AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Griffins Drop Weekend Finale to Monsters, 5-1

Published on November 14, 2015 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


CLEVELAND - Josh Anderson scored two goals while Joonas Korpisalo stopped 37 of 38 shots he faced as the Grand Rapids Griffins fell 5-1 to the Lake Erie Monsters on Saturday at Quicken Loans Arena.

Sonny Milano opened the scoring for Lake Erie (8-3-0-2) 5:05 into the opening period. Andrew Bodnarchuk's wrist shot from the left point was intended for Tom McCollum's blocker side, but a deflection off the stick of Milano sent the puck past the glove of a sliding McCollum.

The Monsters added to their lead with 8:11 left in the opening frame. On a 2-on-1, T.J. Tynan sent a backhand pass to Anderson, who sent a one-timer from the right circle over the glove of McCollum.

Lake Erie took a 3-0 lead into the first intermission. Nathan Paetsch was the victim of aggressive forechecking and was dispossessed behind his own net by Alex Broadhurst. Broadhurst then sent a pass towards Ryan Craig in the slot, with Craig's shot going over McCollum's right arm with 1:52 remaining.

The Monsters added two insurance goals in the second period, with the first coming from Anderson the 5:14 mark. After Tynan's initial effort from the right circle forced a stick save from McCollum, Anderson scored his second goal of the night with a rebound past McCollum's blocker to give the Monsters a 4-0 advantage.

Lake Erie added a fifth with one second left on the clock. On a 2-on-1, Brandon Zaar decided to take matters into his own hands. Using Alex Broadhurst as a decoy, Zaar fired a wrist shot from the right circle just under the crossbar and over the glove of McCollum.

Colin Campbell put the Griffins (2-8-0-1) on the scoresheet 3:08 into the final frame. Andy Miele'spass from the left corner was intended for Dan Cleary, but ricocheted onto the stick of Campbell, who fired a wrist shot from the bottom of the left circle just inside Korpisalo's right post.

The Griffins outshot Lake Erie 38-30, including a lopsided 31-15 over the final 40 minutes. Grand Rapids went 0 for 4 on the power play, while Lake Erie failed to score on two opportunities. The Griffins' penalty kill was a perfect 4 for 4 in the weekend series.

The Griffins return to Van Andel Arena on Wednesday to host the Rockford IceHogs. Game time is 7 p.m.

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American Hockey League Stories from November 14, 2015


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