Follow me on Twitter
I did a blog earlier today that still has some good discussion regarding Mitch Marner’s contract, what can be retained and what can’t, and some odd scenarios. I didn’t want to abandon the conversation
so here is the link
Summary:
This was intense. Hard hitting, big saves, inconsistent reffing and a big Grand Rapids win to move the West Side kids into round 2. The Ice Hogs had the first lead of the game, but 11 seconds later Grand Rapids tied it up. The tying goal happened so quickly fans were still cheering for the Rockford tally and didn’t seem to realize what happened. About 2 minutes later the Griffins took the lead 2-1 and never lost the lead again.
The game was a grind. Full honesty, Rockford has more scoring skill and Grand Rapids had to get timely saves when they weren’t outworking the opponent. It was almost scary how quickly Rockford showed they can strike throughout the series and keep a game close even at one point being outshot 20-11.
The handshake line is what closes a series. The great and irreplaceable Doc Emrick used to say, “hate melts away and turns into respect” in that line. Of course we know that the fire burns a little hotter the next time those teams face each other. For a moment in time, though, peers respect each other. It actually seems harder for the fans to cool off and the Griffin faithful that made the trek may want to exit quickly through the side doors.
With the heartbreak of an “almost” season in Detroit, the Griffins just gave a bit of a soothing balm to the franchise fan base. There’s a long way to go, but it was nice to see Cossa step up, Edvinsson getting more and more comfortable with simple stick on puck D zone plays, and Kasper starting to come alive.
A word on Berggren. My texting buddy “C” was rightfully impressed with the snipe from the pending RFA. The seemingly deposed player had the winning goal in all 3 Grand Rapids wins. That makes the pill harder to swallow in the realm of “uncertainty” on contract status.
As much as anything, Bob Kaser brings these games to life. His enthusiasm and passion is something that is a treat to witness, especially in big moments. A tip of the hat to the Grand Rapids organization for putting together a series win against a highly skilled Rockford team with incredibly impressive goal tending. I tip my hat to the Hogs as well because it never felt “safe”. Those kids can turn on a dime and switch the story line.
Griffins First Period goals:
The Hogs struck first on a power play, but 11 seconds later Carter Mazur tied it with 5:38 left. Czarnik chased the puck down into the corner and found Mazur wide open on his off wing. Fans were still cheering the Rockford goal, it took a minute for the goal to sink in. 1-1
At 16:03 GR struck again. Austin Czarnik took a pass while in the Neutral zone, skated in on his strong (right) side and snapped a goal in for the lead. 2-1. Assists to Johansson and Didier
Shots: 9-7 GR
Score: 2-1 GR
Griffins Second Period goals:
No goals
Shots: 20-11 GR
Score: 2-1 GR
Third Period Detroit goals
At the 5 minute mark Berggren extended the lead as Grand Rapids was working the cycle on a delayed penalty. The pending RFA was near the left faceoff dot and snapped the puck into the upper left corner with very little daylight. Impressive shot. L’esperance and Hirose with assists.
Near the 7 minute mark Chicago got back within one on a Reinhart one timer. 3-2 GR
With 1:05 left and an empty net, Kasper scored to restore a 2 goal lead. 4-2 Griffins
Shots: 25-23 GR
Score: 4-2 GR
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»