Dec. 18, 2010 - GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 1 at Peoria Rivermen 2

TORONTO – The Rivermen drifted past the Griffins 2-1 at the Peoria Civic Center – Carver Arena, handing Grand Rapids their third loss against Peoria after falling 5-2 at home last night and trailing 3-2 one week ago.

The Griffins (13-14-1-4) return home for a match up Wednesday night against the Toronto Marlies, after wrapping up a home-and-home set against Peoria (19-7-2-1) and completing their third of four road games during the month of December.

The Rivermen were first to land on the board, with a quick goal by Phil McRae at 8:09 of the first period. Grand Rapids out shot Peoria 9-3, yet trailed 1-0 at the end of the first.

Brendan Smith skated into action for the Griffins, handing off a pass to Tomas Tatar, who found the net at 3:44 of the second period tying the score 1-1. Regaining the lead less than a minute later, Derek Nesbitt fired off a power play goal at 4:40 of the period to claim a 2-1 win for Peoria, with the last goal of the game.

Joey MacDonald contributed 13 saves to the effort for Grand Rapids, while Jake Allen recorded 25 saves to keep Peoria’s one-goal advantage alive.

Three Stars: 1. PEO Allen (25 saves); 2. PEO Reaves (1 assist); 3. PEO McRae (1 goal, 1 assist)