Edvinsson Out, Griffins Fall to Milwaukee; Danielson Debuts

The Grand Rapids Griffins, playing without injured defenseman Simon Edvinsson, fell 5-2 to the Milwaukee Admirals on the road Monday in Game 2 of their AHL playoff series.

The best-of-five series is now tied 1-1 heading into Wednesday’s Game 3 at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena. Game 4 will be Friday in Grand Rapids.

Griffins coach Dan Watson said Edvinsson is day to day with an undisclosed injury. “We’ll see if he’s ready Wednesday,” Watson said.

The game marked the professional debut of 2023 Red Wings first round pick Nate Danielson (drafted ninth overall). The skilled forward had no points, no shots and was minus-1. He said he had a little bit of nervousness.

“I thought I was alright,” Danielson said. “But I think I can definitely be better.”

Watson thought he was sound. “Smart player,” Watson said. “I think he moves well. It’s a tough game to throw him into right away, but he can handle it. He’s used to that type of pressure. I thought he did well, but he will get better as the games go along.”

The Griffins were behind 4-0 before scoring two goals late in the third period to make the game closer. Carter Mazur and Dominik Shine had the Griffins tallies. It was Mazur’s third goal of the postseason.

Sebastian Cossa was in net, stopping 21 of 25 shots. The Griffins got themselves in trouble with three consecutive penalties in the first period.  The Grand Rapids group also gave up a shorthanded goal in the second period.