GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — What really jumped out was the stick twirl.



It was impressive enough when Filip Zadina carried the puck between three Rockford defenders Wednesday, then ripped a wrist shot into the net. But it was Zadina’s celebration — a nonchalant stick twirl as he headed toward the boards — that made you wonder, as highlights of his latest two-goal game made the rounds, if things were about to get interesting.



In that one short clip, you could see what Red Wings’ fans imagined back in June, when they were first introduced to Zadina, the guy who could “bring the goals” and would tell you so himself. This was that guy.



Combine it with the recent statistical production (the goal represented Zadina’s sixth point in five games) and it was easy to wonder: Was the sixth overall pick hitting his stride with the Grand Rapids Griffins? And would that soon lead to something more?



To spare you the...