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Lightning Strikes Twice - Griffins Drop Texas 2-1 in OT
Porter tallies game-winner in last minute...
By Jason Kasiorek
www.griffinscentral.com
November 15th, 2014
The Grand Rapids Griffins defeated the defending Calder Cup champion Texas Stars in overtime for the second night in a row, taking a 2-1 victory. While the games were very different, the results were quite similar as the game-winners were scored in the final minute of play during a 3-on-3 overtime. Tonight Kevin Porter provided the fireworks, eclipsing the excitement of rookie Anthony Mantha's first career goal scored earlier in the game. Thomas McCollum, recently returned by Detroit, made 23 saves for the win and garnered the game's first star.
Griffins on an early power play, and Pulkkinen ripped a shot that hit Faksa. Faksa drops down on the ice in obvious pain for a long time until play stops. He eventually had to be helped to the locker room favoring his leg. Zengerle stole the puck and set up a nice chance for Porter towards the end of the period. Shots on goal: GR 9 - Tex 6.
Ferraro had a great chance and fanned on a shot in front of an open net. Sproul and Smith pushing and shoving in front as the game appears to be getting a little chippy. Pulkkinen gift wrapped a pass across the crease to Mantha at the side of the net for his first pro goal and a 1-0 Griffins lead. Mantha with another great chance on the power play. Ferraro grappling with Wrenn in front after the whistle touched off a scrum. Callahan had a great chance on the doorstep. Shots on goal: GR 13 - Tex 4.
Mantha had a few bumps at Ranford after the whistle. Miele appeared to have jammed the puck in under Ryannas, but the play was already blown dead. Honka got the puck alone in the circle and fired a big shot off McCollum. Dalhuisen evened the score at one when his shot from the line got by McCollum who did not seem to see it. Athanasiou sprung Callahan for a nice chance, but he was hooked down, setting up a late Griffins power play. Callahan took a penalty, killing the same power play. Shots on goal: GR 10 - Tex 11.
Overtime
Turnover by Athanasiou as the last man back, but he recovered. Several great chances by Grand Rapids right in a row. Huge stop by McCollum on a quick redirect in front. The clock stopped with 1:15 left, setting up 3-on-3 overtime. Ferraro hit Porter with a pass, sending him in alone on net, and he chipped the puck over Rynnas for the game-winner with just under 40 seconds left to play. Shots on Goal: GR 4 - Tex 3. For the Game: GR 36 - Tex 24.
Lines:
Callahan - Athanasiou - Pulkkinen/Ferraro
Ferraro/Pulkkinen/Callahan - Miele - Mantha
Hoggan - Zengerle/Campbell - Porter
Bruton - Aubry - Campbell
Pairings:
Ouellet - Marchenko
Paetsch - Jensen
Backman - Sproul
Starter: Mrazek
Backup: #35 Jeff Lerg
Scratches:
Evans - Suspended
Nosek - Injured Hand
Frk
Nedomlel
PP:
Callahan - Miele - Mantha
Marchenko/Pulkkinen - Backman
Ferraro - Athanasiou - Porter
Ouellet - Sproul
PK:
Porter - Ferraro
Ouellet - Marchenko
Callahan - Athanasiou
Paetsch - Jensen
Observations:
Griffins played a much better game, carrying play for most of the first and second periods. The Stars showed some life in the third, but GR dominated possession overall. Great to see another exciting win, and I love the 3-on-3.
Great to see Mantha get his first goal. He was more involved physically, and it was quite funny to watch the stars try to get in his way, and he just bulldozed through them like they weren't there. When he gets his timing back he could be scary as he gets a lot of chances, and dangerous ones at that. He led the team with 6 shots on goal.
McCollum played a solid game and while he didn't see a ton of rubber, made the saves he had to.
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