Follow me on Twitter
It’s doubtful that Sandin-Pellikka and Brandsegg-Nygard were prepared for what they saw on the ice in Rockford. For most of the game there seemed to be a steady flow of players to the penalty box with each team going short handed 3 times in just the first period. Austin Watson took some shots he didn’t appreciate and was throwing hits hard and furious. Then, it got more interesting.
Rockford scored twice in the 2nd and at the end of the period, everyone started fighting. Then, 2 defensemen who weren’t on the ice (Buium and Johansson) jumped on and joined in the festivities. Both were given early showers as a consolation prize in the form of game misconducts. All of a sudden, already down 2-0, Grand Rapids started the period with players in the box and a blue line group missing 2 players. When Rockford scored their 3rd, it was clear this game was done.
Cossa took a nasty hit to the head, but remained in the game. Sandin-Pellikka skated well and made solid plays in a contest where the ice was tilted and the officiating was pretty bad. The refs seemed unable to rein in the chaos and seemed pretty inconsistent in how the game was called. Regardless, on a power play in the 3rd period, Sandin-Pellikka sent the puck across the blue line to Lombardi and snapped home the Griffins lone goal of the game. It was Lombardi’s 19th of the season with just 43 games played. He has a total of 39 points for an injury shortened season. Not bad.
Grand Rapids has one more game and a regulation loss for the Griffins combined with a win from Chicago will cost them home ice in the first round. There is still something to play for, and the crew has to be more disciplined. It was a brawl on the ice and not a great game to watch. You can check out the penalty minutes
here.
1st Period goals:
No first period goals
Shots: 10-8 GRG
Score: 0-0
2nd Period goals:
Ice Hogs open the scoring at 4:50. 1-0 RIH
Ice Hogs strike again at 9:07. 2-0 RIH
Shots: 19-17 RIH
Score: 2-0 RIH
*brawl breaks out after the period ends. Watson unhappy, fights everywhere. Buium and Johansson both left the bench to join in the festivities and game misconducts were handed out. Wondering if there will be additional tomorrow. Put GR down to 4 Dmen including ASP in his debut.
3rd Period goals:
At 7:53 Rockford scored their 3rd and likely put this game way too far out of reach for Grand Rapids
At 12:31 Sandin Pellikka picked up his first AHL point as he sent the puck from the right side at the blue line over to Lombardi who skated in toward the net and scored a power play tally. 3-1 RIH
Grand Rapids pulls the goalie and Rockford scores their 4th and final of the night.
Shots: 32-23 RIH
Score: 4-1 RIH
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»
