Griffins drop 2-1 decision to Rochester

March 19, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release

Rochester, N.Y. - The Grand Rapids Griffins (40-21-8-0) dropped a 2-1 decision to the Rochester Americans (31-25-9-4) on Friday night at the Blue Cross Arena. The loss puts the Griffins perch atop the West Division and the entire league in jeopardy, depending on the outcome of Milwaukee's game in Utah. Grand Rapids has several scoring chances, but we unable to put a second puck past former Michigan State Spartan Ryan Miller.

Rochester opened the scoring with a power play tally by Jason Pominville 7:42 into the first period. Domenic Pittis and David Cullen assisted on the goal. Pittis sent a pass across the crease, allowing Pominville to tap the puck into an open net.

Grand Rapids evened the score late in the first period when Paul Ballantyne notched his first American Hockey League goal. Kevin Miller connected on a pass to Matt Ellis. Ellis slid a cross-crease pass to Ballantyne who was hustling in from the blue line. Ballantyne skated into the pass and pushed the puck into the Rochester goal with 49 seconds remaining in the first period.

Norm Milley capped the game's scoring 9:00 into the second period giving the Americans a 2-1 lead. Paul Gaustad and Jeff Hutchins assisted on the goal.

Joey MacDonald turned away 28 shots for Grand Rapids while Ryan Miller stopped 30 for Rochester.

The Griffins' two-game road trip continues on Sunday evening when they play the Philadelphia Phantoms at 5:05.

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

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American Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2004

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