Bertuzzi-Nosek-Frk a hit with Griffins; what about the Red Wings?

Helene St. James | Detroit Free Press

Show Caption Hide Caption Success of the Griffins' Bertuzzi-Nosek-Frk line Grand Rapids Griffins Tyler Bertuzzi, Martin Frk, Tomas Nosek, Todd Nelson and Jared Coreau talk after the Griffins clinch the 2017 Calder Cup championship Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at Van Andel Arena. Video by Helene St. James, DFP.

GRAND RAPIDS -- They call him “playoff Bert,” a moniker every bit befitting.

By any description – Bert 2.0, the millennial Bertuzzi to his uncle Todd’s Generation X – Tyler Bertuzzi appears to be just what the Detroit Red Wings could use: A gritty, and smart, winger who goes through the playoffs at turbo speed.

In fact, his entire line might be worth a look come autumn’s NHL exhibition games, given how well Bertuzzi, Tomas Nosek and Martin Frk gel.

Shortly after the Wings’ top developmental affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, earned the 2017 Calder Cup on Tuesday night at Van Andel Arena with a 4-3 victory over Syracuse in Game 6, Bertuzzi was named the AHL playoff MVP.

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He scored a goal early in the third period that gave the Griffins the booster shot they needed after a nervous first two periods, finishing with 19 points in 19 games as the Griffins went round after round deep.

“We call him playoff Bert,” teammate Jared Coreau said. “I don’t know if it’s just his style of play or his will to win, or his eagerness to win, but he just performs. He performs when it counts. He could have five points throughout the year but then have the playoffs he did. I’d keep him around forever.”

Nosek set up Bertuzzi’s goal and then added a third assist of the game when Frk scored the series-winning goal with 7:19 left in regulation, finishing first in team playoff scoring with 22 points. Frk finished with 15 points. The trio had been quiet while the series was in Syracuse, but had too much history not to roar again.

Todd Nelson on how Griffins clinched 2017 Calder Cup Grand Rapids Griffins coach Todd Nelson talks after the Red Wings' AHL affiliate clinched the 2017 Calder Cup championship on June 13, 2017 at Van Andel Arena. Video by Helene St. James/DFP

“It was just a matter of time because Bert scored another one and Marty let a blast go,” coach Todd Nelson said. “It was fun to watch.”

Nosek, 24, almost certainly has earned a spot with the Wings next season. He already made a good impression during an 11-game stint with his solid defensive play. The Wings are likely to lose a forward in the expansion draft, and Nosek could grab that spot. There’s also the fact that off-season surgery to forwards Tomas Tatar and Luke Glendening could jeopardize their readiness in September.

“I hope I did everything I can to prove I belong up there in Detroit,” Nosek said. “Hopefully next season I make the team after camp, finally.

“Sometimes hard work pays off. I think that is what happened in playoffs for me. I just try to work hard every shift, every game. The time up there helped me, too. I got a little confidence and I just bring it here. Whole playoff run was great feeling. Bert is a great guy, great hockey player. I think he is going to play in NHL one day, for sure. He has great future. I just enjoy to play with him and Marty Frk. That was amazing.”

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Frk is a restricted free agent, but the sides plan to talk now that the playoffs are over.

“I will find out my future pretty much soon,” Frk said as he stood on the ice, his linemates nearby.

“It is a pleasure to play with those two guys,” Frk said. “We play over a year-and-a-half together, so we know where we have to be and all the plays.”

Nosek, 24, and Frk, 23, both require waivers to be sent down starting next season. Frk already went through that experience twice last year, waived first by the Wings, then by the team that picked him up, Carolina, after a two-game audition didn’t sway the Hurricanes. Frk responded with a career AHL season, producing 50 points in 65 games. For a second straight season, he used his big right-handed shot to reach 27 goals.

Asked if Frk could be an NHL player, Nelson said, “I think with the right fit. It has to be the right fit for the hockey team. But he is definitely an asset. Not too many shoot the puck like Marty Frk.”

Bertuzzi, 22, a bonus second-round pick from the 2013 draft (the Wings got a second second-round pick when they moved down two spots in the first round and still got their target, Anthony Mantha) can be sent down without waivers. That leaves him vulnerable to start the season, but injuries happen, and if he doesn’t make it from day one, he’s certain to top the depth chart. He showed what makes him so special again in a game the Griffins didn’t want to lose, going to the net and finding a way to score.

“We all just needed to calm down,” Bertuzzi said when asked about the Griffins’ approach entering a third period they trailed, 3-2. “We needed 20 minutes to win a game and win a championship, and we did it.”

Bertuzzi now has 39 points in 42 AHL career playoff games. The explanation for his prowess was, Tuesday night, in his surroundings.

“For this exact reason,” Bertuzzi said. “To win a championship.”

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames.

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