TORONTO – An early third period goal from Josh Langfeld and 39 saves from Jimmy Howard lifted the Grand Rapids Griffins to a 2-1 decision over the Toronto Marlies Saturday afternoon at Ricoh Coliseum. The victory marked the eighth straight time the visiting team triumphed in the overall series, dating back to the 2006 Calder Cup Playoffs.

Now finished with a home-and-home set against Toronto, the Griffins will visit the Milwaukee Admirals for the first of a similar set on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST.

The Griffins jumped to an early lead at 1:56 of the opening period. Danny Syvret tapped a centering feed from Matt Hussey to the right side where Matt Ellis one-timed a shot under the crossbar. Continuing his hot streak, the goal marked the third consecutive Griffins goal scored by Ellis and his fifth in his last four games.

Toronto answered on an Alex Foster goal at 9:11 when he found a rebound from Brett Engelhardt’s shot and fired the puck past Howard.

Both teams remained scoreless through the second frame as the contest became more physical. Darryl Bootland was ejected at the 12:22 mark in addition to receiving a five minute major for slashing. Howard stood his ground in the crease making several acrobatic saves alongside a stellar defense to kill off the penalty.

Langfeld gave Grand Rapids a 2-1 lead 2:45 into the third on a sharp angle wrist shot from just inside the hashes on right boards that flew past the stick of Jean-Francois Racine. Kyle Quincey drew and assist on the tally as it stood as the only one of the period en route a Griffins victory.

Racine mustered 18 saves for Toronto as the Marlies’ offense doubled the Griffins in shots with 40.