HAMILTON, Ontario – The Grand Rapids Griffins scored three third-period goals to rally for a 3-1 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs on Saturday at Copps Coliseum, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in their North Division Semifinal series.

The Griffins, who won both previous best-of-seven playoff series in which they held a 2-0 lead, will now return to Van Andel Arena for at least the next two games, after having played 11 of their last 12 contests on the road. Games 3 and 4 will be held on Monday and Wednesday in Grand Rapids.

The Griffins controlled much of the opening period, logging five shots in the first minute and out-shooting their hosts 15-7 for the frame, but the Bulldogs escaped unscathed and eventually drew first blood 3:39 into the second period. Off a faceoff to Jimmy Howard’s left, Ryan White collected a loose puck in the circle and ripped a near-side shot into the top corner of the net.

Hamilton finished the period with a 12-5 advantage in shots but was unable to extend its lead thanks to the play of Howard, who nearly matched counterpart Marc Denis save-for-save through the first 40 minutes.

Grand Rapids’ power play, which began the series 0-for-5, finally struck on its sixth chance 5:39 into the third period. From the left corner, Justin Abdelkader sent a pass to the top of the crease to Ville Leino, who batted a pouncing puck past Denis to knot the score at one. Minutes later, Abdelkader scored during a goal-mouth scramble on assists from Leino and Darren Haydar, who logged his second helper in a span of 3:11 to tie Willie Marshall’s AHL record of 71 career playoff assists.

Abdelkader capped off the scoring with an empty-netter from center ice with six seconds remaining, his third goal of the series. Howard finished with 22 saves to record his 10th career playoff win, matching the franchise record held by Jani Hurme and Marc Lamothe. Denis stopped 26-of-28 in the loss.

Tickets for Games 3 and 4, as well as a potential Game 5 on Friday, are on sale at The Zone, all Star Tickets outlets (800-585-3737) and online through griffinshockey.com/playoffs.

Three Stars: 1. GR Leino (goal, assist), GR Abdelkader (two goals, assist), HAM White (goal)