from Tim Robinson of Detroit Hockey Now,

Watson says the players, most of whom are key Detroit Red Wings prospects, have done their part.

“They respect each other anxd they trust each other,” be said. “They like coming to work together. It’s a fun environment. It does show on the ice and I give complete credit to our guys for how hard they worked on that. A lot of it happened organically but then we do have a good leadership group that, you know, they took it under their wings to make sure that it continues to grow and the culture gets better. And I think we’re seeing what that looks like now on the ice.”

Calmness Begets Confidence For Griffins

Goalie Sebastian Cossa, who was outstanding in net for the Griffins this season, also played for Watson in Toledo last season.

“He’s really, really calm and collected in the dressing room,” Cossa said. “You know, he’s got everyone’s back and they’re very personable, and I think that builds up the team, he’s done a great job of connecting the guys in there and really showing trust and the guys in there.”

The Griffins have been pointing toward the postseason since training camp, on an off the ice, physically and mentally. The hay is in the barn, the saying goes. Now it’s time to harvest.

“We know the structure. We know what’s expected,” Watson said. “Now it’s all about details, habits and fundamentals. We want to make sure that we’re extremely detailed heading into playoffs. As a staff that’s what we’re focused on, but with the guys it’s I want to compete (and) the work ethic and the details to be extremely high heading into playoffs.”

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The puck drops in Rockfors tonight just after 8pm ET.