10/26 GDT: Norfolk Admirals @ Grand Rapids Griffins

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Norfolk Admirals (1-3-2) @ Grand Rapids Griffins (3-0-1)

@

The Griffins finally had their season opener last night as they defeated the potent Bulldogs side 6-4. Ritola was awarded the games 1st star as he enjoyed a three point night and he and Emmerton looked to develop some chemistry. Emmerton had his first 2 points of the season and was adjudged the 3rd star.

After racing out to an early 4-0 lead the Griffins lost focus and turned the puck over far too often which allowed the Bulldogs back into the contest. Howard saved 20 of 24 shots to get the victory but his GAA and S% aren’t looking too healthy to start the season. The Griffins will be looking to win their 4th straight game against a struggling Norfolk side.

Probable line-up:

Leino - Helm - Haydar
McGrath - Abdelkader - Tardif
Ritola - Emmerton - Wilson
Mursak - Oulahen – Downey

Ericsson - Pyett
Galvin - Kindl
Jozsa - Stafford

Larsson
Howard

Team Leaders:

Goals: Leino (4)
Assists: Ritola (4)
Points: Ritola (7)
Penalty Minutes: Wilson (13)

Notes:

• As Howard started last night it is expected Larsson will get the start today.
• Leino and Ritola are off to hot starts as they have both registered a point in every game thus far.
• The Griffins opened their season in front of a sell-out crowd.

[j.hoop 64]

Norfolk Admirals (1-3-2) @ Grand Rapids Griffins (3-0-1)

@

The Griffins finally had their season opener last night as they defeated the potent Bulldogs side 6-4. Ritola was awarded the games 1st star as he enjoyed a three point night and he and Emmerton looked to develop some chemistry. Emmerton had his first 2 points of the season and was adjudged the 3rd star.

After racing out to an early 4-0 lead the Griffins lost focus and turned the puck over far too often which allowed the Bulldogs back into the contest. Howard saved 20 of 24 shots to get the victory but his GAA and S% aren’t looking too healthy to start the season. The Griffins will be looking to win their 4th straight game against a struggling Norfolk side.

Probable line-up:

Leino - Helm - Haydar

McGrath - Abdelkader - Tardif

Ritola - Emmerton - Wilson

Mursak - Oulahen – Downey

Ericsson - Pyett

Galvin - Kindl

Jozsa - Stafford

Larsson

Howard

Team Leaders:

Goals: Leino (4)

Assists: Ritola (4)

Points: Ritola (7)

Penalty Minutes: Wilson (13)

Notes:

• As Howard started last night it is expected Larsson will get the start today.

• Leino and Ritola are off to hot starts as they have both registered a point in every game thus far.

• The Griffins opened their season in front of a sell-out crowd.

nice GDT! i hope larsson does great tonight. is there any way to see this game??? also you said it was the season opener, do they take preseason into account for over all record??

[pinkprincess027 0]

nice GDT! i hope larsson does great tonight. is there any way to see this game??? also you said it was the season opener, do they take preseason into account for over all record??

Last night was the home opener the Griffins have played three games on the road previously. I am pretty sure they did not play in any pre season games because to many players were going to be with Detroit during training camp. You can pay $6 at the AHL website to watch the game, I put the link below. So far I have only found a way to watch the games when we played against the Lake Erie Monsters because FSN Ohio was broadcasting it. I was at the game last night though so I am not sure if any of the home game are televised and if they are if anyone puts them online. You can listen to the game online I put that link below too.

http://theahl.com/fanz/ahllive/

http://woodradio.com/main.html

[j.hoop 64]

Last night was the home opener the Griffins have played three games on the road previously. I am pretty sure they did not play in any pre season games because to many players were going to be with Detroit during training camp. You can pay $6 at the AHL website to watch the game, I put the link below. So far I have only found a way to watch the games when we played against the Lake Erie Monsters because FSN Ohio was broadcasting it. I was at the game last night though so I am not sure if any of the home game are televised and if they are if anyone puts them online. You can listen to the game online I put that link below too.

http://theahl.com/fanz/ahllive/

http://woodradio.com/main.html

HAHA i didnt even think of that, HOME opener...i feel stupid!!

thanks for the links also pinkprincess!

[pinkprincess027 0]

HAHA i didnt even think of that, HOME opener...i feel stupid!!

thanks for the links also pinkprincess!

No reason to feel stupid , I would have had no idea, except Grand Rapids is closer to me than Detroit is, and I can get tickets two rows behind the bench for $25, so I take advatage of it when I can, and Downey is one of my favorite players and I really like Abdelkader even though I have only watched him play a few times so I have been looking forward to the season and following them closely as well as the Red Wings. If I didn't live so close I probably wouldn't follow them at all.

Edited October 26, 2008 by pinkprincess027

[pinkprincess027 0]

Abdelkader goal with assists from Haydar and Leino 50 seconds in

Haydar with a power play goal assists from Helm and Ericsson 3:14

Admirals goal by Zingoni 10:57

Abdelkader again! On the power play, with assists from Haydar and Leino 16:39

End of the first period, the score is 3-1.

Admiral goal Simek 45 seconds into the 2nd

Admiral goal Segal 2:02

Oulahen goal 18:15 with an assist from Leino

End of the second period, the score is 4-3

Edited October 26, 2008 by pinkprincess027

[j.hoop 64]

Abdelkader goal with assists from Haydar and Leino 50 seconds in

Haydar with a power play goal assists from Helm and Ericsson 3:14

Admirals goal by Zingoni 10:57

Abdelkader again! On the power play, with assists from Haydar and Leino 16:39

End of the first period, the score is 3-1.

Admiral goal Simek 45 seconds into the 2nd

Admiral goal Segal 2:02

Oulahen goal 18:15 with an assist from Leino

End of the second period, the score is 4-3

thanks for the updates ! im at work still so i havent been able to listen. leino and haydar with 3 point game already, how sick is that!

[pinkprincess027 0]

thanks for the updates ! im at work still so i havent been able to listen. leino and haydar with 3 point game already, how sick is that!

They both played great last night so did Abdelkader, I really liked Emmerton too. Leino is joining the Wings after the game tonight, I am excited to see him play with the team for at least a few games.

The score is no 5-3 Francis Pare scored. About 2 minutes are left.

Have fun at work

Edited October 26, 2008 by pinkprincess027

[pinkprincess027 0]

Game ends 6-3 with Abdelkader scoring an empty netter at 19:47 giving him a hat trick. With assists from Emmerton and Stafford.

Final score is 6-3

First Period

Justin Abdelkader with assists from Haydar and Lenio at 0:50

Darren Haydar with assists from Helm and Ericsson at 3:14 (power play goal)

Admiral goal Zingoni from Jones and Hutchinson at 10:57

Justin Abdelkader with assists from Haydar and Lenio 16:39 (power play goal)

Second Period

Admiral goal Simek 0:45

Admiral goal Segal from Szczechura and Smolenak 2:02 (power play goal)

Ryan Oulahen with assist from Lenio 18:15

Third Period

Francis Pare with no assists 15:54

Justin Abdelkader with assists from Emmerton and Stafford 19:47 "(empty net)

If anyone was at the game I would love to hear what you have to say about it.

Edited October 26, 2008 by pinkprincess027

[GROwl 5]

Just got home a little while ago. Great game - actually two of them back to back.

Both nights the Griffins started out very strong. Several quick goals. Then the Wings Syndrome of late set in. Defense loosened up. Finally, toward the end the Griffins game on strong again.

I thought Larsson looked good in goal (Jimmy let in a few soft ones last night in my opinion) but I thought Daniel's looked more like the defense let hung him out to dry at times.

[Coyote0106 2]

So after having seen them play in 3 games, I'm worried about our D. They are just way to careless with the puck. We are letting in alot of goals based on the D man passing it right to the enemy's stick. Tape to tape passes are good, only when it's to your team. As of right now, it seems like the team philosophy is beat everyone 6-5. But my opinion on the game:

This team is starting off quick. They are ready to play when the puck drops. We make nice decisions on offense. Our D made a couple of bad turnovers...but again, they might just need practice with each other.

Downey is just a beast. Players will talk crap when they are on the bench, but when it is both of 'em on the ice, they will just back off. They are literally afraid of him.

The competition between Larsson and Howard is going to make this team good. They are going to bring their A game as much as possible, because they know it's between the two of 'em.

The team jumped off to an early lead, but again let the opponents back in it. The Coach walked up and down the bench, and talked to the players...something Stothers never did.

Abdelkader is almost like a newer improved version of Maltby. He will agitate the crap outta the other team, then use his hands to score. He can deflect pucks into the net (last night), he can jam them through (ala Homer). He really does have tremendous potential.

I was suprised to see Leino playing, I thought his call-up was immediate. He again showed great hands, and his offensive vision is really, really good. He seems to be 2 steps ahead of everyone mentally.

The refs BLEW a call with 1:50 to go in the game. The Admirals had 6 guys on the ice, and their goalie ON THE BLUE LINE. They drop the puck, everyone is screaming and Ericsson gets a penalty. They dont make any effort to take a guy off. The goalie is still standing there, and the ref (and linesmen!) just ignore it. I mean they made no attempt to cover it up. So about 30 seconds later, they get a penalty. It's 4 on 4, except they decide to put 5 on the ice, AGAIN. The Ads atleast noticed before play started this time, but it was BS. The other thing that got me going was the icing they did. They dumped it, an obvious icing. So the coach calls for a change, and it takes a good 4 min. to get who was on the ice settled. So in essence he gave his team a time out to get their legs back.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

This Griffins team is ridiculously good, they are absolutely loaded offensively! Abdelkader has shocked me, we always knew he was a physical player who played a good 2 way game but he’s just on fire. If he keeps developing the way he is I can even see him on a scoring line in Detroit down the track. He is currently 2nd in rookie scoring.

Leino is obviously just a class above and has 9 points in 5 games, his absence will be a huge loss for the Griffins. I’m also really impressed with Darren Helm, we all know that he’s an energetic player who can create scoring chances but he’s quietly amassed a point in every game.

Kosolov worked his way back into the line-up last night while Mursak was a healthy scratch. Unfortunately Ritola’s streak came to an end!

Larsson is real impressive and before too long I think he'll overtake Howard.

[pinkprincess027 0]

So after having seen them play in 3 games, I'm worried about our D. They are just way to careless with the puck. We are letting in alot of goals based on the D man passing it right to the enemy's stick. Tape to tape passes are good, only when it's to your team. As of right now, it seems like the team philosophy is beat everyone 6-5. But my opinion on the game:

This team is starting off quick. They are ready to play when the puck drops. We make nice decisions on offense. Our D made a couple of bad turnovers...but again, they might just need practice with each other.

Downey is just a beast. Players will talk crap when they are on the bench, but when it is both of 'em on the ice, they will just back off. They are literally afraid of him.

The competition between Larsson and Howard is going to make this team good. They are going to bring their A game as much as possible, because they know it's between the two of 'em.

The team jumped off to an early lead, but again let the opponents back in it. The Coach walked up and down the bench, and talked to the players...something Stothers never did.

Abdelkader is almost like a newer improved version of Maltby. He will agitate the crap outta the other team, then use his hands to score. He can deflect pucks into the net (last night), he can jam them through (ala Homer). He really does have tremendous potential.

I was suprised to see Leino playing, I thought his call-up was immediate. He again showed great hands, and his offensive vision is really, really good. He seems to be 2 steps ahead of everyone mentally.

The refs BLEW a call with 1:50 to go in the game. The Admirals had 6 guys on the ice, and their goalie ON THE BLUE LINE. They drop the puck, everyone is screaming and Ericsson gets a penalty. They dont make any effort to take a guy off. The goalie is still standing there, and the ref (and linesmen!) just ignore it. I mean they made no attempt to cover it up. So about 30 seconds later, they get a penalty. It's 4 on 4, except they decide to put 5 on the ice, AGAIN. The Ads atleast noticed before play started this time, but it was BS. The other thing that got me going was the icing they did. They dumped it, an obvious icing. So the coach calls for a change, and it takes a good 4 min. to get who was on the ice settled. So in essence he gave his team a time out to get their legs back.

I wanted to go again tonight but couldn't find anyone to go with me at the last minute. I noticed that too about the defensemen last night, once I think it was right in front of the goal. Thanks for the info about the game!

[Coyote0106 2]

Mursak seems to be happy to just be in the AHL. I talked to him on Tuesday night, and he was just happy that he finally got to the Griffins, and is going to wait patiently for the big club.

Gelech on the other hand was a big suprise to me. It seems, IMO, that his days are limited as a Griffin. Just the way he behaves at team functions, his play on the ice, it doesn't look good with everyone else on the team. I ran into him on the concourse tonight, and he seemed excited to be back though, so who knows?

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Thanks for the recap Coyote0106!

Very pleased to hear that Downey is having a position influence on the team, as was expected really given how highly a number of Wings view him. His presence on the team must be a real boost to the group, especially the youngsters.

The defence does seem to be conceding a lot of goals on a regular basis. I guess at this stage it can be put down to a lot of new players and just unfamiliarity. Hopefully with time and more gelling as a group there will be less lapses and a reduction of the giveaways. But unlike last season, at least this team can score!

[Coyote0106 2]

I wanted to go again tonight but couldn't find anyone to go with me at the last minute. I noticed that too about the defensemen last night, once I think it was right in front of the goal. Thanks for the info about the game!

We did almost the exact same play tonight. The D goes for an outlet pass just behind the goal line. He passes it right to Norfolk's stick, and the guy has all day to beat the goalie. Only this time, Larsson bailed him out. I'd love to hear that the D is going to get extra work at practice tomorrow.

Thanks for the recap Coyote0106!

Very pleased to hear that Downey is having a position influence on the team, as was expected really given how highly a number of Wings view him. His presence on the team must be a real boost to the group, especially the youngsters.

The defence does seem to be conceding a lot of goals on a regular basis. I guess at this stage it can be put down to a lot of new players and just unfamiliarity. Hopefully with time and more gelling as a group there will be less lapses and a reduction of the giveaways. But unlike last season, at least this team can score!

You know, every one I talk to about this team goes right to comparing it to the 05-06 group of guys that won all those games. The talent is amazing. In our starting line alone, we have 3 possibly 4 guys who could be in the NHL. (Ericsson, Helm, Leino and Haydar [on maybe a team like PHX, or LA]).

Edited October 27, 2008 by Coyote0106

[GROwl 5]

Has anyone seen how many minutes that Ericsson's been averaging? Both last night and today, it seems like he is always on the ice. Can that be part of the D's problem - Jonathan's being overused and the other's under-utilized?

[Coyote0106 2]

Has anyone seen how many minutes that Ericsson's been averaging? Both last night and today, it seems like he is always on the ice. Can that be part of the D's problem - Jonathan's being overused and the other's under-utilized?

That's a really good point. Ericsson is out there a lot. Maybe these other guys are trying to make the big play to impress the coach because of playing time, and get burned.

The season is young, I'm sure it will be turned around at some point.

[pinkprincess027 0]

Has anyone seen how many minutes that Ericsson's been averaging? Both last night and today, it seems like he is always on the ice. Can that be part of the D's problem - Jonathan's being overused and the other's under-utilized?

I always follow the stats sheet when I am watching the Red Wings game and follow the shots on goal, and time on ice, the blocked shots etc. I have not been able to find this information for the Griffins games. When I listened to the game tonight I heard his name quite a lot. We were trying to take pictures last night of the players when they came off the ice, because we were right behind the bench and it seemed like a good opportunity. We had a really hard time getting any of Ericsson, and I do recall thinking wow he's been on the ice for a long time at least once last night. Maybe he is playing to much. But the only player I really noticed much on the bench was Downey, for the most part he sat directly in front of me probably ten feet away from me, and since he and Abdelkader are my favorites I took more notice of the two of them.

[GROwl 5]

Aaron Downey may not have gotten a lot of ice time, but Coach puts him in at the right times - just when tempers are getting a little hot. Aaron goes out and gives the opponent's an attitude adjustment. Seems to be working.

As Coyote mentioned, Randall Gelech has only played in one game. Ryan Oulahen, while playing, also doesn't see nearly as much ice time as he did last year. With this year's offensively talented crew, its only natural these two are sitting more. Both these guys play a more defensive style of offense - blocking shots and preventing their opponents from even getting good shots off. Hence, the high scoring games from both teams. More offense and less defense.