Sebastian Cossa understands that the Detroit Red Wings fan base was disappointed with his struggles at the NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City because he was as disappointed as they were.
“Traverse City — it wasn’t the best, ” he said Saturday night in a post-game interview with veteran Griffins broadcaster Bob Kaser.
But the doubt created by Cossa giving up 13 goals in three games at the prospect tournament probably was reduced, maybe erased, by the 41 saves he made Saturday to help the Griffins down the Colorado Eagles 5-2. Cossa’s 41 saves were the most by a Griffins rookie since Jared Coreau had 47 in 2014. The Griffins are now 2-0 on the season.
“Trying to take it day by day,” the Red Wings’ 2022 first-round pick told Kaser. “Proving I can play at the AHL before I get to the NHL level.”
Bullish on Watson
The strong performance for the Griffins is a reminder that Cossa was consistently sharp for the Toledo Walleye in the second half of their ECHL season last season. Dan Watson, who coached Cossa last season in Toledo, is now Grand Rapid’s coach
“I feel more comfortable around him,” Cossa said in the interview. “He gives the team and myself some confidence. He has our back every night… I want to go out and play well for him.’
Veteran Michael Hutchinson, on a tryout contract, also made 40 saves for the Griffins on Friday when beat Colorado. Two days of strong goaltending performances is important to the Red Wings. One of their offseason objectives was to make sure Grand Rapids had the goalies necessary to compete for the playoffs. They have missed the playoffs the past two season.
Other prospect notes coming out of the Griffins’ two wins:
- Defenseman Simon Edvinssson leads the team with seven shots on goal He has a goal and an assist.
- Jonatan Berggren, who scored 15 goals for Detroit last season, has three assists in the two games.
- Marco Kasper was held without a point in his first two games for the Griffins.
- Elmer Soderblom has one assist in the two games.
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