griffinshockey.com

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Griffins on Wednesday bid farewell to center Michael Nylander, who rejoined the Washington Capitals following the conclusion of his two-week conditioning stint, and welcomed back defenseman Doug Janik on assignment from the Detroit Red Wings.

Nylander, 37, made a significant impact since joining the Griffins on Oct. 21, helping them to a perfect 5-0 mark on home ice. Last Friday, he scored the Griffins’ first goal midway through the third period to ignite their 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Houston, and he finished his five-game stay with five power-play assists and a plus-one rating. Grand Rapids converted 10 of its 33 power play opportunities (30.3%) while Nylander was in the lineup.

Janik, 29, made his Red Wings debut last night during Detroit’s 2-0 win over Boston, logging 13:56 of ice time. Janik, who became the 105th Griffins alumnus to skate in the NHL, leads all Griffins defensemen and is tied for second overall on the club with six points (1-5—6) in 10 games. He also paces Grand Rapids with a plus-four rating and ranks third with 15 penalty minutes.

The Griffins will take aim at their sixth straight victory this Friday when they host Chris Chelios, Manny Legace and the Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m.