GRIFFINS POWER PAST 'PAGE IN O.T.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. Kip Millers power play goal 1:33 into overtime gave the Grand Rapids Griffins a 2-1 victory over the San Antonio Rampage on Saturday at Van Andel Arena.
With San Antonios Paul Healey in the box for a slashing penalty incurred with 16 seconds left in regulation, the Griffins went to work with a 4-on-3 advantage during the extra session. From the top of the right circle, Miller passed the puck down low to Jiri Hudler, but it bounced off his stick into the slot. Miller charged in and ripped a shot past Travis Scott, igniting the crowd of 10,061 and giving Grand Rapids back-to-back home wins for the first time since Nov. 28-Dec. 4.
The Griffins (27-25-1-1), who moved within two points of fourth-place Houston in the race for a West Division playoff berth, will travel to Cincinnati to play their third game in as many days on Sunday. Faceoff against the Mighty Ducks is set for 5:05 p.m.
For the second straight night, the Griffins took advantage of a first-period power play to grab the early lead. From the right boards, Miller sent a pass to the high slot to Eric Himelfarb, who beat Scott top shelf with a one-timer at 7:18. At that point, Grand Rapids owned an 8-0 lead in shots.
The Rampage (23-31-3-4) needed only 58 seconds to tie the score during their own power play, as Stephen Weiss found a loose puck in the crease and jammed it past Joey MacDonald on San Antonios first shot of the game.
After being outshot 12-5 in the opening period, San Antonio enjoyed a 26-14 advantage over the final 40 minutes but was unable to penetrate MacDonald, who stopped the last 30 shots he faced to move within one of his career-high of 22 wins, set last season.
By converting 2-of-5 power play chances tonight, the Griffins have now scored on three of their last seven opportunities following a 0-for-27 drought. However, the game marked the ninth straight in which Grand Rapids allowed a power play goal, tying a franchise record.
With San Antonios Paul Healey in the box for a slashing penalty incurred with 16 seconds left in regulation, the Griffins went to work with a 4-on-3 advantage during the extra session. From the top of the right circle, Miller passed the puck down low to Jiri Hudler, but it bounced off his stick into the slot. Miller charged in and ripped a shot past Travis Scott, igniting the crowd of 10,061 and giving Grand Rapids back-to-back home wins for the first time since Nov. 28-Dec. 4.
The Griffins (27-25-1-1), who moved within two points of fourth-place Houston in the race for a West Division playoff berth, will travel to Cincinnati to play their third game in as many days on Sunday. Faceoff against the Mighty Ducks is set for 5:05 p.m.
For the second straight night, the Griffins took advantage of a first-period power play to grab the early lead. From the right boards, Miller sent a pass to the high slot to Eric Himelfarb, who beat Scott top shelf with a one-timer at 7:18. At that point, Grand Rapids owned an 8-0 lead in shots.
The Rampage (23-31-3-4) needed only 58 seconds to tie the score during their own power play, as Stephen Weiss found a loose puck in the crease and jammed it past Joey MacDonald on San Antonios first shot of the game.
After being outshot 12-5 in the opening period, San Antonio enjoyed a 26-14 advantage over the final 40 minutes but was unable to penetrate MacDonald, who stopped the last 30 shots he faced to move within one of his career-high of 22 wins, set last season.
By converting 2-of-5 power play chances tonight, the Griffins have now scored on three of their last seven opportunities following a 0-for-27 drought. However, the game marked the ninth straight in which Grand Rapids allowed a power play goal, tying a franchise record.
