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AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Eight is Enough, Griffins Drop 4-3 Decision in Cleveland

December 10, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


CLEVELAND - The Grand Rapids Griffins (15-7-4-0) fell one goal short in a 4-3 loss to the Cleveland Barons (10-7-3-3), but fell one goal short in a 4-3 loss on Wednesday night at Gund Arena. The Griffins put forth a spirited effort, despite playing without eight of their teammates recalled to the parent Detroit Red Wings. The loss snaps Grand Rapids' six-game winning streak and eight-game unbeaten streak.

Griffins netminder Marc Lamothe made 18 saves, snapping his winning streak at seven, one win shy of matching the franchise record for consecutive wins by a goaltender. Dimitri Patzold made 33 saves for the win.

After a scoreless first period, the Griffins took the lead when former Baron Jeff Nelson tucked a shot inside the left post at 4:49 of the second period. Ryan Barnes and David Brisson assisted on the goal.

Aaron Schneekloth was awarded a penalty shot when Robert Mulick closed his glove on the puck in the Barons crease, but Dimitri Patzold stopped Schneekloth's attempt.

The Barons evened the score at 1-1 with a power play marker by Jon DiSalvatore who beat Lamothe from Patrick Rissmiller and Ryane Clowe at 10:37 of the middle frame. After killing the first two penalties against them, the Griffins hadn't allowed a power play goal since Nov. 15, a streak spanning 45 man-down scenarios.

Cleveland took a 2-1 lead when it cashed in on its next power play. Tavis Hansen buried a shot behind Lamothe at 12:52 of the second period from Miroslav Zalesak and Jim Fahey.

The Griffins answered when Michel Picard capped a two-on-one breakaway with Nathan Robinson at 14:03 of the second stanza. Anders Myrvold also assisted on the goal, extending his assist streak to three games.

Zalesak and Fahey teamed up again to set up Nick Bootland - older brother of Darryl - at 17:53 of the second period for a fluky goal. Bootland centered the puck into a crowded crease. The puck found its way through the bodies in the crease, sliding behind Lamothe for a 3-2 lead.

Tomas Kopecky scored his third goal in two games evening the score at 3-3. He gathered the puck in the slot and fired a shot that made Patzold flinch. Dave Van Drunen and Hugo Boisvert assisted on the goal at 5:56 of the third period.

Cleveland took a 4-3 lead when Brad Boyes finished a two-on-one at 7:39 of the third period from Grant Stevenson.

The Griffins return to action when they host the Houston Aeros on Friday night at 7:30. The first 1,500 fans will receive mullet wigs, commemorating the haircut of hockey's heritage.

View this game's official box score on-line at griffinshockey.com.

Check out the Grand Rapids Griffins Statistics

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American Hockey League Stories from December 10, 2003


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