Red Wings First Rounder Rises Up For Griffins in Game 1

Early scouting reports on Grand Rapids Griffins center Marco Kasper indicated it was unclear whether he’d ever be a prolific scorer. However, he definitely showed the grit and determination to create offense at critical times.

Kasper’s big game mentality was evident Wednesday when he netted an important third period goal and finished with three points in the Grand Rapids Griffins’ 4-2 road win against the Milwaukee Admirals in Game 1 of the best-of-five Central Division Final. Game 2 is scheduled for Monday in Milwaukee.

“He’s a competitor,” Grand Rapids coach Dan Watson said. “He’s got young legs. He has a lot of energy.”

The 2022 Detroit Red Wings first round pick scored his third goal of the postseason at 9:57 of the third period to break a 2-2 tie. Kasper added his second assist on Joel L’Esperance’s empty net insurance goal with 24 seconds left in regulation. Kasper had also assisted on Zach Aston-Reese’s second period goal. He has five points in his first five AHL playoff games.

Marco Kasper🚨 from a tight angle! Wow! 3-2! #LGRW #GoGRG pic.twitter.com/aTzvUWFs4F

— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) May 16, 2024

The Griffins showed plenty of extra effort in this game, particularly with blocking shots. “It was a hard game,” Watson said.

“There is stuff to get better at, but all and all, it was a good road game,” Kasper said.

Cossa Sharp

Sebastian Cossa, meanwhile, stopped 25 of 27 shots to raise his record to 4-1 and lower his postseason GAA to 2.70. He has given up two goals in three of his five starts.

Carter Mazur scored a first period goal for the Griffins to give them a 1-0 lead. But Nashville Predators prize prospect Zach L’Heureux scored his sixth goal of the postseason to tie game at 15:36 of the period. Jonatan Berggren assisted on Mazur’s goal for his sixth point of the playoffs.

Defenseman Albert Johansson, expected to make the Red Wings’ squad next fall, also had an assist in the contest.