12/12 GDT: Grand Rapids Griffins 6 @ Manitoba Moose 5

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Grand Rapids Griffins (12-6-3-3) @ Manitoba Moose (17-6-0-0)

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Grand Rapids are on the road to take on the Manitoba Moose who occupy first place in the Western Conference. Manitoba are quite comfortably the best defensive side in the league having conceeded the least amount of goals on the season. The Moose have a number of offensive stars including NHL veteran Jason Krog who last year was the league's top point scorer. Also in the line-up is Mark Cullen who played for the Griffins last season and was the second leading scorer. The once highly touted Michel Ouellet is also producing at a healthy rate and ex Griffin and Red Wing Darryl Bootland is also on the Manitoba roster.

The Griffins will be without top defenceman Jonathon Ericsson who suffered an injury last weekend while Chris Chelios' stint in Grand Rapids is over. They will need Leino to turn his fortunes around as he is pointless in his last 5 outings and Darren Helm has only manufactured one point in 6 games. Captain Darren Haydar has also been underwhelming to this point with his offence not at the level it has been in the past and he is a team worst -12.

Probable line-up:

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

Galvin - Kindl
Stafford - Kolosov
Jozsa - Pyett

Larsson
Howard

Team Leaders:

Goals: Haydar (10), Abdelkader (9)
Assists: Leino (16), Helm (13)
Points: Leino (20), Helm (19)
Penalty Minutes: Abdelkader (44), Downey (39)

Notes:

• Jakub Kindl is expected to be the #1 defenceman tonight alongside partner Tom Galvin.
• The in-form Daniel Larsson should get the start tonight in what will be a big test.

TV/Radio:

Internet stream: Pay-per-view AHL Live

Radio: Grand Rapids Broadcast: Radio feed

Box Score

[Coyote0106 2]

This is a HUGE game. We're heading into a weekend series against a tough team, while we are struggling. This could either pull this team together, or pull them apart. Our defense has been an issue, add our half-assed performance last weekend, and it could be an ugly game(s).

I'd be happy with a split this weekend.

[FinRedWing 172]

Leino & Helm with a couple of points each tonight!

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Game is underway, Larsson in net. No Ritola, I hope he's not a healthy scratch. Surely he wouldn't be...?

[Aussie_Wing 354]

What an insane start!

2-2 after 7 minutes. Larsson 2 goals against on 2 shots.

1. GR Emmerton, (2) (Kindl, McGrath), 4:37

1. GR Gagnon, (3) (Lemieux), 6:44

Kindl now on a 3 game point streak, and Emmerton with 2 goals in 2 games.

[FinRedWing 172]

Leino & Helm with a couple of points each tonight!

What an insane start!

2-2 after 7 minutes. Larsson 2 goals against on 2 shots.

1. GR Emmerton, (2) (Kindl, McGrath), 4:37

1. GR Gagnon, (3) (Lemieux), 6:44

Kindl now on a 3 game point streak, and Emmerton with 2 goals in 2 games.

Well,there's still time.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Has to be one of the weirdest periods of hockey I've seen.

4-3 after 20 minutes. Larsson 4 goals against on 7 shots. Insane stuff.

Good to see Mursak with an assist.

[FinRedWing 172]

Sorry guys,I seemed to have jinxed them.

Edited December 13, 2008 by FinRedWing

[Coyote0106 2]

We're down 1, in a crazy game. Let's get another crazy period.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

She's tied!!

3. GR Tardif, (5) (Pyett, Abdelkader), 13:34

I would take a point from this game, just one point. Hold on!

[sjradio 0]

Griffins lead 6-5 3 to go!!!!

Helm does well in his hometown

[Coyote0106 2]

Heck yes. They just have to hang on.

[sjradio 0]

Manitoba just takes a penalty with 30.4 seconds to go... Jason Krog roughing

[sjradio 0]

Time out Moose

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Wow, I can't believe this game, just incredibly up and down.

I've got to give massive credit to Curt Fraser. I was prepared to keep Larsson in net after the 1st period, but after we conceeded our 5th I was calling for Howard. However he showed faith and it looks to have really paid off.

This would be an amazing victory if they hold on.

[sjradio 0]

GRIFFINS WIN 6-5!!!!

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Amazing stuff. What an awesome win!

When you're up against the conference leaders and have given up 5 goals inside 25 minutes in their building, it takes some serious confidence as a team to come back and win.

Edited December 13, 2008 by Aussie_Wing