IceHogs End Cossa’s 19 Game Point Streak

Sebastian Cossa patiently waits in net. Photo Credit: Grand Rapids Griffins/Mark Newman

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan -  The Grand Rapids Griffins fell to the Rockford IceHogs 2-0 last night. This marks the third time this season that the Griffins were shut out by the IceHogs. Grand Rapids was first shut out on October 28 (3-0) and then again on January 12 (2-0). 

Backup Starter Cossa

Ville Husso, who is with the Griffins on a conditioning stint, was set to start between the pipes for Grand Rapids. After Husso attained an injury in warm-ups, Sebastian Cossa was elevated to the role of starting netminder. He allowed two goals on 24 shots in last night’s loss. 

Cossa was arguably the best player on the ice for the Griffins as he continually shut down Rockford by poke-checking, taking away shooting lanes, and sealing up the post. On display was his ability to watch plays unfold, which allowed Cossa to anticipate where the IceHogs might be shooting from next. 

Speaking of goaltenders, Rockford’s Jaxson Stauber earned his third shutout of the year, stopping 27 shots and extending his winning streak to 12 games. 

Need to Lock Down the Power Play! 

Halfway through the season, the Griffins' power play looked strong, and was well on their way to being one of the top teams in the league. Unfortunately, due to call-ups and injuries, the man-advantage stalled and then took a sharp decline. 

Last night, Grand Rapids went 0-for-4 on the power play. They were the wrong type of aggressive. Instead of constantly attacking the net, the Griffins laid a plethora of hits along the boards and in the middle of the ice. Even though much of their power plays were spent in the offensive zone, Grand Rapids’ power play was giving penalty kill vibes. 

If they want to succeed in the playoffs, they need to become unstoppable on the power play. 

Tension Was a Mood Killer

Don’t let the 24 penalty minutes doled out between the two teams fool you. Last night was what some would call a “barn burner”, and honestly, more penalties should have been given. Emotions were high, and frustrations bubbled over without warning. Basically, the Griffins and IceHogs were playing Street Rules Basketball where the players call their own fouls, and there are no referees. There were multiple line scuffles, bordering on line brawls, where no penalties were called. 

The lack of calls led to higher tensions between the two squads. Despite the heightened emotions, Rockford was able to keep firing on all cylinders. Their power play was a well-oiled machine that moved smoothly and was on the cusp of looking magical. Had Cossa and Grand Rapids penalty kill not been on top of their game, the IceHogs would have gone 4-for-4 on their man-advantage.

On the other side of things, Grand Rapids tried their best not to retaliate. But, when the refs missed a call, they would get rattled and take things into their own hands. All the scuffles did was elevate the Griffins' frustrations to a new height where they were unable to play their brand of good hockey. 

With the way things are going in this final stretch of the regular season, it's likely the IceHogs and Griffins will meet after the bye week in the division semifinals. If regular season hockey is spicy between the two, imagine how dramatic playoff hockey will be between the two.

Grand Rapids needs to figure out how to not let their frustration with Rockford affect their play.