Detroit Hockey Now’s Kevin Allen discusses the Grand Rapids Griffins’ struggles of late, and their hope that the return of Amadeus Lombardi might spark the team’s offense:
Grand Rapids, with Lombardi playing for the first time since Dec. 1, lost 5-2 Wednesday night to Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Griffins have lost seven out of eight games and only scored 11 goals in those contests. That’s 1.375 goals per game.
“I think I have a lot more to give this group,” said Lombardi who had one assist in the game. “I felt OK at times. I’ll be better Friday. I thought we played well. We generated chances. It will come.”
Lombardi, 21, was off to a tremendous start (nine goals and six assists for 15 points in 20 games) before going down with an upper body injury. The timing couldn’t have been much worse because the Red Wings hoped they were witnessing a breakout season.
While the injury was frustrating, Lombardi has tried to concentrate on the positive.
“It was almost like I got an extra summer,” Lombardi said. “I was able to work out five or six days a week once I healed. I am ready to be back.
