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Post by Stripe on Apr 6, 2009 7:22:17 GMT -5
www.thespec.com/Sports/article/543770The Dogs and Griffins have drawn up two potential playoff schedules. If the Bulldogs finish in second place in the AHL's North Division, the best-of-seven playoff series would look like this: Game 1. Friday, April 17 -- 7:30 p.m. Copps Coliseum. Game 2. Saturday, April 18 -- 7 p.m. Copps Coliseum. Game 3. Monday, April 20 -- 7 p.m., Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids. Game 4. Wednesday, April 22 -- 7 p.m., Grand Rapids. Game 5 (if necessary) Friday, April 24 -- 7 p.m., Grand Rapids. Game 6 (if necessary) Sunday, April 26 -- 6 p.m., Copps Coliseum. Game 6 (if necessary) Monday, April 27 -- 7:30 p.m., Copps Coliseum. If Grand Rapids finishes second, the playoff series would be this: Game 1. Friday, April 17 -- 7 p.m. Grand Rapids. Game 2. Saturday, April 18 -- 7 p.m. Grand Rapids. Game 3. Monday, April 20 -- 7:30 p.m. Copps Coliseum. Game 4. Thursday, April 23 -- 7:30 p.m. Copps Coliseum. Game 5. (if necessary) Friday, April 2 -- 7:30 p.m., Copps Coliseum. Game 6. (if necessary) Monday, April 27 -- 7 p.m., Grand Rapids. Game 7. (if necessary) Tuesday, April 28 -- 7 p.m., Grand Rapids.
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Post by Stripe on Apr 2, 2009 13:45:42 GMT -5
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Post by Stripe on Apr 1, 2009 21:03:56 GMT -5
I think a case could have been made for Frankie Pare... but congratulations to Justin on the honor.
2008-09 AHL All-Rookie Team announced
04/01/2009 2:00 PM SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today the 2008-09 AHL All-Rookie Team, as voted by AHL coaches, players and media in each of the league’s 29 member cities.
The team consists of one goaltender, two defensemen and three forwards:
2008-09 AHL All-Rookie Team
Goaltender: Nathan Lawson, Bridgeport Sound Tigers (30gp, 18-9-2, 2.13gaa, .929sv%, 2so) Defenseman: Mattias Karlsson, Binghamton Senators (67gp, 8+41=49pts.) Defenseman: Yannick Weber, Hamilton Bulldogs (66gp, 14+27=41pts.) Forward: Justin Abdelkader, Grand Rapids Griffins (71gp, 22+27=49pts.) Forward: Nathan Gerbe, Portland Pirates (50gp, 26+24=50pts.) Forward: Tim Kennedy, Portland Pirates (66gp, 16+43=59pts.) Each All-Rookie Team member will receive a custom designed crystal award in recognition of his selection to the 2008-09 AHL All-Rookie Team.
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Post by Stripe on Apr 1, 2009 8:25:49 GMT -5
I am a big fan of Raedeke since seeing him in TC last fall. He is quick and gritty, and you always notice him doing something well. He is very similar to Darren Helm.
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Post by Stripe on Mar 31, 2009 21:00:54 GMT -5
He was tiny and a poor skater. he has bulked up a little, but still has a way to go.
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Post by Stripe on Mar 31, 2009 10:18:28 GMT -5
The Griffins signed Wings prospects C Brent Raedeke and C Zack Torquato to Amateur Tryout Contratcs today. It is not known whether they will see much playing time, but with the number of injuries on the roster, you would assume they will.
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Post by Stripe on Mar 27, 2009 8:16:57 GMT -5
stats.theahl.com/hm/transactions.phpSigned to a PTO. Injuries are hitting us at just the wrong time. Unless someone else got hurt in practice, this probably means that Leino will miss another game with a "sore leg".
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Post by Stripe on Mar 24, 2009 12:16:50 GMT -5
Red Wings prospect Dick Axelsson, rumored to be joining Grand Rapids at the conclusion of his SEL season has reportedly suffered a broken finger and will be out three weeks.
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Post by Stripe on Mar 21, 2009 11:27:49 GMT -5
Howard Holds Off Marlies 2-1 Netminder's sterling effort stops 24 shots and 6 more in the shootout... By Jason Kasiorek www.griffinscentral.comStarter Jimmy Howard finally got the best of Griffins nemesis Justin Pogge, edging him 2-1 in an eight round shootout. After an incredible defensive battle, it looked like the home team would come out on the wrong side of things after Howard gave up goals to the first two Marlies Shooter's. But the 4th year pro shut the door and didn't allow another through the next six rounds to claim the victory. Darren McCarty scored his third of the year in regulation, while Leino, Haydar and Evan McGrath had shootout goals. The game was a costly one for the Griffins as defenseman Sergei Kolosov suffered a sprained wrist early, and slick playmaker Mattias Ritola injured a shoulder and will be out at least 4-6 weeks. Great chance in front by Ritola early as his line with Emmerton and Haydar cycled the puck and gave the Marlies' fits. Toronto is trying to play tough in an end to end period. Justin Pogge had to be at the top of his game as the Griffins had at least a dozen dangerous chances. Shots on Goal: GR 10 - Tor 7. McCarty got Grand Rapids on the board early in the second with a great individual effort. He got the puck next to the net and while on his knees, chipped a shot in over Pogge. Ritola was hit hard and left the ice in pain, hunched over and holding his arm. He went straight to the locker room and didn't return. Shots on Goal: GR 10 - Tor 8. Ryan Oulahen got smoked by a Marlies player from his blindside. He was shaken up but OK. The Marlies are really bringing the physical game getting rough and trying to intimidate the Griffins. Halfway through the period, Kindl and Helm end up in the box giving the Marlies a 5-on-3 powerplay for almost two whole minutes. The griffins penalty killers did a great job, holding out almost a minute and a half before Williams got the puck in the circle and stroked a shot that beat Howard high to tie the game. Shots on Goal: GR 13 - Tor 7. Grand Rapids had several good chances in the overtime, but were unable to get another one past Pogge. Shots on Goal: GR 2 - Tor 2. The Shotoout: Stapleton went first for Toronto and ripped a shot past Howard stick side for a goal. Leino answered for Grand Rapids when his shot went in off Pogge's glove. Tlusty made a move on Howard that left the netminder sprawled out in the crease for an easy tap in. McGrath shot in on net, made a move, and had the puck roll off his stick. 2-1 Toronto. Jeremy Williams was the third Marlies shooter, but Jimmy flashed the pad for a save. Darren Haydar evened the score, going five-hole. Engel started the fourth round but Howard denied him with a pad save. Emmerton was stopped by Pogge to keep things even. Bates Battaglia tried to drag the puck around Hoard's foot, but he butterflied and took away the whole bottom. Abdelkader streaked in on net and had the puck roll off his stick and into the corner to end round five. Stapleton shot the puck wide, followed by Leino who tried to go five-hole but was denied by Pogge. Tlusty's chance ended up being deflected over the net by Howard's stick, and Haydar hit Pogge in the chest as he went down to make the save. Williams was the eighth Marlies shooter and Howard came out to challenge, making a stick save, setting the stage for Evan McGrath who put a shot over Pogge's shoulder and in for the win. Shots on Goal For the Game: GR 35 - Tor 24. Lines: Leino - Helm - Mursak/Haydar Oulahen - Abdelkader - McCarty Ritola/Oulahen - Emmerton - Haydar Lemieux - Pare - McGrath Pairings: Kindl - Galvin Kolosov - Stafford Jozsa - Atherton Starter: Howard Backup: Larsson Scratches: Lashoff Downey - Knee Gagnon Tardif - Knee PP: Leino - Helm - Mursak Haydar - Kindl Lemieux - Pare - McGrath Haydar - Stafford PK: Ritola - Abdelkader/Oulahen Kindl - Galvin/Jozsa Helm - Leino Stafford - Galvin Observations: Jakub Kindl logged a ton of minutes, and really had a good game. He wasn't guilty of mnay mistakes and really looked to thrive on the extra ice-time and responsibility. This was probably the best game he has played since before Christmas. Jan Mursak really looked like he belonged, attacking the net and digging the puck out of the corners. He had a lot of jump and seemed to mesh well with Helm and Leino. Jimmy Howard was dominant between the pipes, having a near perfect game. His confidence level was high and he made some good stops. Official Game Sheet
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Post by Stripe on Mar 20, 2009 22:29:34 GMT -5
Ritola left the game early with a shoulder injury that is going to leave him out of the lineup for 4-6 weeks. He joins a couple of other Griffins on the sidelines including D Sergei Kolosov who sprained his wrist tonight in the first but remained on the bench the whole game.
Other injured Griffins:
Aaron Downey - Knee - day to day Jamie Tardif - Knee - 6 weeks Logan Pyett - Undisclosed
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Post by Stripe on Mar 20, 2009 10:57:03 GMT -5
As expected, the Red Wings assigned junior defenseman Brian Lashoff to Grand Rapids following the end of his season in the OHL. Unfortunately the Griffins then sent defenseman Brent Peterson back to Phoenix of the ECHL. Peterson has looked pretty good as of late, and looked to have passed Jozsa and maybe Pyett on the depth chart.
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Post by Stripe on Mar 17, 2009 8:53:32 GMT -5
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Post by Stripe on Mar 16, 2009 21:15:48 GMT -5
Griffins Rout Rivermen 4-1 Former Griffin Legace lit up for four goals... By Jason Kasiorek www.griffinscentral.comGrand Rapids has had a knack for welcoming back former teammates this season, and last night was no exception. Darren McCarty and Garrett Stafford led the way with a goal and an assist each as they torched Griffins alumnus Manny Legace for 4 goals on 35 shots. Justin Abdelkader and Aaron Gagnon also scored for Grand Rapids, while Jimmy Howard made 24 saves to record his 17th win of the campaign. Darren Haydar added an assist, keeping his scoring streak alive at ten games (6 goals + 12 assists = 18 points). The Griffins were taking it to Peoria early, not letting the Rivermen get much in the way of chances on Howard. Stafford put the home team on the board late in the period when his point shot on the powerplay beat Legace for a PPG. Shots on Goal: GR 11 - Peo 5. Oulahen had a great chance shorthanded with a behind the back pass to Gagnon. He couldn't quite get a stick on it, but it ended up bouncing past Legace for a 2-0 lead. Jozsa got driven into the boards from behind and Ritola went right in creating a big scrum. A peoria turnover at center ice got the puck to McCarty for a breakaway. he made a great move and and cleanly beat Legace to make it 3-0. Howard came up big with a couple of nice saves at the end of the period to keep Peoria off the board. Shots on Goal: GR 12 - Peo 10. Oulahen got taken down leading to McCarty and Helm trying to get at the Rivermen forward as a scrum broke out. Later in the period Grand Rapids had a 3-on-1, Pare tried to center but ran out of room. Pare recovered and had a nice rush before being angled off. Leino hit McCarty with a cross ice feed that he stroked into the empty side of the cage. McCarty went right to the official to let him know that the puck had hit Abdelkader in front, and the goal was credited to Justin. Peoria broke the shutout halfway through the period when Jonas Junland scored. McCarty smoked Paddock and Cowan immediately dropped the gloves and engaged him. It was mostly a grappling match with few good shots landed. Howard made a huge on a Rivermen shorthanded chance to keep the three goal lead as time ran out. Shots on Goal: GR 12 - Peo 10. For the Game: GR 35 - Peo 25. Lines: Leino - Abdelkader - McCarty Ritola - Pare/Gagnon/Helm - Haydar Emmerton - Pare - McGrath Oulahen - Helm - Downey Pairings: Kolosov/Jozsa - Stafford Kindl/Jozsa - Galvin Kolosov - Atherton Starter: Howard Backup: Larsson Scratches: Pyett Peterson Mursak - Not eligible Tardif - Knee PP: Leino - Abdelkader - McCarty Haydar - Kindl Emmerton - Pare - McGrath Stafford - Haydar PK: Oulahen - Gagnon Kolosov - Stafford Helm - Ritola Kindl - Galvin Abdelkader - Haydar Observations: Darren Helm was all over the ice tonight but had very little to show for it. His offensive game has really disappeared the second half of the season, but his energy has helped a lot. Ritola was very feisty all game long playing with a chip on his shoulder, and playing a gritty game. Justin Abdelkader continues to show more and more confidence with the puck. He is carrying it more and showing the patience to hold onto it for another second before making the play. Aaron Downey had several huge hits during the game, but left himself out of position several times. His labored skating did not help him get back into the play. Jimmy Howard was not tested much early, but came up with a big game in the latter stages to keep the score low. Official Game Sheet
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Post by Stripe on Mar 16, 2009 13:46:37 GMT -5
Rivermen Have Their Revenge 3-1 Pare scores 21st in losing effort... By Jason Kasiorek www.griffinscentral.comThe visiting Peoria Rivermen, still smarting from yesterday's 4-1 loss, extracted a small measure of revenge, beating the Griffins 3-1. The Griffins didn't have their best stuff, and were flat for most of the game, especially in the second period when they were out-shot 19-7. Jimmy Howard had a less than stellar outing in the loss, but his teammates did little to help him out. Rookie Frankie Pare had the home team's lone goal, his 21st of the campaign. The first period was played at a good pace and was was pretty even as neither side held an advantage. No real highlights for either team other than the Griffins killing off a penalty to Leino. Shots on Goal: GR 10 - Peo 6. The second period was all Peoria, the Griffins looked like they were not even in the same game. Turnovers, defensive gaffe's and a lack of energy were the hallmarks of the second. But the Rivermen couldn't score until late in the period. Ryan Reaves put them ahead 14:22 into the period when he got the puck in front of the net, and despite three griffins in close proximity had a couple of pops at the puck until it squirted in. Less than three minutes later Drazenovic went in alone on Howard and slid it under Howard's pad for a brutal goal. Jimmy was set and in the butterfly, but his leg pad was apparently all the way down. The Griffins started to show a little life towards the end of the stanza, leading to their only goal of the game. Frankie Pare pounced on a rebound to the side of the net and chipped it past Holt for his 21st of the season. Shots on Goal: GR 7 - Peo 19. Grand Rapids played a better third period, but it was too little too late as Corazzini made it 3-1 just a minute into the third and the Griffins couldn't get another shot past Holt. Howard was pulled for the extra attacker, but it made no difference. Shots on Goal: GR 13 - Peo 2. For the Game: GR 30 - Peo 27. Lines: Oulahen - Gagnon - Emmerton Leino - Abdelkader - McCarty Ritola/Leino - Helm - Haydar Lemieux - Pare - McGrath Pairings: Kindl - Atherton Jozsa - Galvin Kolosov - Stafford Starter: Howard Backup: Larsson Scratches: Pyett Peterson Downey Mursak - Not eligible Tardif - Knee PP: Leino - Abdelkader - McCarty Haydar - Stafford Lemieux - Pare - McGrath Kindl - Haydar PK: Oulahen - Gagnon Kolosov - Stafford Helm - Ritola Kindl - Jozsa Abdelkader - Haydar Jozsa - Galvin Observations: Tonight's game was almost a complete reversal of yesterdays win. The Griffins looked like they were out of gas, standing around a lot and very little second effort. Insert normal pessimistic comments on Jimmy Howard, further compounded by him again placing the blame for a poor outing on someone else. The Rivermen played on the same "Bad Ice" and it didn't seem to bother Holt. Jakub Kindl needs to have his game deconstructed and rebuilt. The number of mistakes he makes during the game are astounding. He is trying to do to much to fast and needs a more simplistic approach to the game. Official Game Sheet
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Post by Stripe on Mar 16, 2009 11:01:21 GMT -5
Admiral Sink Griffins 2-1 MacIntyre edges Larsson in goaltending duel... By Jason Kasiorek www.griffinscentral.comFormer Griffin Drew MacIntyre narrowly edged Daniel Larsson in an old fashioned goalie duel. The game remained scoreless for 57 minutes and 56 seconds before erupting for three goals in less than two minutes. Admirals defenseman Cody Franson finally solved Larsson during a Darren McCarty penalty late in the game, and then added an empty netter in the last minute of play. Ville Leino broke the shutout with 15 seconds left in the game, converting a McCarty pass in front. Larsson was spectacular in the loss making 19 saves including several dangerous scoring chances. Grand Rapids came out strong and controlled the play for most of the period. Darren Helm had some unbelievable possession and control on the PK, highlighting some solid effort by the Griffins shorthanded unit all gam long. Ramholt tripped Helm along the boards which drew Aaron Downey over for a little talk. Milwaukee answered by sending hulking Hugh Jessiman over, and it looked like something might happen. Cooler heads prevailed however and Downey stared him down before skating away. MacIntyre lost his stick on the ensuing powerplay, but GR couldn't convert. Shots on Goal: GR 11 - Mil 3. The usual second period letdown was right on time as the team sagged noticeably. case in point was an abysmal Griffins powerplay where the Ads not only out-shot them, but also had three dangerous scoring chances to none for the home team. Late in the period Downey Limped off the ice after a big hit, and could barely get over the boards to leave the ice. Shots on Goal: GR 10 - Mil 7. The Griffins started out the third in the same fashion, seemingly unable to get the puck out of their own end, but eventually things evened out. McCarty was whistled off on a cheap penalty with 3:44 left in the game, setting up an Admiral's powerplay. Abdelkader had a short handed breakaway, but ran out of room, and backhanded it over the net. Franson took a perfect back door pass and broke the shutout with just over two minutes remaining. Ritola had a chance to tie it up, but missed a wide open net and shortly thereafter, Franson scored into the vacated Griffins net from his own blueline. Larsson back to the bench with possession and Leino cuts the lead to one with a shot from the slot with 15 seconds on the clock. The Griffins just about tied it as the horn went, but couldn't get it past MacIntyre. Shots on Goal: GR 8 - Mil 11. For the Game: GR 29 - Mil 21. Lines: Leino - Abdelkader - McCarty Ritola - Gagnon - Haydar Lemieux - Pare - McGrath Oulahen - Helm - Downey Pairings: Kolosov - Stafford Kindl - Pyett Peterson - Galvin Starter: Larsson Backup: Howard Scratches: Jozsa Atherton Emmerton Mursak - Not eligible Tardif - Knee PP: Leino - Abdelkader - McCarty Haydar - Stafford Lemieux - Pare - McGrath Kindl - Haydar Ritola - Helm - Oulahen PK: Oulahen - Gagnon Kolosov - Stafford Helm - Leino Kindl - Galvin Abdelkader - Haydar/Ritola Observations: Pyett was back in the lineup after missing the last few games and seemed to play with a little more energy and desperation. He still needs to use his big shot more as he continues to defer to other teammates when he should just tee it up. If our patchwork defense wasn't in such bad shape I would say Kindl could do with a night off. He looks panicked with the puck and continues to make bad fundamental plays. A sure sign that he is gripping the stick to tight is the offensive drought he has been in the last few weeks. Darren McCarty still has the hands and instincts but looks very sluggish skating up ice, even more so than last season. Daniel Larsson had a strong outing and deserved a better ending. He was in position on every shot and didn't have to scramble around in the crease. He certainly looks on top of his game, with no excuses about bad ice. Official Game Sheet
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