Notebook: Hirose brings value; Grand Rapids Griffins eyeing playoff spot

In the wake of Robby Fabbri's season-ending ACL injury, the Detroit Red Wings turned to a familiar face for help.
Detroit recalled forward Taro Hirose from the Grand Rapids Griffins on March 11, hoping the 25-year-old could provide an offensive boost.

And now that he's here, Hirose is seizing the opportunity.
"All the guys that are here deserve to be here," Hirose said. "I think it's just working as hard as I can in Grand Rapids and waiting for my time to get a chance here. Just doing the right things every day and when you get your chance up here, just try to take a hold of it."

Hirose has brought value to Detroit's offense since being elevated from Grand Rapids, registering two assists and averaging 10:14 of ice time in two games.
Prior to his call-up, Hirose led the Griffins with 45 points (14-31-45) in 52 games, and his 31 assists was tied for 10th in the AHL.
"My passing ability has always been one of my strengths," Hirose said. "This year, I've really wanted to work on trying to shoot the puck and trying to get to those areas to score more goals. I think in Grand Rapids, I've been able to do that."

Griffins eye strong finish, playoff spot

The Griffins are ready for the final stretch.
With 20 regular season games remaining, Grand Rapids (26-23-5-2 overall, 59 points) remains in the hunt for a berth in the Calder Cup Playoffs.
In each of the AHL's four divisions, all but two teams will qualify for postseason play in 2022. The Griffins currently are fourth in the Central Division standings.
Fully aware of their ranking, Griffins center Tyler Spezia is focused on staying grounded.
"We're in a playoff spot, chasing some teams down and trying to gain separation on others," Spezia said. "I think you have to take it day by day."
Detroit's AHL affiliate enters Friday's home matchup against the Texas Stars with momentum, winning three straight games, including Wednesday's 5-4 overtime win over the Stars at Van Andel Arena.
Down the stretch, the Griffins need every player to do their part to finish strong.
"We can't be a one or two-line team," coach Ben Simon said. "We have to have contributions from everyone that is playing that night."

Red Wings prospect Carter Mazur named NCHC's top freshman

University of Denver freshman and Red Wings prospect Carter Mazur was named the 2021-22 National Collegiate Hockey Conference Rookie of the Year on Thursday.

Detroit's third-round selection in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft leads all NCHC first-year skaters in scoring and is third in the country with 35 points, notching 14 goals and 21 assists. The Jackson, Mich., native twice was named the NCHC Rookie of the Month for both November and December.
Mazur and the No. 1 seed Pioneers will face the No. 5 seed Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs on Friday in the semifinal of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff at Xcel Energy Center.