Late Goal Thwarts Griffins' Rally, 3-2
Published on December 8, 2006 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - An Erik Westrum goal with 1:31 remaining spoiled a two-goal comeback effort by Matt Ellis and lifted the Toronto Marlies to a 3-2 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins on Friday at Van Andel Arena.
With his team down 2-0, Ellis scored late in the first period and with 2:12 left in the third to tie it, but Westrum tallied soon after to make it seven straight meetings between these teams - including four playoff contests - which the visiting team has won. Ellis' two goals give him 52 for his Griffins career, moving him past Ed Patterson (51) into 10th place on the franchise's all-time list.
Grand Rapids and Toronto will stage a rematch tomorrow afternoon, in a 4 p.m. start at the Ricoh Coliseum.
The Marlies potted goals 47 seconds apart midway through the opening period. Former Red Wing Boyd Devereaux popped a rebound home from the right side for a shorthanded tally at 10:58, followed by a John Mitchell goal that put Jimmy Howard and the Griffins in a 0-2 hole.
Grand Rapids' captain answered during a power play at the 14:14 mark, as Ellis slapped a rebound past Justin Pogge from the doorstep to end the Toronto netminder's shutout streak against the Griffins at 74:03.
Toronto maintained its 2-1 lead deep into the third period, until Ellis tied it during a goal-mouth scramble at 17:48. However, a defensive breakdown in the Griffins' zone just 41 seconds later allowed an unchallenged Westrum to throw the puck into a yawning cage from the left circle at 18:29.
The Griffins were awarded a power play with 53 ticks left and pulled Howard to give themselves a 6-on-4 advantage, which soon became a 6-on-3 power play after penalties were handed out following a scrum at 19:34. But Pogge finished off his 29-save performance to improve to 2-0 against the Griffins during his rookie campaign.
Grand Rapids went 1-for-10 on the power play but held Toronto scoreless in seven attempts, marking the fourth straight game that the Griffins have not allowed a power play goal. Howard ended the night with 27 stops.
American Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2006
- Rivermen Fall 4-1 in Manitoba - Peoria Rivermen
- 'Dogs edge Pens in shootout - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Amerks and Knighthawks announce TV partnership - Rochester Americans
- Admirals sink Senators, 5-2 - Binghamton Senators
- Monarchs Freeze Devils in 2-0 Shutout - Manchester Monarchs
- P-Bruins Defeat Portland 6-3 - Providence Bruins
- Late Goal Thwarts Griffins' Rally, 3-2 - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Wolves bounce past Phantoms - Adirondack Phantoms
- Admirals Beat B-Sens 5-2 - Norfolk Admirals
- Monarchs hand Devils 2-0 loss - Albany Devils
- Aeros home Saturday - Houston Aeros
- Knights Host Teddy Bear Toss To Benefit Make-A-Wish Nebraska - Abbotsford Heat
- Griffins fans support Angel Tree - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Amerks host the Syracuse Crunch tonight - Rochester Americans
- Penguins helping children - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
- Pens sign Jon Awe to PTO - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Size doesn't matter - Iowa Chops
- Crunch Announce Details of South Beach Diet Bar Promotion - Syracuse Crunch
- Broadcasts to Feature Manitoba Audio This Weekend - Peoria Rivermen
- Rivermen, Nova Cinemas Partner on Holiday Package - Peoria Rivermen
- New Jersey Trip Giveaway Planned for December 17th vs. Bruins - Albany Devils
- Penguins jersey card giveaway featured in Beckett Hockey - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
