gunler, Ryan Suzuki and goaltending coach Stan Dubicki gained the 2022 Calder Cup with the Wolves. Wolves’ head coach Spiros Anastas gained the cup as an assistant with the Griffins in 2013. As well as, Chicago’s present assistant basic supervisor Invoice Bentley gained two Turner Cups (IHL 1998 & 2000) and three Calder Cups (2002, 2008, 2022) all with the Wolves. Lastly, Cal Foote gained the 2021 Stanley Cup with Tampa Bay however didn’t see any ice time in the course of the postseason, defeating Erik Gustafsson and the Montreal Canadiens.
The Champs are Right here
The Griffins’ roster consists of quite a few coaches and gamers who’ve both reached a playoff ultimate or gained a title for his or her respective professional, school, junior or nationwide staff(s). Most lately, Eddie Genborg gained a gold medal with Crew Sweden at this 12 months’s World Junior Championship, Trey Augustine gained the Huge Ten regular-season title at Michigan State, John Leonard reached final 12 months’s Calder Cup Finals with Charlotte, and Michal Postava gained the 2025 Czech Extraliga title with Kometa Brno.
| Identify | Crew(s) | Accomplishment(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Trey Augustine | Michigan State Univ., Crew USA U20, Crew USA U18 | 3x Huge Ten Common-Season Champion (2023-26), 2x Huge Ten Event Champion (2025, 2024), 2025 & 2024 World Junior Championship Gold Medal, 2023 U18 World Junior Championship Gold Medal |
| Eddie Genborg | Crew Sweden U20 | 2026 World Junior Championship Gold Medal |
| Michal Postava | Kometa Brno | 2025 Czech Extraliga Champion |
| John Leonard | Charlotte Checkers, UMass | 2025 Calder Cup Finalist, 2018-19 Hockey East Common-Season Champion |
| Axel Sandin-Pellikka | Skelleftea AIK, Crew Sweden U20, Crew Sweden U18 | 2024 SHL Champion, 2024 World Junior Championship Silver Medal, 2023 U18 World Junior Championship Silver Medal |
| Shai Buium | Univ. of Denver | 2024 and 2022 NCAA Title |
| Gabriel Seger | Cornell Univ. | 2024 ECAC Title |
| Jacob Truscott | Univ. of Michigan | 2023 and 2022 Huge Ten Title |
| Michael Brandsegg-Nygard | Crew Norway U20, Valerenga U20 | 2023 D1A World Junior Championship Gold Medal, 2022 Norway U20 Gold Medal |
| Steph Julien (AC) | Crew Canada U20 | 2023 World Junior Championship Gold Medal |
| Dan Watson (HC) | Toledo Walleye | 2022 and 2019 Kelly Cup Finalist |
| Sebastian Cossa | Edmonton Oil Kings, Crew Canada U20 | 2022 WHL Title, 2022 World Junior Championship Gold Medal |
| Antti Tuomisto | Univ. of Denver | 2022 NCAA Title |
| William Wallinder | Rogle BK | 2022 Champions Hockey League Title |
| Carter Mazur | Univ. of Denver | 2022 NCAA Title |
| Alex Doucet | Magog Cantonniers | 2019 QMAAA Champion |
| Erik Gustafsson | Montreal Canadiens, Crew Sweden | 2021 Stanley Cup Finalist, 2018 World Championship Gold Medal |
| Wojciech Stachowiak | Mannheim U19 | 2016-17 DNL Champion |
| Eduards Tralmaks | Chicago Metal | 2017 USHL Clark Cup Champion |
| Brian Lashoff (AC) | Grand Rapids Griffins, Crew USA U20 | 2017 and 2013 Calder Cup Champion, 2010 World Junior Championship Gold Medal |
| Sheldon Dries | Inexperienced Bay Gamblers | 2012 USHL Clark Cup Champion |
| Austin Watson | London Knights, Windsor Spitfires, Crew USA U18 | 2012 and 2009 OHL Champion, 2009 Memorial Cup Champion, 2010 U18 World Junior Championship Gold Medal |
Story of the Tape
Right here’s how the 2 rivals stacked up in key classes in the course of the common season:
Grand Rapids, Chicago
Total File: 51-16-4-1, 107 pts. (1st Central, 2nd AHL), 36-21-8-7, 87 pts. (2nd Central, eleventh AHL)
Dwelling File: 24-9-3-0, 51 pts. (4th), 20-10-3-3, 46 pts. (eleventh)
Street File: 27-7-1-1, 56 pts. (1st), 16-11-5-4, 41 pts. (tenth)
Energy Play: 42-for-224, 18.8% (fifteenth), 40-for-237, 16.9% (twenty fourth)
Penalty Killing: 178-for-207, 86.0% (1st), 211-for-251, 84.1% (sixth)
Penalty Minutes: 10.54 avg. (thirtieth), 12.75 avg. (seventeenth)
Objectives For: 3.54 avg. (2nd), 3.13 avg. (fifteenth)
Objectives Towards: 2.21 avg. (1st), 3.03 avg. (T10th)
Photographs For: 28.46 avg. (thirteenth), 28.39 avg. (14th)
Photographs Towards: 27.63 avg. (tenth), 29.06 avg. (T21st)
Crew Leaders
Video games Performed: Gabriel Seger (70), Felix Unger Sorum (72)
Objectives: John Leonard (33), Bradly Nadeau (27)
Assists: Erik Gustafsson (33), Unger Sorum (49)
Factors: Leonard (54), Unger Sorum (66)
Plus/Minus: William Lagesson (+33), Justin Robidas (+20)
Penalty Minutes: Austin Watson (146), Yanick Turcotte (130)
Energy Play Objectives: Sheldon Dries and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (7), Nadeau (7)
Shorthanded Objectives: Leonard (5) (T1st AHL), Robidas (2)
Recreation-Profitable Objectives: Leonard and Brandsegg-Nygard (8), Nadeau (5)
Wins: Sebastian Cossa (26), Cayden Primeau (21)
Shutouts: Cossa (5), Primeau (4)
Objectives Towards Avg.: Michal Postava (1.71), Primeau (2.41)
Save Share: Postava (.937), Primeau (.916)
2025-26 Griffins vs. Wolves Head-to-Head
Grand Rapids, Chicago
Total File: 6-3-0-1, 4-2-2-2
Dwelling File: 3-2-0-0, 2-2-0-1
Street File: 3-1-0-1, 2-0-2-1
Energy Play: 6-for-38, 15.8%, 3-for-30, 10.0%
Penalty Kill: 27-for-30, 90.0%, 32-for-38, 84.2%
Objectives For: 25, 2.50 avg., 23, 2.30 avg.
Photographs For: 286, 28.6 avg., 290, 29.0 avg.
Lord Stanley
The Stanley Cup Playoffs started with 13 of the 16 groups having a Griffins alum amongst their participant or hockey operations ranks.
| Crew | Alumni |
|---|---|
| Anaheim Geese | Ville Husso, Petr Mrazek, GM Pat Verbeek, Asst. Athletic Coach Josh Chapman, Collegiate Scout Patrick Rissmiller |
| Boston Bruins | Asst. Coach Chris Kelly |
| *Buffalo Sabres | Asst. Coach Matt Ellis, Scout Stacy Roest |
| *Colorado Avalanche | Head Coach Jared Bednar |
| Dallas Stars | Adam Erne, GM Jim Nill, Asst. Gear Supervisor Andrew Stegehuis |
| Edmonton Oilers | Mattias Janmark, Calvin Pickard, Abilities Coach Conor Allen, Professional Scout Chris Cichocki, Head of Goalie Scouting & Growth Jeff Salajko |
| Minnesota Wild | Professional Scout Mark Mowers |
| *Montreal Canadiens | Joe Veleno, Professional Scout Neil Little |
| Ottawa Senators | Nick Jensen |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Luke Glendening, Dir. of Participant Growth Riley Armstrong, Newbie Scout Mark Greig |
| Pittsburgh Penguins | Anthony Mantha, Elmer Soderblom, Asst. GM Jason Spezza, Asst. Coach Todd Nelson, Asst. Coach Mike Stothers, Participant Growth Coach/Professional Scout Sheldon Broonbank, Particular Project Scout Chris Mueller |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Charle-Edouard D’Astous |
| Utah Mammoth | Professional Scout David Oliver |
*Nonetheless alive in Stanley Cup Playoffs as of press time.
2025-26 Recreation-by-Recreation Recaps
Nov. 9 – Wolves 4, Griffins 3 SO – Allstate Enviornment
Although the Griffins prolonged their level streak to 9 video games (8-0-0-1), the squad in the end suffered its first defeat of the season 4-3 in a shootout to the Chicago Wolves at Allstate Enviornment. The Griffins’ 8-0-0-1 begin via 9 video games stays the very best begin in franchise historical past and greatest begin on the street since 2007-08. All three targets for Grand Rapids got here on the ability play, going 3-for-5 on the man-advantage.
First Interval: 1, Chicago, Robidas 3 10:07 (SH). Penalties-Heimosalmi Chi (interference), 8:45; Bantle Gr (goaltender interference), 11:25; Ryabkin Chi (cross-checking), 14:24.
Second Interval: 2, Grand Rapids, Dries 3 (Leonard, Mitchell), 5:35 (PP). 3, Chicago, Nadeau 3 (Robidas, Suzuki), 7:19. 4, Chicago, Vierling 3 11:53 (SH). 5, Grand Rapids, Watson 3 (Wallinder, Angle), 12:39 (PP). Penalties-Gunler Chi (high-sticking), 4:55; Suzuki Chi (slashing), 10:53; Watson Gr (tripping), 18:14.
Third Interval: 6, Grand Rapids, Brandsegg-Nygård 1 (Lombardi, Dries), 4:04 (PP). Penalties-Ryabkin Chi (hooking), 2:38; Rychlovský Gr (goaltender interference), 11:48.
OT: No Scoring.Penalties-Lombardi Gr (tripping), 3:39.
SO: Grand Rapids 1 (Lombardi NG, Leonard G, Brandsegg-Nygård NG), Chicago 2 (Vierling G, Nadeau G).
Photographs: GR 33 (11th of September-13-0-0), CHI 30 (7-11-10-1-1)
Goalies: GR Postava (ND, 4-4) & Gylander (SOL, 22-25), CHI Khazheyev (SOW, 30-33)
PP: GR 3-5, CHI 0-4
Dec. 14 – Wolves 1, Griffins 2 SO – Allstate Enviornment
Claiming the very best begin in AHL historical past via 24 video games (22-1-0-1, 45 pts.), the Griffins got here from behind to tie the competition within the ultimate interval, and downed the Chicago Wolves 2-1 in shootout trend at Allstate Enviornment. The Griffins surpassed the 2005-06 Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins’ 20-1-2-1 begin for the very best in AHL historical past via 24 video games, and stood as the one staff in league historical past to win 22 of their first 24 contests. Grand Rapids tied the third-longest win streak in franchise historical past with their eleventh straight. Jakub Rychlovsky had the game-tying objective late within the ultimate body, whereas John Leonard bagged the game-winner within the shootout.
First Interval: No Scoring.Penalties-No Penalties
Second Interval: 1, Chicago, Robidas 9 (Nadeau, Fensore), 1:11. Penalties-Nadeau Chi (tripping), 4:30; Mitchell Gr (holding), 8:29; Bayreuther Chi (tripping), 9:12.
Third Interval: 2, Grand Rapids, Rychlovský 3 (Angle, Wallinder), 18:48. Penalties-Tuomisto Gr (tripping), 7:17; Heimosalmi Chi (cross-checking), 16:03.
OT: No Scoring.Penalties-Fensore Chi (hooking), 0:52.
SO: Grand Rapids 1 (Leonard G, Becher NG), Chicago 0 (Nadeau NG, Vierling NG, Unger Sörum NG).
Photographs: GR 27 (9-3-7-7-1), CHI 29 (16-8-4-1-0)
Goalies: GR Gylander (SOW, 28-29), CHI Primeau (SOL, 25-26)
PP: GR 0-4, CHI 0-2
Jan. 2 – Griffins 3, Wolves 2 SO – Van Andel Enviornment
Sebastian Cossa recorded a career-high 47 saves and shut down each makes an attempt within the shootout, en path to the Griffins’ 3-2 victory over the Chicago Wolves at Van Andel Enviornment. Enhancing to 27-1-1-1, the Griffins’ 56 factors stood as the very best within the AHL’s 90-year historical past via 30 video games, beforehand held by the 2005-06 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (24-3-2-1, 51 pts.), and their 17-game level streak turned the third-longest in franchise historical past.
First Interval: 1, Grand Rapids, Brandsegg-Nygård 8 (Leonard, Angle), 14:34. 2, Chicago, Gunler 3 (Brind’Amour), 19:16. Penalties-Watson Gr (slashing), 0:32; Ryabkin Chi (high-sticking), 2:30; Wallinder Gr (high-sticking), 11:35.
Second Interval: No Scoring.Penalties-Hillebrand Gr (holding the stick), 5:53; Vierling Chi (holding), 9:13; Brandsegg-Nygård Gr (tripping), 19:17.
Third Interval: 3, Chicago, Robidas 12 (Nadeau, Suzuki), 10:09. 4, Grand Rapids, Tuomisto 6 (Gustafsson, Rychlovský), 17:46. Penalties-Shine Gr (roughing), 18:38.
OT: No Scoring.Penalties-Rychlovský Gr (goaltender interference), 2:24; Gustafsson Gr (instigating, combating, sport misconduct – instigator (final 5:00)), 5:00.
SO: Chicago 0 (Nadeau NG, Gunler NG), Grand Rapids 2 (Leonard G, Brandsegg-Nygård NG, Shine G).
Photographs: GR 25 (7-10-7-0-1), CHI 49 (13-14-18-4-0)
Goalies: GR Cossa (SOW, 47-49), CHI Miftakhov (SOL, 22-24)
PP: GR 0-2, CHI 0-6
Jan. 3 – Wolves 1, Griffins 4 – Allstate Enviornment
Securing a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Wolves at Allstate Enviornment, the Griffins prolonged their level streak to 18 video games (17-0-1-0) to tie the second-longest run in franchise historical past. The Griffins continued their greatest begin within the league’s 90-year historical past and improved to 28-1-1-1 with 58 factors in 31 video games.
First Interval: 1, Grand Rapids, Tralmaks 14 (Kannok Leipert, Rychlovský), 5:38. Penalties-Hillebrand Gr (holding), 18:41.
Second Interval: 2, Grand Rapids, Dries 11 (Holl, Leonard), 2:18. 3, Chicago, Fensore 5 (Heimosalmi, Vierling), 9:59. 4, Grand Rapids, Hillebrand 2 (Angle, Doucet), 14:21. Penalties-Ryabkin Chi (high-sticking), 12:12.
Third Interval: 5, Grand Rapids, Watson 7 17:45 (EN). Penalties-Heimosalmi Chi (boarding), 6:48; Watson Gr (slashing), 10:45; Bayreuther Chi (interference), 13:11.
Photographs: GR 30 (14-9-7), CHI 22 (11-9-2)
Goalies: GR Postava (W, 21-22), CHI Primeau (L, 26-29)
PP: GR 0-3, CHI 0-2
Jan. 30 – Griffins 2, Wolves 5 – Van Andel Enviornment
Regardless of scoring the sport’s ultimate two targets, the Griffins fell 5-2 to the Chicago Wolves at Van Andel Enviornment. The Griffins’ 32-6-2-1 file to go along with 67 factors remained the very best within the league.
First Interval: 1, Chicago, Välimäki 2 (Suzuki, Unger Sörum), 4:11 (PP). 2, Chicago, Brind’Amour 13 (Gunler, Slavin), 4:29. 3, Chicago, Nadeau 18 (Robidas, Seeley), 13:36. Penalties-Leonard Gr (tripping), 3:25; Vierling Chi (hooking), 9:04.
Second Interval: 4, Chicago, Vierling 12 (Nyström, Unger Sörum), 9:36. 5, Chicago, Suzuki 9 (Nadeau, Robidas), 16:20 (PP). Penalties-Watson Gr (slashing), 15:25; Fensore Chi (tripping), 18:40.
Third Interval: 6, Grand Rapids, Tralmaks 17 (Lagesson, Seger), 4:32. 7, Grand Rapids, Lombardi 4 19:50. Penalties-Vierling Chi (delay of sport), 5:21; Gagnon Chi (hooking), 9:19.
Photographs: GR 33 (10-7-16), CHI 20 (5-13-2)
Goalies: GR Cossa (L, 13-18), CHI Primeau (W, 31-33)
PP: GR 0-4, CHI 2-2
Jan. 31 – Wolves 2, Griffins 5 – Allstate Enviornment
Behind a three-point night time from Amadeus Lombardi (1-2—3), the Griffins jumped again within the win column and defeated the Chicago Wolves 5-2 at Allstate Enviornment. 9 Griffins recorded some extent within the contest, and Dominik Shine (1-1—2) notched his ninth multi-point contest this season.
First Interval: 1, Chicago, Välimäki 3 (Gunler, Gagnon), 3:13. 2, Grand Rapids, Shine 15 (Danielson), 12:14. 3, Grand Rapids, Lombardi 5 (Holl), 13:36. Penalties-Shine Gr (cross-checking), 7:17.
Second Interval: 4, Grand Rapids, Doucet 4 (Lagesson), 8:02. 5, Chicago, Fensore 7 (Unger Sörum, Heimosalmi), 8:29. Penalties-Brind’Amour Chi (hooking), 11:15; Shine Gr (roughing), 20:00.
Third Interval: 6, Grand Rapids, Dries 15 (Lombardi, Shine), 13:43 (PP). 7, Grand Rapids, Watson 9 (Lombardi, Tralmaks), 16:04. Penalties-Pavlychev Chi (cross-checking), 11:54; served by Gunler Chi (unsportsmanlike conduct – bench minor), 16:04; Dries Gr (roughing, roughing), 16:33; Lombardi Gr (roughing, roughing), 16:33; Foote Chi (roughing, cross-checking), 16:33; Slavin Chi (roughing, roughing), 16:33.
Photographs: GR 27 (11-10-6), CHI 26 (7-14-5)
Goalies: GR Postava (W, 24-26), CHI Miftakhov (L, 22-27)
PP: GR 1-3, CHI 0-2
Feb. 20 – Griffins 2, Wolves 1 OT – Van Andel Enviornment
Amadeus Lombardi (1-1—2) potted the game-winner in additional time to propel the Griffins to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Wolves at Van Andel Enviornment. Grand Rapids tallied its seventh win in its final eight outings, and bettered its league-best file to 39-7-2-1 with 81 factors via 49 contests.
First Interval: No Scoring.Penalties-Shine Gr (slashing), 19:39.
Second Interval: 1, Grand Rapids, Brandsegg-Nygård 10 (Kannok Leipert, Lombardi), 2:29. Penalties-Trikozov Chi (high-sticking), 8:18; Brandsegg-Nygård Gr (high-sticking), 17:28.
Third Interval: 2, Chicago, Seeley 4 (Pavlychev, Philp), 12:48. Penalties-Trikozov Chi (interference), 3:35; Rychlovský Gr (hooking), 9:59; Philp Chi (delay of sport), 13:50.
OT: 3, Grand Rapids, Lombardi 7 (Mitchell), 3:12. Penalties-No Penalties
Photographs: GR 22 (6-9-5-2), CHI 32 (10-12-8-2)
Goalies: GR Postava (OTW, 31-32), CHI Miftakhov (OTL, 20-22)
PP: GR 0-3, CHI 0-3
March 15 – Wolves 1, Griffins 0 – Allstate Enviornment
The Chicago Wolves tallied the one objective within the first interval to close out the Griffins 1-0 at Allstate Enviornment. The Griffins went 4-for-4 on their league-leading penalty kill and 0-for-6 on the ability play.
First Interval: 1, Chicago, Smith 2 (Nyström, Brind’Amour), 12:29. Penalties-Brind’Amour Chi (tripping), 4:13; Jutting Gr (tripping), 9:50; Milne Gr (roughing), 15:49; Badinka Chi (roughing, roughing), 15:49.
Second Interval: No Scoring.Penalties-Philp Chi (high-sticking), 0:16; Gustafsson Gr (combating), 6:24; Pavlychev Chi (combating), 6:24; Watson Gr (combating), 6:33; Smith Chi (combating), 6:33; Becher Gr (holding), 9:18; Gunler Chi (tripping), 12:22; Watson Gr (holding), 14:21.
Third Interval: No Scoring.Penalties-Dufour Gr (hooking), 3:22; Philp Chi (holding), 7:01; Brind’Amour Chi (delay of sport), 14:14.
Photographs: GR 28 (7-10-11), CHI 28 (12-11-5)
Goalies: GR Postava (L, 27-28), CHI Primeau (W, SO, 28-28)
PP: GR 0-6, CHI 0-4
March 28 – Griffins 3, Wolves 2 OT – Van Andel Enviornment
Sheldon Dries (1-1—2) earned the overtime-winner and prolonged his level streak to 3 video games, because the Griffins defeated the Chicago Wolves 3-2 at Van Andel Enviornment.
First Interval: 1, Chicago, Fensore 10 (Foote), 12:39. 2, Chicago, Nyström 1 (Unger Sörum, Pavlychev), 13:27. Penalties-Legault Chi (tripping), 10:17.
Second Interval: No Scoring.Penalties-No Penalties
Third Interval: 3, Grand Rapids, Tralmaks 22 (Tuomisto, Stachowiak), 7:10. 4, Grand Rapids, Sandin-Pellikka 2 (Gustafsson, Dries), 18:00 (PP). Penalties-Turcotte Chi (hooking), 5:00; Tuomisto Gr (tripping), 7:29; Vierling Chi (tripping), 17:27; Tralmaks Gr (interference), 18:29.
OT: 5, Grand Rapids, Dries 21 (Genborg, Gustafsson), 3:08. Penalties-No Penalties
Photographs: GR 34 (9-10-14-1), CHI 24 (7-13-4-0)
Goalies: GR Cossa (OTW, 22-24), CHI Miftakhov (OTL, 31-34)
PP: GR 1-3, CHI 0-2
April 10 – Griffins 1, Wolves 4 – Van Andel Enviornment
The Chicago Wolves recorded three targets within the ultimate interval to take down the Griffins 4-1 at Van Andel Enviornment. South Lyon, Michigan, native and former Michigan State Spartan Trey Augustine made his skilled debut and recorded 26 saves, whereas Michael Brandsegg-Nygard potted the Griffins’ solely objective to increase his level streak to 4 (3-3—6).
First Interval: 1, Grand Rapids, Brandsegg-Nygård 20 (Gustafsson, Leonard), 2:10 (PP). 2, Chicago, Philp 4 (Unger Sörum, Seeley), 15:10 (SH). Penalties-Foote Chi (hooking), 1:47; Heimosalmi Chi (slashing), 5:27; Trikozov Chi (delay of sport), 14:59.
Second Interval: No Scoring.Penalties-Ryabkin Chi (holding), 15:57; Brandsegg-Nygård Gr (interference), 17:49.
Third Interval: 3, Chicago, Suzuki 13 (Gunler, Vierling), 1:31. 4, Chicago, Philp 5 (Seeley, Pavlychev), 8:23 (PP). 5, Chicago, Unger Sörum 15 18:38 (EN). Penalties-Buium Gr (holding), 7:07; Leonard Gr (roughing), 11:25; Heimosalmi Chi (high-sticking), 14:42.
Photographs: GR 27 (8-14-5), CHI 30 (7-11-12)
Goalies: GR Augustine (L, 26-29), CHI Kochetkov (ND, 7-8) & Miftakhov (W, 19-19)
PP: GR 1-5, CHI 1-3
Picture by Nicolas Carrillo/Griffins