Earlier this week, the Detroit Red Wings reassigned Taro Hirose and Filip Zadina to the Grand Rapids Griffins. With 5 days off between games, it seemed that this would be a good opportunity for both players to get into Wednesday’s Griffins game, and perhaps Friday’s as well. For now, it looks like only Hirose will stay down.
Zadina recalled by Wings
This post is brief, but does mention that Zadina had assists in his last two games with Detroit. Although he didn’t contribute to the scoring vs. the Chicago Wolves on Wednesday, (Grand Rapids lost 5-2 with goals from Svechnikov and Hirose) Detroit must see something in his play they like. His presence is much better than last year, and Zadina is working harder at contributing in any way he can. Just having turned 20, #11 seems to be on the right path.
Hirose sent to Grand Rapids
As mentioned before, Taro Hirose scored for the Griffins on Wednesday night. It was a quick play, a moving tip in front of the net, and indicative of the skill set the 23 year old clearly has. Grand Rapids has hit a 6 game losing streak and find themselves in a similar vein as the NHL club. Players are searching for answers and have to “dig out” of this current slump. Hirose has the opportunity to gain some confidence and help his new Griffins teammates do the same.
Taro’s attitude is incredibly mature throughout this process. He was quoted saying that the demotion was not a surprise. His follow up answer was impressive. "They said they'd re-evaluate in a couple days," he said. "So, yeah, just looking at it positively whether I'm down here for a couple weeks, the rest of the season or going back for the next game up in Detroit. To me, it really doesn't matter because right now I'm here and trying to help this team win."
Hirose is clearly looking at a chance to get his game on track and be a positive impact. He’s showing patience and respect for the process. That mindset can go a long way. As Yogi Berra quoted, “baseball is 90% mental, the other half is physical”. And, though neither the sport nor the math seem to equate, the spirit of quip certainly rings true. As much as a professional athlete needs to stay in physical shape, keeping a clean head space is absolutely critical.
While there are many “ifs” in flux with the current roster, Hirose and Zadina both seem to be a now and future part of this organization. Both are adjusting, and both are committed to the process. And, for now, both are part of teams that desperately need to change momentum.
While there are no certainties as to what the lineup vs. Pittsburgh will look like tomorrow, it will be interesting to see what 5 days of practicing and bonding will do for the Red Wings. The hope is that this will be a bit like an ipad upgrade. It takes a while to get the update, and it requires a reboot, but there’s at least a 50% chance that something will be better. Or, there will be another update fairly quickly to undo the damage of the past update. Either way, the group should be refreshed and focused. We’ll take a look tomorrow at what lineup is rolled out, and examine the team before and after the game.
Thanks to everyone who stops by to read and comment. Keep it coming!!
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