GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS 2 at Rockford IceHogs 5

Jan. 11, 2013

ROCKFORD, Ill. – In their second meeting this week, the Rockford IceHogs defeated the Grand Rapids Griffins 5-2 Friday at the BMO Harris Bank Center.

After the Griffins (21-11-1-2) tied the game at two in the third period, the IceHogs scored three straight goals en route to their victory.

Gustav Nyquist put the Griffins on the scoreboard early, scoring just 27 seconds into the game. A shot from the left wing by Tomas Tatar was stopped by goaltender Carter Hutton, but the rebound went to Nyquist on the right wing circle. The Halmsted, Sweden native quickly put a low shot into the back of the net, extending his point streak to eight games.

The IceHogs (18-17-1-1) tied the game at one on a power play goal at 18:02 of the first period. Petr Mrazek stopped multiple shots in front of the net under Rockford’s pressure, but Jimmy Hayes cleaned up a rebound and popped it into a half empty net to score the game-tying goal.

After a scoreless second period, Jeremy Morin gave the IceHogs their first lead of the night at 1:48 of the third period. Morin’s shot from behind the goal line deflected off Mrazek’s pads and took a Rockford bounce into the back of the net.

But Tatar came back less than four minutes later to score the game-tying goal for the Griffins. On a breakaway, Tatar streaked down the middle in front of Hutton and tucked his shot inside the left side of the goal.

Rockford reclaimed the lead as Ben Smith sent a centering pass from the right wing circle to Brandon Saad coming down the middle. Saad scooped his shot past Mrazek, recording his third point of the evening.

Philippe Paradis scored his first goal of the season at 14:41 of the third period to give the IceHogs a 4-2 advantage. Mrazek stopped the right wing’s first shot but Paradis’ rebound trickled between the goaltender’s pads.

The IceHogs scored their second power play of the night at 16:58 of the final period, taking a commanding three-goal lead over the Griffins. Hayes tucked a rebound inside the right side of the goal, scoring his second goal of the game.

Mrazek finished with 28 saves while Hutton earned the victory behind 20 saves.

After a four-game road trip, the Griffins will return to Grand Rapids tomorrow night to host the Peoria Rivermen at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Three Stars: 1. RFD Brandon Saad (four points); 2. RFD Jimmy Hayes (two goals); 3. Ben Smith (assist)

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