Goaltending depth backstops Grand Rapids Griffins' dominance

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.

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.