In Red Wings Land

Unlike Red Wings, Griffins rolling into second half of season | The Detroit News

The Grand Rapids Griffins, overcoming a slow start this season — in part because of all the Red Wings’ injuries, which forced call-ups from Grand Rapids — have leaped into first place in the Central Division and the Eastern Conference.

The Griffins are 25-14-7 (57 points), have won four of their last five games, and are gaining momentum as the American Hockey League All-Star break concludes Thursday.

Not going to lie here… I had no idea Grand Rapids was doing this well. Obviously it’s good for the Griffins, but any potential playoff games are just an added bonus for Filip Zadina’s development. He could benefit from playing in some high pressure games.

Around the League

Donald Fehr checks in on CBA, player tracking, Olympics and more | ESPN

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has repeatedly said the league is “not looking for a fight.” That’s hopeful, considering the league could be on the verge of its fourth work stoppage in Bettman’s 25-year tenure. What does the union think?

ESPN sat down with NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr at All-Star Weekend to discuss the tone of negotiations so far, the new player tracking deal, Olympics, the lack of a domestic violence policy and more.

Some good questions here from Emily Kaplan and Greg Wyshynski.