11/30 GDT: Grand Rapids Griffins 1 @ Chicago Wolves 0

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Grand Rapids Griffins (11-5-2-3) @ Chicago Wolves (13-6-1-1)

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The Griffins will play their third game in three nights as they take on the Chicago Wolves who are also in the midst of a hectic schedule. Grand Rapids have claimed 7 of a possible 8 points from their last 4 games so they are heading into the game with a great deal of confidence. They will draw from their victory against the Wolves two days back, a tight 3-2 win. The Wolves had a 4-3 OT victory last night but conceded three goals in a span of 2:09 in the third period.

The Griffins have been getting great contributions from Cory Emmerton and Evan McGrath who are determined to stay in a team loaded with offensive options. Mattias Ritola and Justin Abdelkader both seem to be waking up after enduring sluggish periods during the month. Jimmy Howard has been sharp in his last two outings and got the victory last night which likely means Daniel Larsson, who is 4-0-1 in his last 5 starts, should start tonight.

Probable line-up:

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

Ericsson - Jozsa
Galvin - Kindl
Stafford - Kolosov

Larsson
Howard

Team Leaders:

Goals: Haydar, Abdelkader (9) Wilson (8)
Assists: Leino (16), Helm (13)
Points: Leino (20), Helm (18)
Penalty Minutes: Wilson (37), Abdelkader (33)

Notes:

• Captain Darren Haydar is leading by example this season with 9 goals and 17 points, but he is a team worst -10.
• Rookie Jan Mursak has been in the line-up the past two games and his season could be starting to gain some momentum.
• Sergei Kolosov seems to have outplayed Logan Pyett for the 6th defenceman position, although they will likely rotate quite frequently throughout the season.

[uk_redwing 495]

Downey with a gordie howe tonight.

[sjradio 0]

I would really like to see Haydar explode tonight and go off on his former team.

The Griffins need a big road win tonight. They can pull into a tie for second in the North with a win.

[j.hoop 64]

wow i cant believe 3 games in 3 nights, thats gotta be rough. go out and keep the streak alive with a bang fellas.

[Coyote0106 2]

wow i cant believe 3 games in 3 nights, thats gotta be rough. go out and keep the streak alive with a bang fellas.

The only good thing is Chi-town is doing the same thing.

[pinkprincess027 0]

McGrath with a goal in the second period from Downey and Abdelkader.

[sjradio 0]

Downey is a scoring machine.

3 points in 5 periods of hockey. Look out Crysby, look out Ovechkin. Here comes Downey.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Tight game, hopefully we can hold on! Larsson is playing real well lately, 21 for 21 thus far tonight.

Shots were 18-4 in our favour in the second, that's what I call domination!

[sjradio 0]

Tight game, hopefully we can hold on! Larsson is playing real well lately, 21 for 21 thus far tonight.

Shots were 18-4 in our favour in the second, that's what I call domination!

I can't even listen..... I have had bad experiences in Chicago while watching Griffins games.

I've been to Allstate Arena 6 times, the team I was cheering for lost all 6 times.

Games 1 and 6 of The 1998 Turner Cup Finals, Detroit Vipers vs. Chicago Wolves

Games 1 and 2 of the 2000 Turner Cup Finals, Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Chicago Wolves

2001 IHL All Star Game

2002 AHL playoffs, Game 3, Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Chicago Wolves.

All of them losses. I am cursed in that arena.

[sjradio 0]

Abdelkader just missed an empty net

Furious last minute.

Penalty coming to Grand Rapids with 7.8 seconds left........

[sjradio 0]

GRIFFINS WIN 1-0!!!!!!!!!

[j.hoop 64]

GRIFFINS WIN 1-0!!!!!!!!!

excellant!! who was in goal tonight? i hope it was jimmy

good game griffs!

[Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204]

Downey on the top line, god damn I hope he lights it up so we can finally bring him up! Nice seeing Downs scoring his first the other night

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Best win of the season I'd say. 3rd game in 3 nights (granted Chicago had the same schedule) but this was on the road against the West division leaders and they held on for a 1-0 victory. Outstanding result and it puts them 1 point out of the lead in the North division.

excellant!! who was in goal tonight? i hope it was jimmy

It was Larsson, who had a 29 save shutout and was awarded the 1st star. 5-0-1 in his last 6 starts and already has 2 shutouts this season.