Grand Rapids Griffins
The Griffins have been as up and down as the Red Wings over the past few seasons and were hoping for a big 2023-24 season. With new head coach Watson behind the bench, Grand Rapids has been successful in the standings and looks as if they are heading in the right direction.
The Griffins are in second place in the Central Division with a record of 29-17-7 for 69 points and have a .605 winning percentage. They are outscoring the opposition 171-161 and are 5-2-2-1 in their last 10 games.
First-year Grand Rapids coach Watson is keeping the Griffins within reach of a playoff spot and has plenty of hockey yet to be played.
Coach Watson, known as a coach who does well in developing players, has done a great job with the young roster.
Defenseman Simon Edvinsson (8 goals and 21 assists for 29 points), forward Jonatan Berggren (19-27-46), forward Marco Kasper (11-16-27), and goaltender Sebastian Cossa (14-7-8, 2.58 goals-against-average, a .911 save percentage, and 1 shutout all continue to develop at a good pace under his guidance.
The Griffins have a franchise-record 16 straight home games with a point as they continue to play well as a team.
With many transactions this season, coach Watson has kept the players focused and playing hard. The progression of the team as a whole and the development of the Red Wings prospects is going smoothly. There is no reason to doubt they are on the right track.