2/18 GDT: Griffins 2, at Amerks 1 - SO

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Grand Rapids Griffins (31-13-6-5) @ Rochester Americans (20-31-0-4)



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The Grand Rapids Griffins will hit Blue Cross Arena to take on the Rochester Americans in an important match for the Griffins. They are winless in their past 5 games posting a 0-4-0-1 record. The Griffins now find themselves 8 points behind Manitoba but with 2 games in hand. Rochester on the other hand are in last place in the Division.

Justin Abdelkader continues his red-hot form since returning from his stint in Detroit. He has 10 points in 7 games including two consecutive four games with 2 or more points. Rookie Cory Emmerton has 6 assists from the past 6 games and is showing encouraging signs. Daniel Larsson and Jimmy Howard are both in horrendous form and whoever gets the start, which is expected to be Howard, will need a strong showing to boost their confidence.

Possible line-up:

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

Kindl - Galvin
Kolosov - Stafford
Jozsa - Pyett

Howard
Larsson

Team Leaders:

Goals: Haydar (20), Abdelkader (18)
Assists: Haydar (30), Leino (26)
Points: Haydar (50) Leino, Abdelkader (37)
Penalty Minutes: Downey (84), Abdelkader (63)
Plus/Minus: Pare (15), McGrath (11)

Notes:

Darren Haydar is on a 7 game point streak (4-7-11).
Jakub Kindl and Darren Haydar are tied for a team worst -15.

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]

Im really hoping Downey picks up his game...he's sucked lately.

[Guest E_S_A_D]

Im really hoping Downey picks up his game...he's sucked lately.

I think he's burnt out with Wings management, that's just my opinion.

1. He gets called up, plays the best game possible in NHL, fans love him.

2. He's sent down.

3. Leino and Helm find out in the press that they're permanent fixtures at forward for the Wings for next couple of months.

Downey would be in the NHL with ANY other NHL team's system. He deserves it, why bust his ass without reason in the A?

[titanium2 867]

Downey would be in the NHL with ANY other NHL team's system. He deserves it, why bust his ass without reason in the A?

I like the guy's energy as much as anybody but I don't know about "Downey would be in the NHL with ANY other NHL team's system." Last season, he cleared waivers twice. After the 2008 playoffs, he tried to get a contract with any other team and had to settle for a two-way deal with the Wings. Downey's mold of a one-dimensional enforcer with below average puck skills and hockey sense is like a dinosaur to the Wings.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Scoreless 5 minutes into the 2nd. Howard in net and with15 saves. But cmon, allowing Rochester 15 SOG in one period?

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Phew! Griffins get it done, in the SO no less. Hopefully that gets them going.

Jimmy Howard with 37 saves and yet no star selection, strange.

Pare with the Griffins only goal, Abdelkader with another point. Stafford scored the lone goal in the SO.