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AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Wolves Spoil Griffins New Year Opener

January 2, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Rosemont, Ill. - The Grand Rapids Griffins (20-11-4-0) dropped a 4-1 decision to the Chicago Wolves (16-12-5-2) on Friday night at Allstate Arena. The loss narrows Grand Rapids' lead over the second-place Wolves to five points in the West Division.

Nathan Robinson scored the lone goal for the Griffins, giving him nine goals in the last nine games. Tomas Kopecky and Anders Myrvold assisted on Robinson's team-leading 13th goal of the season. Robinson's goal spoiled the Kari Lehtonen's bid for his second shutout of the season. Robinson beat Lehtonen 11:05 into the third period, making the score 4-1. Lehtonen made 38 saves on the night, matching Travis Scott of San Antonio for the most saves made against the Griffins this season. The netminder also contributed an assist.

The Wolves opened the scoring when the reigning American Hockey League scoring champ, Steve Maltais, fired a shot over Marc Lamothe's left shoulder 6:52 into the game. Tommi Santala and Mike Weaver assisted on the goal.

Despite the Griffins carrying the flow, Chicago managed to tally three times in the middle frame.

Eric Healey, Karl Stewart and Derek MacKenzie each beat Lamothe to open a 4-0 advantage. MacKenzie's shorthanded marker at 16:43 of the second period was the last shot Lamothe would see as Joey MacDonald replaced him. Lamothe stopped 20 of the 24 shots he faced. MacDonald stopped all of the nine shots he faced in 23:17 of action.

Healey's goal came 3:10 into the second period from Brad Tapper and Brian Swanson. Stewart's tally came 5:18 later from Luke Sellars and Kurtis Foster. Lehtonen assisted on MacKenzie's goal at 16:43 of the second period.

The Griffins are back in action on Saturday as they travel to Milwaukee for an 8 p.m. start.

View this game's official box score on-line at griffinshockey.com.

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American Hockey League Stories from January 2, 2004


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