Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 This could belong in the prospects board but I thought given the whole fighting/toughness saga that is always played out on this board it could be relevant here... Abdelkader Griffins' Abdelkader mixes it up in home opener GRAND RAPIDS -- The Grand Rapids Griffins' home opener was a hard-fought game -- quite literally for Justin Abdelkader. The former Mona Shores and Michigan State standout got into his first fight in a Griffins uniform during the team's 6-4 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs at Van Andel Arena on Saturday night. With 4:39 left in the second period, Abdelkader laid a check on the Bulldogs' Greg Stewart while going after a puck in the Griffins' zone. As the puck moved toward the blue line, Hamilton's Mike Glumac took down Abdelkader and the two tussled for a few moments on the ice. Abdelkader was hit with boarding and fighting penalties, while Glumac drew a game misconduct to go with instigating and fighting penalties. "He came right after me and threw his stuff off, so I was like, 'All right, here we go,' " Abdelkader said. "You just have to try and be ready for that kind of stuff." Abdelkader said it was his first fight since juniors -- fighting isn't allowed in college -- and he felt a little rusty. But he wasn't too worried about his parents might say after they witnessed the scrum during their son's debut in Grand Rapids. "I don't care," Abdelkader said, smirking. "Whatever." Abdelkader also scored his third goal of the season 3:19 into the first period. While on the power play, he tipped a Jonathan Ericsson shot past Bulldogs goaltender Marc Denis to put the Griffins up 2-0. I'm sure this will please a few of the posters around here to know that we have a young prospect who is prepared to drop the gloves and stand up for himself. So not only will he play physical but he has 2 goals for 4 points in as many games to start his pro career. I’m pretty excited about this kid and I bet he is called up at some stage this season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mickey Redmond 15 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 post video Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hocketownwest 11 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 Jonathan Ericssons blast that Justin tipped in for the 2nd goal. A few pics of Justins fight, didn't have time to flip to video. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 Good stuff. If the kid develops into a brusier, ding ding ding, we have a winner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sebastian 0 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 I've always liked the kid even when he was playing with MSU. I hope he comes and plays with us this year just to rest one of our players, no injuries please. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akustyk 84 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 (edited) Good stuff. If the kid develops into a brusier, ding ding ding, we have a winner. you mean he gets traded by Kenny for some Euro softie? /sarcasm I'm kidding but you never bet with Holland... Edited October 26, 2008 by akustyk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ben_usmc 253 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 (edited) He was sick at MSU it's pretty impressive to lead MSU in checking because last year they were pretty damn mean Edited October 26, 2008 by ben_usmc Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pinkprincess027 0 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 Jonathan Ericssons blast that Justin tipped in for the 2nd goal. A few pics of Justins fight, didn't have time to flip to video. Nice photos, I was sitting there watching it and my friend was hitting my arm telling me to take pictures, but I was to distracted to listen to him. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skacore 2 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 2 first period goals for Abdelkader this afternoon... 7 in 6 games I think? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sjradio 0 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 2 assists for Leino, who will be leaving after the game for LA. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pinkprincess027 0 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 2 first period goals for Abdelkader this afternoon... 7 in 6 games I think? I looked it up he has 5 goals in 5 games, he missed 2/3rds of the game last Sunday though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick zombo 3,739 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 2 assists for Leino, who will be leaving after the game for LA. The future's so bright, I gotta wear Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sjradio 0 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 Griffins just blew a 3-1 lead, tied 3-3 15:00 left in the 2nd Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cicada 4 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 Griffins win 6-3 Abdeldaker hatrick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skacore 2 Report post Posted October 26, 2008 unreal this kid is a beauty I can't wait.... although I felt the same way about Quincey a couple years ago Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted October 27, 2008 Wow, hattrick for Abdelkader in only his 5th game. Tied for second in rookie scoring. What a start he's made to his pro career! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
