MARLIES WIN SEALS NORTH DIVISION
TORONTO – The Toronto Marlies used solid goaltending from Justin Pogge to earn a 2-0 victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins Wednesday at the Ricoh Coliseum.
Grand Rapids (28-39-2-6) came up empty on the scoreboard for the first time in nearly two months (Feb. 10 at Rochester), while Toronto (47-18-3-6) clinched the North Division crown with Wednesday’s win. Pogge, who had struggled in his two most recent starts against the Griffins, made 24 saves en route to recording his fourth shutout of the season.
The Griffins return to Van Andel Arena Friday at 7 p.m. to host the Houston Aeros.
Grand Rapids caught an unfortunate break early on when Tyler Redenbach had an apparent goal waved off. Action was whistled dead a split second before Redenbach zipped home a shot from the high slot due to Jamie Tardif and Jay Harrison engaging in extracurricular activity near center ice. Tardif and Harrison were assessed identical roughing penalties at 5:42 as a result of the play.
To open scoring, Robbie Earl angled through the slot to the left wing boards and whipped a pass back to Bates Battaglia at the right wing dot. Battaglia sent a one-timer past Adam Berkhoel at 11:38 to give the Marlies a 1-0 edge.
After a scoreless middle frame, Toronto extended its lead to 2-0 at 8:10 of the third period. Berkhoel stopped a shot by Alex Foster, but could not contain the rebound attempt by Tyler Doig, who successfully went upstairs to light the lamp despite being flattened by Tom Galvin in the process.
The Griffins had two power play opportunities in the game, and Toronto was awarded one. Berkhoel made 17 saves in net for Grand Rapids.
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