Can somebody tell me why grand rapids has 3 defenseman on the ice at once? Hicketts, Russo, Saarijarvi
Coach Nelson likes to try different things on the PP. Last season, he had 5 forwards on the Griffins 1st PP unit and the team ended up with the best PP in the AHL and was near the best ever PP% before the Red Wings called up players towards the end of the season and with some forwards injured as well, lowered the PP % down.
With an abundance of d-man in our lineup this season, Nelson wanted some of his d-man to get more involved, so on the Griffins 2nd PP unit, he decided to go with Russo and Saarijarvi on the points, and put Hicketts either on the wing or in net front in this unit. Hicketts is small in stature, but he is difficult to move out in front of the crease and he loves to hit as well. Our 2nd PP unit lately has been scoring more than our 1st PP unit. The Griffins is near the top of the AHL on the PP at around 21% this season.