Nov. 14, 2010 - GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 2 at Hamilton Bulldogs 1

HAMILTON, Ontario – Brandon Straub's first AHL goal at 7:11 of the third period proved to be the game-winner, as the Grand Rapids Griffins defeated the Bulldogs 2-1 Sunday evening at Copps Coliseum to close out a back-to-back set in Hamilton.

The Griffins (8-4-0-3) will conclude a three-game road trip at Lake Erie on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. against the Monsters.

The Griffins struck first, as Chris Minard gave the puck to Francis Pare, who fired a shot past Curtis Sanford at 8:53 of the first period.

The second period saw several power play opportunities, but neither team was able to convert with the man-advantage, keeping the Griffins ahead 1-0 entering the second intermission.

Thomas McCollum made many critical saves to keep the Griffins ahead, including a point-blank stop with more than a 1:12 left to kill in Derek Meech’s double minor penalty.

The Griffins were quick to land in the penalty box again, allowing the Bulldogs (8-3-1-2) a power play goal just 1:31 into the third period. Yannick Weber came up with the puck just nine seconds into the power play, launching it past McCollum.

Grand Rapids was quick answer at 7:11 of the period with Straub’s first AHL goal. Brendan Smith claimed the puck off the draw, passed it on to Brent Raedeke who in turn forwarded it to Straub.

McCollum, who made his ninth start in 10 games, stood strong with 21 saves for Grand Rapids, while Sanford recorded 26 saves for the Bulldogs.

Three Stars: 1. GR Smith (assist); 2. GR McCollum (W, 21 saves); 3. HAM Sanford (L, 26 saves)