AHL Iowa Wild

Wild Settles Griffins 2-1

December 12, 2017 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Iowa Wild News Release


DES MOINES, IOWA - The Iowa Wild (12-8-5-0, 29 points) recorded a 2-1 win over the Grand Rapids Griffins (9-13-0-3, 21 points) in front of 4,119 fans Sunday night at Wells Fargo Arena, picking up at least a point in its last seven of eight contests.

Rookie forwards Luke Kunin and Gerry Mayhew each scored a goal in the Central-Division battle, and Wild goaltender Steve Michalek earned the win, making 40 saves.

Kunin opened the scoring for the Wild at 10:56 of the first period by capitalizing on a power-play opportunity. On the play, forward Landon Ferraro carried the puck into the left-wing circle before passing it cross-ice to Kunin, who snapped a wrist shot from the circle. The puck clinked off the right post, beating Griffins goaltender Jared Coreau (28 saves) short side, and giving Iowa a 1-0 lead. Forward Pat Cannone also added a helper on the man-advantage goal, giving him a point in eight straight games, which ties a franchise record.

Iowa outshot Grand Rapids 10-7 in the first 20 minutes of play. The Wild went 1-for-2 on the power play, while Grand Rapids didn't have any power-play opportunities.

Mayhew extended Iowa's lead to 2-0 at 10:07 of the second period with his fifth goal of the year. On the play, defenseman Nick Seeler fired a slap shot from the left point, and Mayhew put the rebound past Coreau's glove side. Sam Anas also assisted the even-strength goal.

At 12:45 of the second period, forward Zach Nastasiuk cut the deficit in half for the Griffins, making it a 2-1 game. From the point, defenseman Filip Hronek passed the puck to forward Luke Esposito in the slot. He shot the puck, and Michalek made an initial, right-pad save, but Nastasiuk shot in the rebound, beating the Wild goaltender stick side.

In the second period, the Griffins outshot the Wild 21-15.

There was no scoring in the third period. At night's end, the Griffins outshot the Wild 41-30. Iowa converted on 1-of-4 power plays, while Grand Rapids went 0-for-2.

After a five-game road trip, with games in Grand Rapids, Milwaukee, Chicago and Cleveland, the Wild returns home on Friday, Dec. 22 to host the Griffins for Bus Beer night.

ALEXI SPECTOR

Manager of Communications and Digital Marketing

Iowa Wild | American Hockey League

p. 515.564.8730

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