Griffins split weekend, series shifts to Grand Rapids on Wednesday

By @MichaelCaples –

The Grand Rapids Griffins didn’t have the start to the AHL playoffs that they wanted, but they quickly righted the ship.

After falling to the Manitoba Moose 3-2 in Game 1 of the Central Division Semifinals Saturday, the Griffins responded with a convincing 5-1 victory in Game 2 Sunday afternoon.

Here are the highlights from the win that evened the series:

And video interviews with members of Grand Rapids:

Now, the series moves to Van Andel Arena. The Central Division Semifinals match-up is now a best-of-three with all three contests slated to take place in Grand Rapids.

Whoever wins Wednesday night’s Game 3 will take firm control of the series. The two teams played to a 2-2- record in their four meetings at Van Andel.

Ben Street has been leading the way up front so far; the 31-year-old forward and Wisconsin alum has four points in the two games. Captain Matthew Ford is one point back with three total.

Tom McCollum has tended to the pipes for both games – he made 28 saves in the Game 1 loss, and 22 in the Game 2 win.

The loss to open the series came on a goal from Manitoba’s Michael Spacek in the final 1:09 of regulation.

Here’s the schedule for the rest of the series:

Wednesday, April 25 – Moose at Griffins – 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 26 – Moose at Griffins – 7 p.m.

*Monday, April 30 – Moose at Griffins – 7 p.m.

*If necessary