Sports
2027 4-Star QB Wonderful ‘Champ’ Monds makes college commitment: Live update
4-Star QB Wonderful 'Champ' Monds announces college commitment live!
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NHLFeature
Goaltending depth backstops Grand Rapids Griffins' dominance
TL;DR
The Grand Rapids Griffins boast a strong goaltending trio with Sebastian Cossa, Michal Postava, and Trey Augustine, enhancing their playoff prospects. Cossa had an impressive season, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Key points
- Grand Rapids Griffins have strong goaltending depth.
- Sebastian Cossa had an outstanding season.
- Cossa's stats include 26 wins and five shutouts.
- Goaltending is vital for playoff success.
- The trio of goaltenders may provide a competitive edge.
Mentioned in this story
Detroit Red Wings
Grand Rapids GriffinsSebastian CossaMichal PostavaTrey Augustine
Detroit — An important factor in playoff hockey is goaltending.
If that proves to be true this spring for the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Red Wings' minor-league affiliate might have an edge on opponents.
The trio of Sebastian Cossa, Michal Postava and Trey Augustine form what could be one of the deepest position groups in the AHL.
Sebastian Cossa, a Red Wings first-round draft pick in 2021, had arguably his best professional season, going 26-8-4 with a 2.33 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and five shutouts.
With the Red Wings' own goaltending issues cloudy next season after starter John Gibson, how these playoffs evolve for the Griffins with whichever goaltender takes control, could go a long way toward determining who backs up Gibson.
"I want to see how the playoffs play out in Grand Rapids," general manager Steve Yzerman said. "We certainly have an interesting trio of young goaltenders with potential, and it's a very competitive environment for them. (We'll) be able to make a better assessment or a better answer when Grand Rapids' season ends, and hopefully, they have a long playoff run.
"We've got good prospects down there. The team's record has been good and all four goaltenders (including Toledo's Carter Gylander) that we’ve played down there have been (good)."
Cossa would appear to be the choice to handle the bulk of the playoff work, and possibly have an edge to finally land a Wings roster spot next season.
Cossa, 23, was the Wings' 2021 first-round draft pick (15th overall), and the Wings have been patient in his development. It may have paid off, as Cossa arguably had his best professional season, going 26-8-4 with a 2.33 goals-against average, .915 save percentage and five shutouts.
Q&A
Who are the goaltenders for the Grand Rapids Griffins?
The goaltenders for the Grand Rapids Griffins are Sebastian Cossa, Michal Postava, and Trey Augustine.
What were Sebastian Cossa's stats this season?
Sebastian Cossa had a record of 26-8-4, a 2.33 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage, and five shutouts this season.
How does goaltending impact playoff performance for the Griffins?
Goaltending is crucial in playoff hockey, and the Griffins' depth in this position may give them an advantage over their opponents.
What is the significance of the Griffins' goaltending depth in the AHL?
The Griffins' goaltending depth is considered one of the strongest in the AHL, potentially enhancing their competitiveness in the playoffs.
