When the Grand Rapids Griffins hit the ice for their AHL playoff opener on Saturday, all eyes were on Detroit Red Wings top prospect Sebastian Cossa. But instead of manning the crease, the highly-touted goaltender found himself watching from the bench as the Griffins fell 1-0 to the Manitoba Moose in Game 1 of the Central Division semifinal.

In a surprising move, Grand Rapids head coach Dan Watson turned to free-agent signing Michal Postava for the start. Postava delivered a stellar performance, stopping 22 of 23 shots and earning second-star honors—but it wasn't enough to secure the win. The Moose broke the deadlock with just 2:26 left in the third period when Mason Shaw capitalized on a power play, with defenseman Anton Johansson serving a high-sticking penalty.

The decision to bench Cossa, the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft, raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. During the regular season, Cossa posted an impressive 26-8-4 record with a 2.33 goals-against average, .915 save percentage, and five shutouts. His last action came nearly two weeks ago, when he stopped 19 of 22 shots in a 6-4 loss to the Cleveland Monsters on April 19.

Postava, meanwhile, has been on a hot streak since the All-Star break, finishing the regular season with a 17-6-1 record, a stellar 1.71 GAA, and a .937 save percentage. "Michael earned the start since the All-Star break," Watson explained. "He's been excellent for us and given us opportunities to win every start."

When asked if he was surprised to get the nod, Postava admitted, "Maybe, a little bit." He added confidently, "If Cossa be there or I will be there, we will do the same job. We try to help the team. I think the coach trusts me."

With the Moose now leading the best-of-five series 1-0, Game 2 is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. in Winnipeg. Watson remained tight-lipped about his goaltending plans, saying, "In long playoff series, back-to-back nights, both guys have to be ready. Whether we go back with Michal or Cossa tomorrow, both guys need to be ready at the drop of a hat because these series end pretty quick."

For the Red Wings' top prospect, the wait continues. But as any hockey fan knows, playoff hockey is a marathon, not a sprint—and Cossa's time may come sooner than later.