Deprecated: Automatic conversion of false to array is deprecated in /var/www/hockeybuzz.com/classes/clsBlog.php on line 243 HockeyBuzz.com - Jeremy Laura - Red Wings rookieMarco Kasper’s 19 goals from 24-25, thoughts on development
Last night’s Griffin’s game wasn’t great on the scoreboard, but if you like fireworks there were plenty! One video (not from this blog) has already been pulled. The best spectacle for fans was Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s assist and play in the contest. Tonight is the season finale and could decide if Grand Rapids has home ice or not. Here is a link to ASP’s first career assist in the AHL.
🚨LOMBARDI!!!🚨POWER PLAY GOAL!!
Axel Sandin-Pellikka makes his impact on the Griffins power play in his first game as he gets the puck to Lombardi who rips a beautiful shot past Drew Commesso and it’s a two goal game again!#GoGRG#LGRWpic.twitter.com/s4Q3wo5KJU
— x - Hockeytown West Podcast (@HockeytownWpod) April 19, 2025
Today I wanted to post all 19 of Marco Kasper’s goals and take a look at his development and what brings optimism for next year’s roster.
Kasper played 77 games for Detroit and scored 19 goals while gathering 18 assists. The rookie center saw a major change in usage after the coaching change in December. Only 2 of his 19 goals were scored before McLellan took the reins. What we saw in Kasper looks a lot like what Lombardi could be brining to Detroit next season (assuming health and a spot on the team). Lombardi also scored 19 goals, but in just 43 games. There isn’t an exact percentage of what will carry over from the AHL, but with 20 assists Lombardi had 39 points in those 43 games. It could be a huge boost to have him on the wing to start the season and let him transition to center.
Below is the list of the goals from the video. A couple of things to notice. 5 of the goals were tip ins, 1 was a redirect, only 2 of the goals were on the power play with 3 empty net tallies. For the abbreviations: PPG - power play goal. ENG - empty net goal. ESG - even Strength goal. My personal favorite from the collaboration is goal #8. He drove the net, got his own rebound and tucked it in. Was a slick goal by a quick and creative forward. He also had one overtime winner vs Tampa on 4/11/25.
Goal #1 - 11/15/24 vs ANA PPG
Goal #2 - 11/18/24 vs SJS PPG
Goal #3 - 01/10/25 vs CHI ENG
Goal #4 - 01/12/25 vs SEA ESG, tip in
Goal #5 - 01/16/25 vs FLA ESG
Goal #6 - 01/19/25 vs DAL ESG, tip in
Goal #7 - 01/25/25 vs TBL ESG, tip in
Goal #8 - 01/27/25 vs LAK ESG
Goal #9 - 01/27/25 vs LAK ENG
Goal #10 -02/23/25 vs ANA, deflected
Goal #11 -03/12/25 vs BUF, ESG, tip in
Goal #12 -03/12/25 vs BUF, ESG
Goal #13 -03/16/25 vs VGK,ESG, tip in
Goal #14 -03/24/25 vs UHC,ESG
Goal #15 -03/29/25 vs BOS,ESG
Goal #16 -04/04/25 vs CAR,ESG
Goal #17 -04/11/25 vs TBL, ESG
Goal #18 -04/11/25 vs TBL, ESG, Overtime Winner
Goal #19 -04/16/25 vs NJD, ENG
Let me know your thoughts, if you have a personal favorite, and how you think Lombardi could slot in next year. Soderblom did an exit interview today and once he’s healed up is expected to join Grand Rapids. That could be a big boost for the team in the playoffs. Soderblom is learning more and more how to use his size and strength to help drive play.
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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