Two forwards sent to the Grand Rapids Griffins by the Detroit Red Wings immediately found their offensive touch in their first game back in the AHL. Recently-demoted John Leonard and Nate Danielson both enjoyed productive afternoons as the Griffins recorded a 6-3 verdict over the Rockford IceHogs in a Wednesday matinee game at Van Andel Arena.

Meanwhile, rookie forward Carter Bear continued along on his impressive offensive push, making it worth pondering whether he might find his way into the lineup of the suddenly goal-starved Red Wings.

Leonard potted his second hat trick of the season and the fifth by a Griffins player this season. Danielson, who looked at the NHL level as though he couldn’t find the net if they mounted GPS in his helmet, dished out three assists in his first AHL game of the season.

Bear just kept on trucking. He scored two goals and recorded two assists to extend his point streak to six games. The first-year pro has collected 3-10-13 totals over that span.

He’s a really smart player,” Leonard told reporters of Bear after the game. “Obviously a really special player.”

Special enough to help the Red Wings sooner rather than later?

Red Wings in Desperate Need of Goals

Over their current four-game losing streak, the Red Wings have scored five goals. That works out to 1.25 goals per game. Detroit has fallen to 27th in the NHL in goals per game (2.58).

Physically, Bear probably isn’t ready for the NHL. Traditionally, the Red Wings don’t rush their prospects to the show. But beggars can’t be choosers, and the Wings are begging for goals.

Bear, in making the jump from juniors to pro, is making it look easy.

“I heard a lot of stories that pro was hard, way different than junior,” Bear said. “Obviously it’s more physical. Bigger guys and older players.

“You don’t get that many scoring chances. It’s definitely hard to find a shot on net or creating plays.”

He seems comfortable with patiently waiting for his opportunity to arrive.

“I’m still a young guy,” Bear said. “I’m still learning.”