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Post by Stripe on May 5, 2009 9:37:13 GMT -5
Griffins On the Ropes After Disappointing 3-1 Loss to Moose Sub-par effort leaves GR in 3-0 series hole... By Jason Kasiorek www.griffinscentral.comThe Griffins never looked like they were able to get their game up to speed, leading to an uninspired loss and possibly a season on the brink. The passion and fire this team showed in the first round against Hamilton was not on display, and the red hot powerplay unit was a dismal 0 for 6. Francis Pare scored the teams only goal in the second on a nice two on one with Frankie Lemieux for his second of the series. Grand Rapids big guns, Justin Abdelkader, Ville Leino, and Darren Haydar were kept off the scoresheet for the third straight game. The home team came out flat in very slow paced unemotional first period. Matt Pope got Manitoba on the board just over eight minutes in when he froze Jimmy Howard and then skated around him and lifted the puck over the goaltender from the bottome of the circle. The Moose would make it 2-0 right before the end of the period when Bolduc let a shot go from the side of the net through traffic and past Howard. The Griffins couldn't get anything going offensively, which was very noticeable on their three straight powerplay opportunities. Shots on Goal: GR 4 - Man 7. The pace picked up a little in the second as Grand Rapids put on a little bit of sustained pressure. Aaron Downey took another bad penalty, turning a small scrum into 12 minutes in penalties for himself, leaving his team down a man. The GR penalty killers were up to the task , killing off the man-advantage. Frankie Lemieux forced a turnover, and had a great two on one opportunity with Pare. Lemieux fed Pare a great pass, and the rookie sniper lifted it over Schneider to pull within one. Shots on Goal: GR 11 - Man 10. Fraser was switching the lines up for most of the third in an effort to get some offense out of his team. Howard was lifted a little over a minute left on the clock, and Jaffrey scored an empty netter to put the nail in the coffin. Shots on Goal: GR 8 - Ham 11. For the Game: GR 23 - Ham 28. Lines: Ritola - Abdelkader - Downey Tardif - Emmerton - Haydar Leino - Gagnon - McCarty Lemieux - Pare - Andersson Pairings: Kindl - Galvin Kolosov - Galvin/Pyett Stafford - Jozsa Starter: Howard Backup: Larsson Scratches: Oulahen - Hip McGrath - Shoulder Lashoff - Concussion Mursak Charleston Peterson Pearce Walsh PP: Leino - Abdelkader - McCarty Haydar - Stafford/Kindl Lemieux - Pare - Andersson Stafford - Pyett PK: Tardif - Gagnon Kindl - Galvin Ritola - Andersson Kolosov - Stafford Abdelkader - Haydar Observations: Where is the team that was here in round one? The team on the ice last night bore little resemblance to the energetic, composed team that took out Hamitlon. How many more games is Aaron Downey going to get to play if he keeps taking so many undisciplined, emotional penalties. He has cost this team dearly, and veteran should no better than that. The team clearly missed rookie blueliner Brian Lashoff last night, stuggling to get the puck out of their own end, and generating very little offense from the point. That is a great compliment to Lashoff, but a stinging indictment of the rest of our defensive corps. Speaking of defense, I almost cannot comprehend what must be plaguing Jakub Kindl, or the turnover machine, as we call him in our section. We counted on one shift he gave the puck up four times in his own end. He is not doing the things he did earlier in the year, and is regressing on a daily basis. This team needs to get some scoring and quick. Our big three are being contained by the Moose (who are doing a very good job of taking away the Griffins Speed), but aside from Pare's 2 goals in the series, what happened to everyone else? Let's hope that coach Fraser can rekindle a little bit of that magic before game four on Wednesday. Official Game Sheet
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Post by Stripe on May 1, 2009 15:50:30 GMT -5
Well tonight's the night, Finally! Hopefully coach Fraser has them ready to go from the opening faceoff. If the guns are firing, Jimmy is having an on night, and the D doesn't fall apart in the third, we have a very good chance at beating Manitoba in their own building. They are bigger, but we are faster, and our offense has really been clicking in the postseason. The Moose say their strategy is to stay out of the box and neutralize our big line of Leino - Abdelkader - Haydar, so tonight it is time for McCarty's line or Pare to step up and add some secondary scoring.
Lemieux and Oulahen remain out for sure, with Evan McGrath a maybe for the game. The D should remain the same and the lines as well.
Go get 'em Boys!!
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Post by Stripe on Apr 28, 2009 9:04:53 GMT -5
There are lots of stories that don't ever get printed, usually the true ones. With Axelsson's baggage it is not hard to read between the lines. His finger was healed enough to play the final few games of the SEL championships before coming over...
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Post by Stripe on Apr 27, 2009 21:09:51 GMT -5
Yeah, this doesn't make sense. Is Torquato probably not getting a contract? How did Raedeke look? I know Axellson was injured. I imagine he will be in GR next season. Maybe Ryno will join him, as well. Torquato will probably get another look in training camp next year, but odds are against him signing with Detroit (NHL). He may sign an AHL contract and work towards an NHL deal. Raedeke only got a little ice time in two games, both on the road, in the middle of a team slump so it is very difficult to judge. He looked good in Traverse City, and the Wings were impressed with the year he had in Junior, so he is on track. I wouldn't bet on Axelsson coming over next year. He and Andersson may be in Sweden one more season before coming over. Axelsson still needs to do some work off the ice before he is ready. If Ryno doesn't come, he won't be in the organization any longer.
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Post by Stripe on Apr 27, 2009 17:52:46 GMT -5
Its very Probable. Both goalies take their turn facing shots in the net during the warmups.
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Post by Stripe on Apr 27, 2009 16:44:23 GMT -5
The Griffins today got rid of part of their large contingent of black aces today. Dick "Dog House" Axelsson was sent back to Sweden, while Brent Raedeke was sent back to his Junior team (read as cut from the Griffins roster) and Zack Torquato was released. stats.theahl.com/hm/transactions.php
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Post by Stripe on Apr 27, 2009 14:13:57 GMT -5
Jack,
He is not in the media guide, they only list players who saw the ice. He is on my 2002-03 roster and in the lineup for a couple of games. They used several goalies that season as backups who are not listed in the guide, but are on my site. If you look under the "Roster" link you will see rosters for every season, including players who were called up and in uniform, but did not get a shift/ice time.
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Post by Stripe on Apr 27, 2009 13:36:46 GMT -5
Teskey was called up a couple of time to be an emergency backup, he ride the pine in GR.
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Post by Stripe on Apr 26, 2009 20:52:19 GMT -5
North Division Final
Bracket E vs Bracket F
1. GR at MTB Fri May 1 7:30 PM 2. GR at MTB Sat May 2 7:30 PM 3. MTB at GR Mon May 4 7:00 PM 4. MTB at GR Wed May 6 7:00 PM 5. MTB at GR Fri May 8 7:00 PM * 6. GR at MTB Sun May 10 7:30 PM * 7. GR at MTB Tue May 12 7:30 PM *
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Post by Stripe on Apr 24, 2009 22:38:12 GMT -5
Griffins Maul Bulldogs 4-1 Grand Rapids beats rival Hamilton on the scoreboard and on the ice... By Jason Kasiorek www.griffinscentral.comGrand Rapids finally put in a 60 minute effort on home ice, and the result was a dominant 4-1 win to take a 3-2 series lead. Darren Haydar led the way with two goals, while Jakub Kindl and Tom Galvin, Wednesday night's goats each added a goal and an assist. The third period featured several brawls as a frustrated Bulldogs team tried to send a message, unfortunately for them the Griffins were ready and gave better than they got. Former AHL All-star Jimmy Howard made 14 saves for the win, rebounding from a pair of shaky performances. The series now shifts to Hamilton for games 6 and 7. Grand Rapids had good pressure in the first part of the game, despite only getting a couple of shots on goal. They were able to cash in on their first powerplay of the game to take a 1-0 lead. Jakub Kindl took a big blast from the point and Galvin picked up the rebound in the slot firing it right back and past Denis for his first of the playoffs. GR is playing great defensive hockey and really frustrating the Bulldogs who were unable to get anything going. Kindl doubled the lead with another rocket from the blueline just as a Hamilton penalty expired. It looked like it may have been tipped in front by Mursak, but it stands as Kindl's. The Bulldogs finally got on the board late in the period taking advantage of a 5-on-3 powerplay. Glumac rifled a shot from the slot that beat Howard low, glove side. Shots on Goal: GR 12 - Ham 6. Great pressure by grand Rapids to start the second, with three minutes of solid possession in the Hamilton zone. Tardif Limped off in the middle of a PK shift and went straight to the dressing room. He would return later in the period. Darren Haydar scored his first of the night on a powerplay just past the 11 minute mark. The veteran winger drifted into the slot and snapped a shot in over Denis to make it 3-1. Shots on Goal: GR 7 - Ham 6. Aaron Downey came late on the play and charged in on Denis to try and knock the puck loose but got a stick in the head instead, with no penalty call. Downey on the forecheck stole the puck at the line and set up a great scoring chance. Two on one with Pare and Emmerton, Pare went shoot all the way and put it in Denis' glove. a few minutes later Haydar and Abdelkader had a two on one with Haydar picking the top corner glove side, and wristed a quick shot into the net. Things boiled over late in the period with a series of brawls breaking out. Stewart tried to get at Tardif, but Downey threw him down and dropped the gloves. Stewart got a couple of good ones in early, but Downey took over and beat him down. Off the nest faceoff, White challenged Kolosov, and the big defenseman destroyed white in a one-sided bout. Next faceoff, Trotter hits Jozsa from behind and drops the gloves. Jozsa grappled him to the ice before they were separated. Tardif and Henry had words, but cooler heads prevailed. Time ran out before another set could break out, but it is sure to be continued on Sunday. Shots on Goal: GR 15 - Ham 3. For the Game: GR 34 - Ham 15. Lines: Tardif - Gagnon - Downey Leino - Abdelkader - Haydar Ritola - Andersson - McCarty Emmerton - Pare - Mursak Pairings: Kolosov - Jozsa Kindl - Galvin Lashoff - Stafford Starter: Howard Backup: Larsson Scratches: Oulahen - Hip McGrath - Shoulder Axelsson - Groin Lemieux - ? Raedeke Torquato Charleston Pyett Peterson Pearce Walsh PP: Leino - Abdelkader - Haydar Lashoff - Stafford Ritola - Andersson - McCarty Kindl - Galvin PK: Ritola - Gagnon Kindl - Galvin Leino - Tardif Kolosov - Stafford Abdelkader - Haydar Observations: Kindl still had a few rough spells in the third, but on the whole rebounded from his poor play the last two games. His defense parter Tom Galvin looked better as well. Aaron Downey played a whale of a game, creating energy with his hits and scoring chances with his puck pressure. He also took care of business with Stewart who had been taking liberties with griffins all night. Jimmy Howard was not tested much, but came up with some big saves when needed. Official Game Sheet
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Post by Stripe on Apr 23, 2009 13:46:16 GMT -5
The last report I had was that Ritola came back early from the bad shoulder injury, and had not healed all the way. His early return was a gutsy act, because so many other players were out of the lineup, he felt he had to help his teammates. I believe this is still slowing him down, and causing him to play more on the outside.
Brian and I talked last night, and couldn't agree more, put Peterson in over Kindl or Galvin. He played well enough to get a shot, especially with the epic struggles of that pairing.
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Post by Stripe on Apr 23, 2009 11:40:01 GMT -5
Any chance Larsson gets a start or do you just ride out Jimmy at this point?? I would not be surprised at all if Larsson is in the net Friday's must win game. In fact, I almost expect it.
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Post by Stripe on Apr 23, 2009 6:52:17 GMT -5
Griffins Stunned by Bulldogs Rally 4-3 OT Loss Third period collapse allows four unanswered goals... By Jason Kasiorek www.griffinscentral.comThe Grand Rapids Griffins dominated the first 40 minutes of the game before suffering a humiliating collapse in the third period that culminated in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Hamilton Bulldogs. The Bulldogs scored 4 unanswered goals to tie the series at two, spoiling an incredible night for West Michigan native Justin Abdelkader who may have played his best game as a pro. Besides scoring a goal, Abdelkader was a dominant physical force and dictated the pace and style of play while on the ice. The Griffins also got goals from Aaron Gagnon and Jamie Tardif in the loss. The Griffins wasted no time getting on the board as Aaron Gagnon scored just 34 seconds into the game. Jason Jozsa sprung Gagnon on a breakaway, and the defensive center made a nifty move, froze Denis, and then put the puck in over his leg pad for a 1-0 lead. Abdelkader destroyed Maxwell with a huge open ice hit, drawing the attention of Janik who immediately went after him. Justin dropped the gloves and landed a couple in a grappling match that eventually broken up. This was just a sign of things to come as the two teams were chippy all night, and in bad temper. Abdelkader blocked a point shot with his face and crumpled to the ice bleeding profusely. He was eventually helped off the ice by trainer Rob Snitzer and went to the dressing room. Rookie Brian Lashoff made a huge play, diving and poking the puck away to break up a shorthanded breakaway. Shots on Goal: GR 10 - Ham 5. Downey made a great play midway through the second to set up the Griffins second goal. The rugged forward took the puck to the net and dropped it to Gagnon who dragged it past Denis' pad and slid it across the crease for Tardif, the late man, to slam home. McCarty had a great chance on the dorstep, followed by another beauty off the rush by Andersson. Frankie Lemieux came out of the box and charged in alone after the loose puck. He came together with Denis and his stuck stuck in the netminders skate, causing him to almost fall down. Then the puck came loose the other way and Jimmy made a highlight reel save, literally reaching down and picking the puck off the Bulldogs forwards stick with his catching glove. Abdelkader speared Jancevski during a scrum, and just shoved the Bulldogs players away as they tried to get at him. Shots on Goal: GR 14 - Ham 11. Abdelkader made it 3-0 44 seconds into the third when he picked up the rebound of a Lashoff point blast and ripped a shot from the circle past Denis. Henry jumped Downey, who quickly covered up, drawing another powerplay. Russell picked up the puck and sprang Chipchurra on a shorthanded breakway that ended up behind Howard to break the shutout. Jakub Kindl started to fall apart around this point, turning over the puck several times ina row that led to quality scoring chances on Howard. The Griffins began to lose their composure and were not being responsible with the puck like they had been the first two periods. Less than two minutes later Maxwell, on the poerplay, snapped a shot from the circle using Kindl as a screen that beat howard high. Coach Fraser called a time out at this point to calm his troops down - It had little effect. Maxwell netted his second of the night shortly thereafter on the powerplay, when he fired a laser under Jimmy arm, glove side to tie the score. Kindl continued his one man implosion by taking an interference penalty to put the dogs back on the powerplay, but the GR penalty killers came up big with the kill. Shots on Goal: GR 11 - Ham 7. The Griffins rallied to put some good pressure on in the beginning of the overtime, but it was decided by a fluky goal less than three minutes in. White took a shot toward the net and it hit Galvin in the ankle before deflecting past Howard for the loss. Shots on Goal: GR 1 - Ham 1. For the Game: GR 36 - Ham 24. Lines: Leino - Abdelkader - Haydar Ritola - Andersson - McCarty Mursak - Pare - Lemieux Tardif - Gagnon - Downey Pairings: Kindl - Galvin Kolosov - Jozsa Lashoff - Stafford Starter: Howard Backup: Larsson Scratches: Oulahen - Hip McGrath - Shoulder Axelsson - Groin Raedeke Torquato Charleston Pyett Peterson PP: Leino - Abdelkader - Haydar Lashoff - Stafford Ritola - Andersson - McCarty Galvin - Kindl PK: Ritola - Andersson Kindl - Galvin Tardif - Gagnon Kolosov - Stafford Abdelkader - Haydar Observations: Not a lot of notes tonight. The team played a great game the first 40 minutes, and did not show much resolve with the meltdown in the third. This does not inspire hope going forward. The defense did a great job early of controlling the puck in their own end and clearing rebounds. That stopped after the first goal in the third, and the team really looked panicked as the Bulldogs mounted their comeback. Great game by Abdelkader, I said it in the game report, but he was a dominant force all night. The Bulldogs players were chasing him around, and at one point even tried to get to him on the bench. The Kindl - Galvin pairing fell apart again in the third and were just brutal...enough said. Downey was very effective all night, playing with an edge, but not getting into trouble. He drew a couple of penalties, and did a good job breaking up plays. Nice to see Tardif get a goal as he makes his comeback from knee surgery. Official Game Sheet
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Post by Stripe on Apr 22, 2009 15:15:57 GMT -5
The recently signed former Notre Dame netminder was recalled by Detroit (NHL) to get some practice time in and be around the big club.
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Post by Stripe on Apr 22, 2009 15:05:46 GMT -5
Tough to say GW, I think they were originally planning on putting him in, but there was some miscommunication, and now I can't say for sure.
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