Sebastian Cossa Stays Hot as Griffins Make AHL History on the Road
Sebastian Cossa isn’t just riding a hot streak-he’s anchoring one. The towering 6-foot-7 Red Wings prospect turned aside 20 shots in Grand Rapids’ 2-1 win over the Manitoba Moose, earning first-star honors and helping the Griffins etch their names into the AHL record books. With the victory, Grand Rapids extended its road point streak to 17 games (15-0-1-1), the longest in league history.
Cossa’s performance wasn’t flashy-it was clinical. Calm in the crease, efficient in his movements, and unshaken by pressure, he continues to build a case as one of the AHL’s most reliable netminders this season.
And the numbers back it up: an 18-2-2 record, a 1.77 goals-against average, and a .933 save percentage. Even more impressive?
He’s held opponents to two goals or fewer in 17 of his 22 appearances. That’s the kind of consistency that turns heads in NHL front offices.
Naturally, Red Wings fans are buzzing. Cossa’s name keeps popping up in message boards and group chats, with many wondering when he’ll get a shot in Detroit.
But with the big club rolling-and John Gibson playing like he’s chasing another All-Star nod-the Red Wings are in no rush to tinker with their goaltending setup. For now, the plan is clear: let Cossa keep logging minutes in Grand Rapids, where he’s getting the reps he needs to develop.
If he does get the call-up, it’ll likely be in a backup role. And let’s be honest-how much ice time would he really see behind Gibson right now?
Still, this stretch in the AHL is exactly what Detroit wants to see. It’s not just about the wins-it’s how Cossa is winning. He’s controlling games, not just surviving them.
The Griffins got the game-winner from Gabriel Seger, who buried a shorthanded goal at 12:04 of the third period. It was a gritty, opportunistic tally-exactly the kind of play that wins tight road games in January. Grand Rapids will stay in Manitoba for a rematch with the Moose on Sunday afternoon.
There was also a small but meaningful milestone for another Red Wings prospect. Defenseman Shai Buium, who’s missed most of the season due to injury, picked up his first assist of the year in the win. It’s a welcome sign of progress for the young blueliner as he works his way back into form.
Around the Red Wings
A few quick notes from the Detroit side of things:
- Veteran winger James van Riemsdyk once made a cameo in a Judd Apatow movie. File that under “things you didn’t expect to learn today.”
- Moritz Seider continues to draw attention in the Norris Trophy conversation. The young defenseman has been a force on the back end, and his all-around game is earning him serious recognition league-wide.
Atlantic Division Watch
The Tampa Bay Lightning are heating up-and fast. With a 14-0-1 run since December 20, they edged past the Red Wings in the standings with a 2-1 shootout win over Chicago on Friday.
That puts Tampa one point ahead of Detroit for first in the Atlantic Division. This race is far from over, but it’s shaping up to be one of the tightest in the league.
Olympic Break Key Dates
As the NHL gears up for the Olympic break, here’s what fans need to know:
- NHL Trade Freeze: Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. ET to Feb. 22 at 11:59 p.m.
ET
- No Team Practices: Feb.
6-16
- Practices Resume: Feb. 17 at 2 p.m.
ET
- Olympic Tournament: Feb.
11-22
- NHL Schedule Resumes: Feb.
25
And in a moment that brought a smile to hockey fans across the country, American legend Mike Modano shared a photo introducing a younger generation to one of the game’s greats-Patrick Kane. A passing of the torch, in a way, from one U.S. icon to another.
Around the League - Hockey Now Network
- Boston: Jack Studley breaks down how the Bruins have turned their power play into a weapon again.
- Chicago: Artyom Levshunov saw his ice time cut after a costly mistake-growing pains for the former Michigan State standout.
- Philadelphia: William James dives into the Flyers’ potential interest in Shane Wright.
- Pittsburgh: Stay tuned for updates as the Penguins navigate a critical stretch of the season.
As for Cossa and the Griffins? They’re not just making noise-they’re making history. And if this is what the Red Wings’ future looks like in net, Detroit fans have every reason to be excited.