Griffins Fit to be Tied after 2-2 Final
Published on January 9, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Griffins surrendered goals with 1:54 remaining in both the second and third periods on Friday, enabling the Utah Grizzlies to rally for a 2-2 tie at Van Andel Arena.
A contest marred by power plays saw Grand Rapids' winless streak extend to four games, while Utah has now won just once in its last nine outings. Despite the deadlock, the Griffins (20-12-5-0) still increased their lead atop the West Division to two points over idle Chicago, while the Grizzlies remain in the cellar at 12-19-4-3.
Grand Rapids, which tonight began a stretch of seven games in nine nights, will host the Cleveland Barons on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
The Griffins, who were shut-out 1-0 by the Grizzlies on New Year's Eve, scored a power play goal 7:37 into the contest against long-time NHL goaltender Ron Tugnutt, who was assigned by the Dallas Stars on Wednesday. From behind the net, Michel Picard dished the puck out front to Derek King, who backhanded a shot that eluded the veteran netminder.
The score stayed 1-0 late into the second period, until a string of penalties called against the Griffins and some chicanery by Utah resulted in a power play goal by the Grizzlies. Enjoying their fourth consecutive power play, the Grizzlies were on a 5-on-3 advantage when Marc Lamothe lost his stick to the right of his net. Utah forward Justin Cox knocked Lamothe's stick out of reach behind the goal, then salted the wound seconds later by putting a rebound behind the lumber-less keeper at 18:06.
The Griffins responded early in the third on a goal by Jiri Hudler, the newly minted AHL All-Star who had spent the last month with the Detroit Red Wings and the Czech Junior National Team before returning to Grand Rapids today. He took a sharp-angle shot from the right corner that somehow found its way past Tugnutt at 1:58.
The home team looked to have things wrapped up until former Griffin David Gove capitalized into a vacated net in the waning minutes. Grand Rapids, whose five power play chances were overshadowed by Utah's eight opportunities, saw its frustration mount with just 1:01 remaining in regulation, when Kevin Miller was hit with a high stick without a penalty being called.
Lamothe and Tugnutt each made 24 saves in the draw.
View this game's official box score on-line at griffinshockey.com.
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