2/13 GDT: Grand Rapids Griffins @ Syracuse Crunch

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Grand Rapids Griffins (31-12-6-4) @ Syracuse Crunch (24-22-3-2)



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The Grand Rapids Griffins are enduring their worst stretch of the season as they have gone 3 consecutive games without earning a point. During the stretch they have conceded a massive 18 goals, including 10 against Toronto. The Griffins have fallen 4 points behind North Division leading Manitoba with one game in hand. Syracuse are 5th in the Division and are 19 points behind the Griffins.

Justin Abdelkader has been in red-hot form since returning from his stint in Detroit. He has 8 points in 5 games including two consecutive two point games. Rookie Cory Emmerton is on a 4 game point streak and has 5 assists during the stretch. Mattias Ritola returned to the line-up against Milwaukee and registered an assist. Daniel Larsson will probably get the start tonight but both goalies find themselves in poor form and in need of a strong performance. Jakub Kindl is a possibility to be re-called by the Wings but he should be in a Griffins uniform tonight.

Possible line-up:

Oulahen - Abdelkader - Haydar
Lemieux - Pare - McGrath
Ritola - Tardif - Emmerton
Mursak - Gagnon - Downey

Kindl - Galvin
Kolosov - Stafford
Jozsa - Pyett

Larsson
Howard

Team Leaders:

Goals: Haydar (20), Abdelkader (16)
Assists: Haydar (27), Leino (26)
Points: Haydar (47) Leino (37)
Penalty Minutes: Downey (84), Abdelkader (61)
Plus/Minus: Pare (15), McGrath (11)

Notes:

• Darren Haydar has moved into 12th in league scoring. He is on a 5 game point streak (4-4-8).
• The Griffins still have the leagues best PK despite recent struggles.

TV/Radio:

Internet stream: Pay-per-view AHL Live

Radio: Grand Rapids Broadcast: Radio feed

Link to AHL's scores page: Box Scores

[uk_redwing 495]

Wonder if we'll see Downey v Mirasty tonight...Im not expecting much trouble for GR tonight.

[Coyote0106 2]

Wonder if we'll see Downey v Mirasty tonight...Im not expecting much trouble for GR tonight.

For Mirasty being such a tough guy, Syracuse has done a good job of keeping him off the ice when Downey is on... I wonder if they don't have as much confidence in the match up as we do.

Edit: I'd love to see the Griffs explode in this one, win big, and get the monkey off their back.

Edited February 13, 2009 by Coyote0106

[Aussie_Wing 354]

1-0 Griffins after 1.

1. GR Pyett, (2) (Haydar, Oulahen), 3:55

Haydar's point streak continues. Good to see Pyett on the board again. Howard in net.

[GROwl 5]

Hmmm... Downey's out injured.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Hmmm... Downey's out injured.

Injured or healthy scratch?

2 - GR Stafford, 15:35 - Holding , 2 min (PP)

2 - GR Kindl, 15:46 - Tripping , 2 min (PP)

That was a huge kill. Lets hope we can score a few goals in the 3rd.

[GROwl 5]

Injured or healthy scratch?

Injured according to Bob Kaser. He said to what body part...but I don't remember. Bob said that a number of the Griffins were playing through injuries (Ritola, Jozsa, and others). The only healthy scratch was Brett Peterson - the guy recently brought up from the ECHL.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Injured according to Bob Kaser. He said to what body part...but I don't remember. Bob said that a number of the Griffins were playing through injuries (Ritola, Jozsa, and others). The only healthy scratch was Brett Peterson - the guy recently brought up from the ECHL.

I'm trying not to get too down on the Griffins as of late and this is the reason why. They're going through a really, really tough period right now. They've lost Helm and Leino to the Wings, Ericsson has been in and out all season and Ritola has been out or playing but through pain for a while now. And not to mention they're a real young, inexperienced side. Bottom line is they're going to make the playoffs and if they get a full team out there they will be a much feared team.

[GROwl 5]

Listening to today's game against Toronto...Ericsson's wrist sounds pretty serious. At least another 2-3 weeks before he could be back. Tom Galvin's now out injured, so Brett Peterson is in. Downey is back in the line up looking for a fight according to Bob Kaser. No takers so far.

[uk_redwing 495]

Kindl a -4 at the moment in the game...ouch.

[MacK_Attack 108]

Toronto beat Grand Rapids, 5-4.

Jiri Tlusty has 9 points in his last 3 games.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Kindl a -4 at the moment in the game...ouch.

That's ugly. Just when you think he's turning the corner this happens, I don't get it. Not only have the points dried up but his +/- looks ugly.

[Coyote0106 2]

Toronto has scored 15 goals in the last 2 games against us.

Our D is REALLY weak right now, and our goalies have cooled off. This funk due to injuries/call up/whatever needs to end quickly.