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AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Griffins Bury Wolves in Overtime, 4-3

January 16, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - Tremendous individual efforts by Hugo Boisvert and Nathan Robinson lifted the Griffins to a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the Chicago Wolves on Friday at Van Andel Arena.

Robinson netted two goals and an assist on the night, but it was his sacrifice in the extra session that opened the door for Boisvert's heroics. Robinson took a huge hit in the neutral zone that enabled Boisvert to skate in against a lone defenseman, and the Griffins' alternate captain fought through a check to slip a backhand shot through Frederic Cassivi's legs at 2:44.

With the win, the Griffins' eighth in their last 10 meetings with Chicago, Grand Rapids increased its West Division lead to seven points over the second-place Wolves and extended its overall unbeaten streak to six games (4-0-2-0). The Griffins will conclude a stretch of seven games in nine days on Saturday, when they host the St. John's Maple Leafs at 7:30 p.m.

Robinson gave the Griffins an early 1-0 lead by banging home a rebound during a power play at 8:47 of the first period. But three consecutive penalties whistled against the Griffins in less than two minutes presented Chicago with two 5-on-3 power plays, and Kurtis Foster capitalized at 15:11 to tie the score.

A match penalty against Chicago's Steve Maltais in the opening minutes of the second gave the Griffins a golden scoring opportunity that was prompted squelched by three minors called against Grand Rapids in as many minutes. Chicago again used the situation to its advantage, as a power play tally by Eric Healey at 7:43 gave the Wolves their first lead at 2-1.

The Griffins fought back to tie it before the second break. From the top of the left circle, Jeff Nelson attempted to slide a pass to Michel Picard in the slot, but the puck eluded everyone, including Cassivi, and found its way just inside the right post at 14:44.

The Wolves finally scored at even strength to take a 3-2 lead, as Brian Swanson finished an odd-man break by tapping a loose puck past Joey MacDonald at 5:19 of the third. However, the Griffins again rallied on Robinson's equalizer during a power play with 9:13 remaining in regulation. A blast from Jiri Hudler from the left point was stopped out front, but Robinson backhanded a shot over Cassivi to set up the overtime thriller.

MacDonald, making just his fourth home appearance of the season, made 30 saves in the win, while Cassivi sustained the loss with 28 stops.

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

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American Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2004


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