Grizzlies grind out 3-1 win
December 17, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah â Despite outshooting their opponents by a 36-24 margin, the Grand Rapids Griffins (18-8-1-0) lost 3-1 to the Utah Grizzlies (7-18-0-2) on Friday night at The "E" Center. The loss paired with Milwaukee's 7-2 win over Chicago, puts Grand Rapids into a tie for the top spot in the West Division. The loss is Grand Rapids' second loss in 12 outings in hostile territory.
Grand Rapids allowed nine of the game's first 10 shots and then outshot Utah 37-15 for the balance of the contest.
Utah opened the scoring when Peter White popped the rebound of Terry Virtue's point shot past Drew MacIntyre 11 minutes into the first period.
The Griffins had a two-man advantage for six seconds late in the first period. Shortly after the first penalty to Utah expired, Erik Westrum recorded a shorthanded goal to open a 2-0 lead with 20 seconds remaining in the first period. The shorthanded tally is the first against the Griffins this season.
Grand Rapids trimmed the lead to 2-1 with a power play tally at 10:22 of the second period. Danny Groulx's shot from the point deflected off Darryl Bootland to Matt Ellis. Ellis was able to tuck the puck into an open side of the net.
Westrum secured the victory when he slid the puck into an open net with one tick remaining in regulation.
MacIntyre stopped 21 shots to suffer his first loss in his last five decisions. Jean-Marc Pelletier made 37 saves for the win.
Eric Manlow, who had a five-game goal-scoring streak, and Todd Robinson, who had a nine-game point streak, each saw his streak come to an end.
The Griffins return to Van Andel Arena to host the Cleveland Barons on Saturday at 8 p.m. Immediately following Saturday's contest, the third annual Great Skate begins at Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. The Great Skate continues until 10 p.m. on Sunday night.
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American Hockey League Stories from December 17, 2004
- Hamilton Wins Fourth Consecutive Contest - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Grizzlies grind out 3-1 win - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Utah Grizzlies defeat Grand Rapids Griffins - Utah Grizzlies
- Masse (Naturally) downs Rats 4-2 - Hershey Bears
- Barons Gain Third Consecutive Victory - Cleveland Barons
- 'Cats solve Monsters in shootout - Worcester IceCats
- Monarchs Shut Down By Phantoms In Best Of The Best Battle - Manchester Monarchs
- Falcons Fall to Bruins, 3-2 - Springfield Falcons
- Bruins skate to third straight win - Providence Bruins
- Sound Tigers Lose 5-1 In Binghamton - Bridgeport Islanders
- Phantoms defeat league-leading Monarchs 1-0 - Adirondack Phantoms
- Penner Reassigned To Syracuse - Syracuse Crunch
- Two Top Teams In The AHL Meet Tonight In Philly - Manchester Monarchs
- Wolves Add Peters to Blue Line - Chicago Wolves
- Darren Rumble announces retirement - Springfield Falcons
- IceCats announce five moves - Worcester IceCats
- St. John's Makes Roster Moves - Toronto Marlies
- Rampage Game Day - San Antonio Rampage
- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
- Edmonton Road Runners Christmas Charity Challenge Sells Out - Edmonton Road Runners
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- Barons/Syracuse Tickets On Sale Tomorrow - Cleveland Barons
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