Grand Rapids Griffins start next round of playoffs: What to know
Multiple Detroit Red Wings prospects are gaining playoff experience in the AHL
After nearly a week off, the Grand Rapids Griffins resume the 2026 AHL playoffs, continuing the chance for multiple Detroit Red Wings prospects to gain valuable experience. The No. 1 seeed Griffins host the second-seeded Chicago Wolves in Game 1 of the Central Division Finals on Thursday, May 14, at Van Andel Arena in a best-of-five series.
Game 2 is Saturday, and then the series switches to Chicago, with Game 3 on May 19. If necessary, Game 4 is May 21, also in Chicago, and Game 5 back in Grand Rapids on May 23. The Griffins are 3-1 in the Calder Cup playoffs, having earned a bye into the division semifinals, which they took in three straight after dropping the first game against the Manitoba Moose.
That series ended on May 7. Now it's time for the next round. BIG STAGE: 7 Detroit Red Wings make rosters for World Championship Here's what to know: The matchup Griffins (3-1) vs.
Wolves (3-2) 2025-26 Regular-Season Series: 6-3-0-1 All-Time Playoff Series: 14-15 overall, 7-7 home Notable skaters Carter Mazur, a third-round pick from 2021 who appeared in eight games (no points, minus-3) for the Wings this season, leads the Griffins with four goals and five points. He's coming off back-to-back two-goal performances. Veteran Erik Gustafsson wasn't able to strengthen the Wings defense corps as expected when he was signed two years ago, but he's been a really nice influence for the Griffins, as he has four points in four playoff games this spring.