AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Conference's Top Seed Within Griffins' Grasp

March 25, 2002 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


This Week's Games:
Wed., Mar. 27 GRIFFINS at Rochester Americans 7:05 p.m. WOOD 1300 AM/WHTC 1450 AM
Fri., Mar. 29 GRIFFINS at Milwaukee Admirals 8:30 p.m. WOOD/WHTC
Sat., Mar. 30 Rochester Americans at GRIFFINS 7:30 p.m. WXSP-TV/WOOD/WHTC

Last Week's Results:
Wed., Mar. 20 Milwaukee Admirals 1 at GRIFFINS 1 OT 37-23-11-0, 85 pts. (1st, West Division)
Fri., Mar. 22 GRIFFINS 4 at Milwaukee Admirals 3 OT 38-23-11-0, 87 pts. (1st)
Sat., Mar. 23 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins 2 at GRIFFINS 3 39-23-11-0, 89 pts. (1st)

On the Brink: A four-game unbeaten streak (2-0-2-0) has helped solidify the Grand Rapids Griffins' position atop the Western Conference standings, heading into the next-to-last week of the AHL's regular season. The Griffins have opened up a five-point lead over Utah in the West Division race and a three-point cushion with a game in-hand over Syracuse in the overall Western Conference standings. In terms of points, Grand Rapids' magic numbers for clinching its first AHL division title and the conference's number-one playoff seed stand at 10 each over Utah and Syracuse, respectively. If things fall into place, the Griffins could claim both honors as soon as this Saturday, March 30.

The top 10 teams in each conference will qualify for the Calder Cup playoffs. The first round will be a best-of-three, with 7 hosting 10 and 8 hosting 9. The three division winners will be seeded 1, 2 and 3 for the balance of the conference playoffs, and the next five teams (4-6 plus the two first-round winners) will be seeded 4-8, in order of points. Conference quarterfinals are best-of-five, while the last three rounds will be best-of-seven.

There's No Place Like Home: The Griffins will play their final regular season home game this Saturday when the Rochester Americans visit at 7:30 p.m. for a Fan Appreciation Night celebration. The first 1,500 kids age 14 and younger will receive a Griffins patriotic beanie bear, courtesy of Jeep Chrysler. In addition, 200 wallets will be distributed randomly to fans throughout the night, each of which contains a prize ranging from gift certificates and Griffins playoff tickets to Rampage tickets and cold, hard cash. Grand Rapids has won an AHL-high 24 home games this season (24-11-4) and is vying for home-ice advantage throughout the 2002 Calder Cup playoffs.

Desperate Teams: Although their opponents' records this week may not impress, the Griffins can expect fierce competition from Rochester and Milwaukee, who are currently fighting it out for the tenth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Grand Rapids is 1-1 this season versus Rochester, which currently occupies the last playoff spot and owns a five-point lead over Milwaukee, a team that has taken the Griffins to overtime in five of their last seven meetings.

AHL Records in Peril: In a reflection of the defensive dominance they've held over the AHL throughout the 2001-02 season, the Griffins are in position to break or challenge several of the 66-year-old league's individual and team records. Martin Prusek's 0.933 save percentage would surpass the modern era record of 0.930 set by Rochester's Martin Biron in 1998-99, while his 1.79 goals against average would tie the standard set 64 years ago by Providence's Frank Brimsek. As a team, the Griffins will likely shatter the AHL mark for fewest goals allowed at home (83, Rochester 2000-01), as they stand at 75 heading into Saturday's home finale against Rochester. Overall, Grand Rapids is on pace to allow 177 goals, one more than the record set by Rochester in 1998-99.

Streak Update: With a 4-3-4-0 record thus far during the month of March, the Griffins must post no worse than a 0.500 mark in three games this week to claim their 20th consecutive winning month as the Ottawa Senators' top affiliate. They have not completed a month of regular season play with a record at or below 0.500 since April 1999 (4-5-0).

Double Your Pleasure: Grand Rapids is attempting to accomplish the unique feat of winning the regular season championship of two separate leagues in consecutive seasons. With 89 points under their belt, the Griffins are currently tied with Hartford and Lowell in the race for the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy, awarded annually to the AHL's regular season points champion. Grand Rapids last year won the International Hockey League's Fred A. Huber Trophy, as it led all teams with a 53-22-7 record (113 points) during the IHL's final season of play.

Attendance Kudos: Having welcomed 271,033 fans through the Van Andel Arena turnstiles this season and given a large pre-sale for Saturday's home finale versus Rochester, the Griffins are guaranteed to finish among the top seven AHL teams with an average attendance of more than 7,000. Grand Rapids' current average of 6,949 stands eighth out of 94 teams in minor league hockey.

Road Warriors: The Griffins will play six of their final seven games on the road, where they are 15-12-7-0 overall. Following a team-record eight-game point streak in hostile territory (5-0-3-0), Grand Rapids is just 2-4-4-0 in its last 10 away from home.

Best of the Class: The Griffins' recent college signees have paid major dividends for the team. Forward Tim Skarperud, playing just his second pro game since finishing his career at North Dakota, recorded a natural hat trick in Friday's 4-3 overtime win at Milwaukee. Skarperud became just the fourth rookie in Griffins history to net three goals in a game (Chris Bala - 1/25/02 at Norfolk, Petr Schastlivy - 12/22/99 at Chicago, Kevyn Adams - 3/15/97 vs. Kansas City). He added an assist in Saturday's 3-2 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In addition, former Ferris State Bulldog and current Hobey Baker finalist Rob Collins, signed by the Griffins last Thursday, notched a pair of assists in his professional debut on Friday at Milwaukee.

Speaking of Colleges...: Griffins players and coaches have direct ties to three of the four teams that will compete in the NCAA Frozen Four in Minneapolis during the first weekend of April. Assistant coach Gene Reilly served the last three seasons as an assistant at Maine, helping it to the 1999 national title. Right wing Josh Langfeld scored the game-winning goal for Michigan in the 1998 championship game, while defenseman Travis Richards spent four years (1989-93) at Minnesota.

Prusek Makes NHL Debut: Griffins goalie Martin Prusek was recalled by Ottawa on an emergency basis on Friday and made his NHL debut on Saturday at the Corel Centre, stopping 12 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Atlanta Thrashers. He remains with the Senators as a replacement for former Griffin Jani Hurme, who has the flu. Prusek, who leads the AHL with a 1.79 goals against average and a 0.933 save percentage, is vying to become the first AHL goalie since 1938-39 and just the fourth ever to complete a season with a GAA below 2.00. He has been spectacular since returning from a knee injury on Feb. 15, allowing only 16 goals in 13 games with a 1.20 GAA and a 0.952 save percentage, but just a 5-3-5-0 record. Prusek's current GAA is nearly one-third of a goal lower than the franchise record (2.08) established by Mike Fountain last season.

In Good Hands: Following Martin Prusek's departure to Ottawa, rookie Simon Lajeunesse led the Griffins to a 4-3 overtime win on Friday at Milwaukee. Grand Rapids allowed a season-high 41 shots but Lajeunesse was up to the task with 38 saves, the most by a Griffin this season. He was solid again in Saturday's 3-2 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, denying 27 shots to lower his goals against average to 2.08.

Like Father, Like Son: The Griffins and parent Senators experienced eerily similar games with different outcomes on Saturday night. Grand Rapids launched a season-high 51 shots (three shy of the franchise record) at Wilkes-Barre's Rob Tallas, whose Penguins returned just 29 attempts, but the Griffins had to scrape and claw for a 3-2 regulation victory. Ottawa, meanwhile, set a team mark for shots while building a 52-15 advantage for the game, but the Senators succumbed to an outstanding effort by goalie Frederic Cassivi in a 3-2 overtime loss to Atlanta.

Defense Does It: Despite missing veterans John Gruden, Travis Richards and Jason Doig to injury, the Griffins' defensive corps has allowed just seven goals in its last four games. Grand Rapids continues to lead the league in both goals allowed (2.21 per game) and shots allowed (25.48), and has surrendered more than two goals just nine times in the last 34 games.

Offensive Explosion: After tallying 11 goals during a 10-game span (Feb. 27-Mar. 20), the Griffins' offense came alive over the weekend, totaling seven lamp-lighters in a pair of one-goal wins over Milwaukee and Wilkes-Barre.

Top Guns: Rookies Tim Skarperud (hat trick, one assist) and Josh Langfeld (two game-winning goals) enjoyed productive weeks in the offensive zone, as did veteran forwards David Hymovitz (1-3--4) and Hugo Boisvert (1-2--3).

All in the Family: Defensemen Wade and Sheldon Brookbank are the third set of brothers to play for the Griffins simultaneously. Todd and Jeff Nelson skated for Grand Rapids during its inaugural 1996-97 season, while Kevin and Kelly Miller played for the Griffins in 1999-2000.

Close Calls: The Griffins have played to seven ties and experienced 11 one-goal games during their last 25 outings, including four ties and seven one-goal decisions in their last 12 games. They had just four ties and 12 one-goal decisions in their first 48 contests.

Shutout Records: Grand Rapids has recorded nine shutouts this season, surpassing the team mark of eight established last year and moving within two of the AHL record of 11 set this season by Syracuse. On the flip side, the Griffins' 5-0 loss at Manitoba on March 15 marked the eighth time they've been shut-out this season, breaking the franchise record (seven in 1997-98).

Recent Transactions: March 25: C Colin Chaulk released. March 24: D Joel Kwiatkowski recalled by Ottawa. March 23: F Toni Dahlman assigned by Ottawa, C Bryan Richardson released. March 22: G Martin Prusek recalled by Ottawa, G Jeff Salajko signed. March 21: C Rob Collins signed.

Fit to be Tied: After having decisive outcomes in each of their first 28 contests, the Griffins have played to a draw in 11 of their last 45 games. Although Grand Rapids' opponents have forced overtime with game-tying goals on six occasions, the Griffins remain the only AHL team without an overtime loss.

On the Shelf: Left wing Petr Schastlivy remains with the Ottawa Senators after sustaining a season-ending knee injury, while center Steve Martins is back in Grand Rapids, rehabbing a knee injured in Ottawa. Other players recently sidelined include forwards James Black (28 games) and Dmitry Afanasenkov (two games) and defensemen Jason Doig (eight games), Travis Richards (six games) and John Gruden (five games).

Top of the Charts: Kip Miller, currently with the New York Islanders, still ranks second in the AHL with a 0.216 shooting percentage (2nd)...John Gruden is third overall and first among defensemen with a plus-27 rating...Among rookies, Josh Langfeld is tied for third with eight power play goals...Wade Brookbank leads the AHL with 34 majors.

Special Teams: The Griffins' power play is 22nd in the AHL (51-327, 15.6%) while their penalty killing stands 10th (254-302, 84.1%).

Ottawa Senators Update: Former Griffin Todd White (2000-01) is tied for fourth on Ottawa in goals (20) and ranks fifth in points (45), while Chris Neil (1999-01) is enjoying a fine rookie campaign with nine goals and seven assists. The Senators are third in the Northeast Division and fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 35-23-8-7 mark, and they'll try to snap a four-game losing streak when they visit the New York Islanders on Wednesday.

Miller Time: Griffins center Kip Miller, the AHL's then-leading scorer (21-35--56), signed a contract with the New York Islanders on Jan. 16. He's recorded 16 points in 25 NHL games since, totaling five goals, 11 assists and an even rating.

Griffins' Pace In Past Seasons: Here is where the Griffins have stood in each of their six seasons: After 73 games: 2001-02 (39-23-11-0); 00-01 (48-20-5); 99-00 (43-21-9); 98-99 (30-35-8); 97-98 (34-28-11); 96-97 (37-27-9); After 74 games: 2000-01 (48-20-6); 99-00 (44-21-9); 98-99 (31-35-8); 97-98 (34-28-12); 96-97 (37-27-10).

This Week's Scouting Report

Wed., Mar. 27 at Rochester Americans - Blue Cross Arena - 7:05 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 30 vs. Rochester Americans - Van Andel Arena - 7:30 p.m.
TV: WXSP-TV at 7:30 p.m. (Sat. only). Radio: WOOD 1300 AM/WHTC 1450 AM at 6:33 p.m. (Wed.) and 7:10 p.m. (Sat.). Season/All-Time Series: 1-1-0-0 Overall, 0-1-0-0 Home, 1-0-0-0 Road. Third and fourth of four meetings overall, second and final in both Rochester and Grand Rapids. Rochester Affiliation: Buffalo Sabres. Head Coach: Randy Cunneyworth (2nd season). American Pride: Griffins GM Bob McNamara played three seasons in goal for Rochester (1983-86), while forwards Joe Murphy (1999-01) and James Black (1993-94) are also former Americans...Rochester won its most recent of six Calder Cups in 1996...Grand Rapids won the first meeting 5-1 in Rochester on Nov. 18, but the Amerks answered with a 1-0 win in Grand Rapids on Mar. 1...Chris Taylor ranks 14th in the AHL's scoring race with 64 points (20-44--64).

Fri., Mar. 29 at Milwaukee Admirals - Bradley Center - 8:30 p.m.
TV: None. Radio: WOOD 1300 AM/WHTC 1450 AM at 8:10 p.m. (Fri.). Season Series: 6-1-4-0 Overall, 2-0-3-0 Road. Twelfth and final meeting overall, sixth and final in Milwaukee. All-Time Series: AHL: 6-1-4-0 Overall, 2-0-3-0 Road. IHL: 18-10-4 Overall, 7-7-4 Road. Milwaukee Affiliation: Nashville Predators. Head Coach: Dave Allison (2nd season). Walk the Plank: The Griffins have earned points in each of their last 12 visits to the Bradley Center (seven wins, three ties, one overtime loss, one shootout loss)...Five of the last seven meetings between Grand Rapids and Milwaukee have gone to overtime, resulting in one Griffins win and four ties...Grand Rapids has blanked the Admirals three times this season...Milwaukee enters the week five points out of a playoff spot.

Check out the Grand Rapids Griffins Statistics



American Hockey League Stories from March 25, 2002


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