Michal Postava kept the Grand Rapids Griffins in control of their Ahl Playoffs series, stopping 57 of 60 shots through the first three games and starting all three contests as the Western Conference leaders moved one win from the next round. The Griffins beat the Manitoba Moose 4-2 on Wednesday to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
Postava’s run has pushed Sebastian Cossa, the club’s regular-season starter, into the background for now. Cossa played a team-high 39 games and finished the regular season with a.915 save percentage, but his.868 mark over his final eight starts left the door open for a change. Postava answered by posting a.940 save percentage since the start of March, adding two shutouts down the stretch and then a Game 2 shutout in the playoffs.
Dan Watson did not sound worried about the switch. He said the Griffins have full trust and confidence in Postava, and that if he does not look ready to go, the club can put Cossa back in net right away. Watson also praised Cossa’s confidence and said he continues to get better, while noting that he loves big moments.
The Griffins’ depth has helped make the choice easier. Grand Rapids finished atop the Western Conference with 107 points, and Detroit kept prospects in the lineup all season alongside veterans who helped insulate the young players. That mix has shown up in the playoffs as well, where Michael Brandsegg-Nygård has already drawn attention for his physical play.
The bigger question now is whether Watson stays with the goalie who has handled every shot of the series or returns to the player who was the clear starter for most of the year. Cossa will become a restricted free agent this offseason, which gives the decision more weight than a simple hot-hand call.