AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Griffins end Texas trip with 4-1 loss

Published on March 8, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


HOUSTON - The Grand Rapids Griffins (39-18-8-0) fell victims to a late surge by the Houston Aeros (23-30-11-3) on Monday night at the Toyota Center. Houston tallied two power play goals in the third period en route to tallying four times in the final frame for a 4-1 win.

The two teams enjoyed several scoring chances through the first two periods, but were unable to penetrate the reigning AHL Goaltender of the Year, the Griffins' Marc Lamothe on one end, and the 2003 Jack Butterfield Trophy winner, Johan Holmqvist, on the other. After the two goaltenders stopped 46 shots combined through the first two frames, the two teams managed to tally five goals between them in the third.

Houston found the twine behind Lamothe first when Jan Vodrazka's shot beat the Griffins netminder. Mark Cullen picked up the lone assist on the goal 1:46 into the third period.

Grand Rapids answered with a power play tally by Kevin Miller, who swatted the rebound of Danny Groulx's point shot out of the air. Travis Richards also assisted on the goal at 9:33 of the final frame.

Kevin Mitchell broke the 1-1 tie for the Aeros with a shot from center ice with 7:19 remaining. Dan Cavanaugh recorded the lone assist.

Houston extended their lead to 3-1 with a power play goal by Cullen from Matt Foy and Zbynek Michalek with 2:42 remaining. Cullen one-timed a shot over Lamothe's shoulder from 15 feet away from the cage.

Cavanaugh added a goal of his own to make the score 4-1, while the Aeros were enjoying a two-man advantage. Derek Boogaard and Mitchell assisted on the goal with 9.2 seconds remaining in the third period.

Despite entering the game tied for the second-most lethal power play in the league, the Griffins were unable to convert on two five minute power plays, one in each of the first two periods.

Lamothe's record falls to 19-13-5 despite making 32 saves. Holmqvist made 37 saves for the win.

After splitting the four-game road trip, the Griffins return to Van Andel Arena to host the second-place Milwaukee Admirals on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

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 March 8, 2004


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