10/29 GDT: Syracuse Crunch @ Grand Rapids Griffins

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Syracuse Crunch (5-1-0) @ Grand Rapids Griffins (4-0-1)

@

Well this promises to be a blockbuster match between the top two teams in the North Division. Syracuse are occupying first place while the Griffins are right behind in second. The Griffins are at home for the third consecutive game and will be looking to win their 5th straight after losing their season opener in OT.

The Griffins are on fire offensively having scored 12 goals in their past 2 outings. Rookie sensation Justin Abdelkader is coming off his first pro hat-trick and Ville Leino continues to put points on the board with ease. The key to victory will be to avoid turnovers and defensive lapses which have hurt the team in recent outings.

Probable line-up:

Leino - Helm - Haydar
Pare - Abdelkader - Tardif
Ritola - Emmerton - Wilson
Lemieux - Oulahen – Downey

Ericsson - Pyett
Galvin - Kindl
Jozsa - Stafford

Howard
Larsson

Team Leaders:

Goals: Abdelkader (6)
Assists: Leino (5)
Points: Leino (9)
Penalty Minutes: Wilson (13)

Notes:

• After losing their season opener in OT, the Griffins haven’t lost since and have won 4 in a row. A win in regulation would see them go top of their division.
• Leino is tied for 11th in scoring whilst Abdelkader is tied for 2nd in rookie scoring.
• Darren Helm has 4 points in 3 games and at least 1 in every game.
• Jan Mursak was a healthy scratch last game but given the constant rotation of players he could be in the line-up tonight. He is without a point in 4 games and has been playing mainly on the 4th line.

[Coyote0106 2]

This is one of those games, that I've been looking forward to. The crunchberries have quickly turned into a rival. Their Captain was running to the media last year, taking shots at us. Hopefully Downey knocks someone out this game.

[PROBIE4PREZ 58]

should be a great game .. cant wait for friday homegames!! $1 dogs $1 beers!! the crowd is allot louder when everyone is loaded

[skacore 2]

Downey and Mirasty

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Griffins failed to capitalise on just under a minutes worth 5-3.

Scoreless going into the second. Shots 13-10 in favour of the Griffins.

[sjradio 0]

Currently tied 1-1 in OT,

Griffins shorthanded as Abdelkader goes off for cross checking.

Killed

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Griffins went down in 2-1 in a SO. Syracuse 2 goals on 3 shots Griffins 0 from 4. The lone goal looked like this:

2. GR Oulahen, (3) (Abdelkader, Kindl), 11:17

Abdelkader had a pretty eventful game. Missed a few minutes in the first period after blocking a shot, came back to start the second and had an assist on the lone goal. And he took three minor penalties including one in OT. We went 0/6 on the PP and I'd say not being able to score on a 2 man advantage late in the 1st period was costly.

Griffins outshot the Crunch 33-24. Howard was awarded the games 2nd star.

[Coyote0106 2]

I'm really happy with our D tonight. They all stepped up, and didn't make any bad turnovers. A lack of communication (and an eye on the PK clock) led to the one goal against. They had another good chance not long after that, and Kindl took the penalty to keep it at 1-0. Kindl played a really good game, it seems like he is over his bad start for sure.

Helm missed a breakaway shot, hitting the post. Oulahen got pretty lucky on the goal, but it works. He stuffed it short side, but it didnt even look like he got the shot off. It's great watching this team, because we have so many offensively capable guys.

I'm just happy our D showed up, and Howard stood on his head.

[sjradio 0]

Not really happy about our performance in the shootout,

Listening to Kaser on the radio, it sounded like the Griffins shooters really didn't try against the rookie goal for the 'Cuse.

It's hard to blame Howard from trying to stop Filatov. Not many can

[Aussie_Wing 354]

I'm really happy with our D tonight. They all stepped up, and didn't make any bad turnovers. A lack of communication (and an eye on the PK clock) led to the one goal against. They had another good chance not long after that, and Kindl took the penalty to keep it at 1-0. Kindl played a really good game, it seems like he is over his bad start for sure.

Helm missed a breakaway shot, hitting the post. Oulahen got pretty lucky on the goal, but it works. He stuffed it short side, but it didnt even look like he got the shot off. It's great watching this team, because we have so many offensively capable guys.

I'm just happy our D showed up, and Howard stood on his head.

Man I'm excited about Kindl! I'm still pretty confident in saying he's our #1 prospect.

Helm seems to hit a lot of posts! And I'm pleased to hear that Howard had a real strong game, hopefully he can build on that.

How was Kosolov? He was a + tonight which is encouraging. Interesting to note that Pyett got scratched after a few indifferent showings.

[Coyote0106 2]

How was Kosolov? He was a + tonight which is encouraging. Interesting to note that Pyett got scratched after a few indifferent showings.

I really didn't notice him that much. So he either A) Didn't play much, or B) Didn't make any glaring mistakes, or any spectacular plays.

For some reason I'm leaning towards B.