Amadeus Lombardi etched his name into Grand Rapids Griffins history, becoming just the third player to score overtime goals in consecutive games. What makes Lombardi's feat even more impressive is that he did it on back-to-back nights, clinching a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals with a solo effort at the four-minute mark in overtime. This win marked the Griffins' sixth straight, as they set a new American League record with their stellar 40-7-2-1 record through 50 games.
Lombardi's performance was nothing short of spectacular, racking up two goals and an assist, bringing his season total to nine goals and 19 assists in 30 games. Alex Doucet also contributed significantly with a goal and an assist. The Griffins seemed poised for a regulation win after Jakub Rychlovsky's late third-period goal put them ahead 3-2, but the Admirals managed to level the score with less than a minute remaining.
Between the pipes, Sebastian Cossa was solid, making 22 saves to improve his record to 23-4-2 with Grand Rapids. Lombardi's game-winning goal, a top-shelf beauty, was celebrated widely on social media, underscoring his rising star status.
In other Red Wings news, the hockey world mourns the loss of Guyle Fielder, a minor league legend often compared to Gordie Howe, who passed away at 95. Fielder once skated alongside Howe in Detroit, leaving a lasting legacy.
Lucas Raymond is set to return to the NHL, bringing with him a Swedish record, while prospect Eddie Genborg is making waves in the SHL with his strong net-front presence.
Meanwhile, Carter Bear put on a show for the Everett Silvertips, netting three goals and an assist in a commanding 3-0 win against the Seattle Thunderbirds. Bear, the 15th overall pick in 2025, now boasts 30 goals and 61 points in 42 games. Max Plante also made headlines, scoring his 22nd goal to help Minnesota-Duluth secure a 5-2 victory over Miami.
In Pittsburgh, the Penguins are grappling with the absence of Sidney Crosby, whose injury kept him out of Canada's lineup for the Olympic gold medal game. As the Penguins fight for a playoff spot, all eyes are on how this setback will affect their postseason aspirations.