AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Griffins Look to Begin Comeback Tonight at Home

Published on May 6, 2009 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


AHL Calder Cup Playoffs * North Division Finals

#1 Manitoba Moose at #3 Grand Rapids Griffins

Manitoba Leads Best-of-Seven Series, 3-0

Game 4 TONIGHT 7 p.m. Van Andel Arena

- Down three games to none, the Griffins need a victory tonight in Game 4 against the Moose to extend their playoff run and maintain their hopes for their first Calder Cup.

- Grand Rapids will try to join the two NHL teams and two AHL clubs that have rallied to win a series after trailing 0-3. The feat was famously accomplished by the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs and the 1975 New York Islanders, as well as the 1960 Rochester Americans and the 1989 Adirondack Red Wings. For close-to-home inspiration, the Griffins need only look back 10 years and behind their bench to head coach Curt Fraser, whose 1998-99 Orlando Solar Bears were the only team in the 56-year history of the original IHL to overcome a 0-3 deficit, rallying to defeat the Detroit Vipers.

- Both prior playoff series between the Griffins and Moose featured improbable rallies by the eventual victor. In the 2007 North Division Semifinals, Grand Rapids built a three-games-to-two lead over Manitoba heading back to Games 6 and 7 at Winnipeg's MTS Centre, but the Moose claimed a pair of home-ice wins to advance. The year before, the Griffins staged the greatest comeback in their playoff history in Game 7 of the North Division Finals against Manitoba on May 16, 2006 at Van Andel Arena, rallying from a 4-1 deficit with four unanswered goals over the game's final 20:01.

- If necessary, Game 5 will also take place at Van Andel Arena this Friday. The game will feature the ever-popular Dollar Beers, Dollar Dogs promotion, with $1 domestic drafts and $1 hot dogs available from 6-8 p.m., while supplies last.

TICKETS: Tickets for tonight's game are available at The Zone at Van Andel Arena and all Star Tickets outlets, including Meijer stores. Call 222-4000 / 800-585-3737 or purchase online at griffinshockey.com/playoffs.

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American Hockey League Stories from May 6, 2009


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