9 replies to this topic

[Aussie_Wing]

Grand Rapids Griffins (0-0-0-0) @ Peoria Rivermen (0-0-0-0)
7:00 pm CDT

The Grand Rapids Griffins kick-off their 2009/10 season when they take on St.Louis Blues affiliate Peoria Rivermen. So tomorrow it will both the main and development clubs of the Wings and Blues going head-to-head. Tomas Tatar will make his debut for the Griffins and will look to impress in order to keep his spot on the team. There are 10 new faces for the Griffins and top goaltending prospect Thomas McCollum will make his AHL debut.

Strangely enough the Griffins do not play another game until next Saturday, also on the road. They open the season with 5 straight road games and don't have a home game until October 23. **** Axelsson has been practicing with the team followiing his injury and should be ready to play shortly but I doubt he's ready to go tonight. Jan Mursak might be a healthy scratch but it will probably be a game time decision.

Projected lines:

Ritola - Newbury - Williams
Lemieux - McGrath - Pare
May - Emmerton - Tardif
Walsh - Vigilante - Tatar

(Mursak/Axelsson)

Kindl - Janik
Kolosov - Delmore
Pyett - Ehrhardt

(Crosty/Piche)

McCollum
Pearce

Notes:

* The successful line of Lemieux/McGrath/Pare is likely to be re-united.
* Two highly touted prospects in McCollum and Tatar will make their debuts.

TV/Radio:

Internet stream: Pay-per-view: AHL Live

Grand Rapids Radio Broadcast: Wood Radio

[Aussie_Wing]

Underway! Lines look a litttle something like this:

Ritola - Newbury - Williams
Lemieux - McGrath - Pare
Axelsson - Emmerton - Tardif
Crosty - Vigilante - Mursak

Tatar isn't playing. Unless he's injured, I doubt the Wings will be happy.

[Andy Pred 48]

Yeah, Mayday also not icing. Wonder what the thinking is on those 2 not playing. Mind with Crosty, Tardif and Newbury the griffs do have a presence out there.

[Andy Pred 48]

0-1 end of first. griffs outshot their hosts 12-5 but trail by the odd goal.

[uk_redwing]

1-1. Delmore from Axelsson and TARDIF (aka The Man).

[uk_redwing]

2-1 to Grand Rapids. McGrath from Pare.

[Aussie_Wing]

Dominating the game shots wise, 24-12.

Good to see Axlesson with an assist in his first game. McGrath is going to have a huge season, I just have this feeling.

Strong 3rd period to finish it off lads.

[Aussie_Wing]

Griffins win 3-1 win!

McCollum 23 saves and 2nd star, certainly a nice pro debut.

The scoring went like this:

2. GR Delmore, (1) (Axelsson, Tardif), 11:58
2. GR McGrath, (1) (Pare), 14:52
3. GR Axelsson, (1) , 19:57 (EN/PP)

Nice start for Axelsson and McCollum.

[uk_redwing]

I bet Crosty kicked Love's ass. Tardif would have, but he fough Love 3 times in the 07-08 season and is clearly bored of laying beatdowns on his skull.

[Aussie_Wing]

Highlights

Very nice fight that.