GOTTA SEE IT: Filip Hronek Scores Amazing Shootout Goal!

The Grand Rapids Griffins are in the heat of a playoff race. With seven games remaining in their season, they need 12 points to clinch a post-season berth. So every point matters right now. Last night, the Griffs were locked in a tie with the Texas Rangers, another team fighting for their post-season.

The game came down to a shootout and head coach Todd Nelson sent breakout defenseman Filip Hronek out as the third shooter. The Griffins’ first two shooters were unsuccessful and they needed a goal to stay in the game. Hronek delivered in a magnificent way.

It was the goal that kick-started the Griffins shootout victory as the next two shooters scored to secure the all-important victory.

Hronek, Detroit’s 2nd round pick (53rd overall) in the 2016 entry draft, is producing at a 0.54 point-per-game pace in the AHL this year, leading all team defensemen with 33 points (9 goals, 24 assists). He is ranked second among AHL defensemen in points and eleventh among all active defensemen.

Hronek’s development has taken a huge step this year, with many believing his play should have been rewarded with a chunk of NHL time. He’ll certainly get a good look next season and deserves to play more than a few games in a Red Wings jersey.

For now, Hronek, along with the rest of his Griffins teammates, are focused on the AHL playoffs and the challenges those will bring. If he continues to score highlight reel goals like the one above, he’ll make it exciting for everyone.

I’m all in on this kid. Let’s get this hype train rolling!