Dec. 11, 2010 - GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 2 at Peoria Rivermen 3

PEORIA, Ill. – Two goals from Jamie Tardif were not enough for the Grand Rapids Griffins, who were on the losing end of a 3-2 score Saturday night to the Peoria Rivermen at Carver Arena.

The Rivermen got two goals of their own from forward Ryan Reaves, helping them improve to ten straight games without a regulation loss (8-0-2-0). The Griffins' loss leaves their record at 11-12-1-4.

The Rivermen (17-7-2-1) jumped out to an early lead courtesy of Adam Cracknell and Chris Porter. Just 1:38 into the game, Porter fed a pass to Cracknell, who broke in alone and put a backhand shot past Thomas McCollum for the game's first tally. At the 9:25 mark, Reaves made it 2-0 when he found the net for the first time, beating McCollum over the left arm on a one-timer off a pass from Nicholas Drazenovic.

Grand Rapids came out strong in the second period, limiting the Rivermen to just six shots the entire frame. The Griffins cut Peoria’s lead in half at 4:04 when Tardif snapped home his first goal of the night past Ben Bishop, capping off a nice passing play from Jamie Johnson and Brian Lashoff.

Heading into the third period with a 2-1 lead, the Rivermen struck early when Reaves took a feed from Phil McRae in front of the net and slipped it past McCollum for his second goal on the night. The goal came 23 seconds into the final frame.

Tardif added his tenth of the season at 16:14 of the third as the Griffins narrowed the Rivermen’s lead to 3-2 after scoring on their fourth power play opportunity of the night. Bishop attempted to make a play outside of his net but mishandled the puck. Tardif capitalized on the opportunity before Bishop could get back into the crease.

Bishop's miscue would prove to be his last of the night, as he steered aside 21 shots to give Peoria the win. McCollum made 26 saves on 29 shots for the Griffins.

Grand Rapids will have a chance to get back into the win column Sunday evening as they meet the Texas Stars again at 4 p. m. at Van Andel Arena.

Three Stars: 1. PEO Reaves (two goals); 2. GR Tardif (two goals); 3. PEO Arsene (one assist)