AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Griffins secure second place despite 3-1 loss

Published on April 10, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


HOUSTON - The Grand Rapids Griffins (44-27-8-0) dropped a 3-1 decision to the Houston Aeros (28-34-14-4) on Saturday night at the Toyota Center. Despite the loss, the Griffins secured second place in the West Division because tonight the Milwaukee Admirals defeated the Chicago Wolves 3-1.

For the third straight season, and the fourth time in the last five seasons, Grand Rapids will meet the Chicago Wolves in the playoffs. Last season, Grand Rapids swept Chicago 4-0 in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Griffins will host the Wolves in a best-of-seven series to open the playoffs. The first two games of the series will be at Van Andel Arena on Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, April 18 at 6 p.m. The remainder of the series will be announced on Monday, April 12.

Houston's win means it will host the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks in a best-of-three-game qualifying series. The winner of the series will meet Milwaukee.

After a scoreless first period, the teams traded power play markers in the second period.

Grand Rapids struck first when Danny Groulx's 45-foot blast beat Frederic Cloutier at 12:12 of the middle frame. Travis Richards used a drop pass to create space for Groulx's shot. Jeff Nelson also assisted on the goal.

Houston answered with its own power play goal four minutes later. Kevin Mitchell lugged the puck the length of the ice, evading Griffins defenders and burying a shot past Joey MacDonald at 16:15. Zbynek Michalek dished the lone assist on the goal.

The Aeros took a 2-1 lead when Kyle Wanvig capped a goalmouth scramble by lifting the puck over a crouching MacDonald with 3:43 remaining in regulation. Rickard Wallin and Michalek assisted on the goal.

Dan Cavanaugh slid a puck into an empty net with 37 ticks remaining in regulation to secure a 3-1 win.

MacDonald finished with 31 saves for the Griffins while Cloutier stopped 24 shots.

The Griffins finish the regular season tomorrow with a visit to the San Antonio Rampage at 5 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 April 10, 2004


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