Historic Central Division Championship Secures Griffins' Place in AHL Playoff Race

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Griffins have claimed the AHL's Central Division title for the first time since 2014-15, marking their eighth overall division championship and the second-earliest title-clinching in franchise history.

With a 5-2 victory over the Cleveland Monsters Tuesday at Rocket Arena, the Griffins earned the Sam Pollock Trophy, awarded annually to the Central Division's top team. The win came with three weeks remaining in the AHL's 90th regular season.

Season-Long Success

The Griffins finished the regular season with a 45-13-4-1 record and 95 points through 63 games. They currently hold a 10-point cushion over the Ontario Reign for the Western Conference title and sit two points behind the Providence Bruins in the race for the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy, which is awarded to the AHL's regular-season champions.

This marks the Griffins' sixth division title as a member of the AHL, with their previous championships coming in 2014-15 (Midwest Division) and six Central Division crowns dating back to 2002-03.

Key Performances

Carter Mazur led the offensive charge with two goals in the second period, including one with just one second remaining to tie the game. The 21-year-old forward has 11 goals in 14 games this injury-plagued season.

In net, Carter Gylander made 28 saves for the win, improving his record to 7-0-1. The goaltender was recalled from the ECHL Toledo Walleye earlier in the day to replace Michal Postava, who was recalled by Detroit due to Cam Talbot's injury.

The Griffins snapped a 2-2 tie with three unanswered goals in the third period. Eduards Tralmaks opened the scoring, followed by Wojciech Stachowiak (who had two assists) and Shai Buium.

Playoff Contention

The Griffins secured their postseason berth on Feb. 27 and will return to the Calder Cup Playoffs for the third straight season under head coach Dan Watson. Watson has never missed the postseason as a pro head coach, with a 5-7 playoff record in the previous two seasons with Grand Rapids, including a trip to the 2024 division finals.

Grand Rapids has won two Calder Cups in franchise history - 2017 and 2013 - and is 86-71 (.548) all time during the AHL's postseason.

Scoring Leaders

The Griffins are led in scoring by John Leonard (30-16-46 in 39 GP), who reached last year's Calder Cup Finals with the Charlotte Checkers. Sheldon Dries (20-18-38 in 49 GP), captain Dominik Shine (21-16-37 in 38 GP), and rookie Michael Brandsegg-Nygard (16-21-37 in 52 GP) also contributed significantly.

In net, former Red Wings first-round pick Sebastian Cossa and rookie Michal Postava have been one of the best duos in the AHL. Cossa led the way with a 24-7-4 record in 35 games with a career-high five shutouts, a 2.25 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage. Postava showed a 13-6-0 record in 21 outings with two shutouts, a 1.86 GAA, and a .932 save percentage.

What's Next

The Griffins have nine games remaining in the regular season, leading up to their finale on April 19 at the Cleveland Monsters. They will play six of those nine games on the road and eight against Central foes, with their only game outside of the division coming against Cleveland.

The Griffins host the Chicago Wolves on Saturday at 7 p.m. Playoff ticket packages and single-game tickets will go on sale at a later date.

Photo Credit

Antti Tuomisto (4), Carter Gylander, Michael Brandsegg-Nygaard (28) and William Lagesson (37) celebrate winning the Central Division title. (Nicolas Carrillo/Griffins)