The Grand Rapids Griffins dropped Game 2 of their Central Division Final Series in the Calder Cup Playoffs 5-2 to the Milwaukee Admirals as top prospect Nate Danielson made his professional debut
Last night at UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, the visiting Grand Rapids Griffins dropped Game 2 of their Central Division Final Series 5-2 to the Milwaukee Admirals, bringing the best-of-five series to one game a piece.
Over the opening 43 minutes and 27 seconds, the hosts built up a 4-0 lead. With just under five minutes to play in regulation, Carter Mazur scored a power play goal to break up the shutout. It was his third goal of the Calder Cup Playoffs and combined with his three assists, helped him keep up his point-a-game pace for the postseason.
Barely a minute later, Dominik Shine cut the Admirals' lead to 4-2, but the Griffins would draw no closer, and Jasper Weatherby eventually iced the game with an empty-net goal as the clock ticked beneath a minute to play in regulation.
Beyond the actual result, the headline of the game—particularly from a Red Wings perspective—was the professional debut of 2023 Red Wings first round draft choice Nate Danielson.
Having completed his major junior season, Danielson joined GR as the Griffins continue their march through the Calder Cup Playoffs. He skated on a line with Taro Hirose and Elmer Soderblom. It was a mostly quiet debut for the Red Deer, Alberta-native, but he showed glimpses of the mature game that helped make him such a standout in the WHL.
Now tied at one win a piece, the Central Division Finals will now shift back to Grand Rapids for two games at Van Andel Arena Wednesday and Friday, before a potential Game 5 (if necessary) back in Milwaukee Sunday.
