Feb. 26, 2011 - GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 2 at Lake Erie Monsters 3

CLEVELAND –The Grand Rapids Griffins came up short, 3-2 Saturday night against the Lake Erie Monsters at the Quicken Loans Arena with a goal by Francis Pare, who along with Cory Emmerton made his 200th appearance in a pro contest.

The Griffins (26-25-1-8) completed a home-and-home set against the Monsters (31-24-3-5) tonight and will continue on the road tomorrow, wrapping up a 3-in-3 weekend against divisional opponents in Hamilton at 4 p.m. when they take on the Bulldogs at the Copps Coliseum.

Derek Meech slipped one past Jason Bacashihua only 1:19 into the first period, giving the Griffins an early 1-0 before Lake Erie responded with two consecutive goals. The first Monsters goal off the stick of Greg Mauldin at 9:33, followed by David Van der Gulik with a goal 11:11 claiming a 2-1 lead heading into middle frame.

Lake Erie notched another goal midway through the second at 10:34, when Patrick Bordeleau knocked one past Jordan Pearce. Grand Rapids narrowed the gap 3-2 late in the third period at 18:39, with a quick goal by Pare. Overall, Pearce contributed 25 saves in the effort, while Bacashihua tallied 36 saves.

Three Stars: 1. LE Van der Gulik (1goal, 1assist); 2. LE Mauldin (1 goal, 1 assist); 3. LE Bacashihua (36 saves)