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Berkhoel Blanks Moose
Netminder records first AHL shutout behind patchwork defense...
By Jason Kasiorek
www.griffinscentral.com
Ericsson, Quincey, Stafford? Who are they? The Griffins didn't seem to miss the veteran defensemen recalled to Detroit, turning in a solid defensive effort in front of Adam Berkhoel's first career AHL shutout for a 1-0 win. Francis Lemieux scored for the third consecutive game to provide all the offense GR would need, and the team held Manitoba to just 18 shots, including just 3 in the third period.
The Griffins came out with much more determination, controlling play most of the period. Francis Lemieux put the Griffins on the board just shy of the 14 minute mark when he picked the puck out of a pileup in front, and wired a wrister through traffic past MacIntyre. Shots on Goal: GR 13 - Man 7.
Jakub Kindl took offense at Alexandre Bolduc, dropping the gloves with him early in the second. It was more of a wrestling match, but Bolduc got in some nice shots on Kindl. The teams traded non-eventful powerplays in the middle, and McCarty and McIver had a late period brawl. Darren ended up getting the worst of it, with his jersey pulled over his head. Shots on Goal: GR 9 - Man 8.
Grand Rapids tightened the screws in the third, completely shutting down Manitoba's offense. The Moose didn't even muster their first shot on goal until after the 12 minute mark of the period. Drew was summoned to the bench with 30 seconds on the clock for the extra attacker. Oulahen had a chance to make it 2-0, but rang a shot off the post on the empty net bid. Shots on Goal: GR 7 - Man 3. For the Game: GR 29 - Man 18.
Lines:
Tardif - McGrath - Lemieux
Helm - Cullen - Corazzini
Ritola - Oulahen - McCarty
Fojtik - Tardif/Oulahen - Gelech
Pairings:
Insana - #34 Russ Moyer
Kinley - Jozsa
Galvin - Kindl
Starter: Berkhoel
Backup: Turple
Scratches:
Ference - wrist
Redenbach
PP:
Helm - Cullen - Corazzini
Galvin - Kindl
Ritola - Oulahen - McCarty
Jozsa - Cullen
PK:
Corazzini - Cullen
Galvin - Kindl
Helm - Tardif
Insana - Jozsa
Oulahen - Gelech
Observations:
Solid all around team effort defensively. Everyone tightened up and played a great game.
Two good games in a row by Berkhoel, which of his personalities will show up tomorrow.
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