Griffins' HockeyFest...seriously important
Two local organizations will host a series of high-profile events this week, albeit with notably different tones. Gilda’s LaughFest promises comedy, smiles and laughter every day. But the Griffins will be all business, as they host their first-ever stretch of four home games in five nights (Wednesday through Sunday) in their continuing battle for the playoffs.
In just the last week, the Griffins have sliced the point gap separating them from a guaranteed playoff spot in half, from six points to three. Coming off a spectacular 3-0-1-0 road trip, they’ve lost only one of their last 13 games in regulation (9-1-1-2), marking their best run since going 11-1-2-1 from Jan. 3-Feb. 6, 2009.
That 2008-09 season, of course, marked the Griffins’ most recent playoff appearance, as they finished third in the North Division before staging their first-ever postseason upset (of Hamilton) in the first round.
It is hard to overstate the importance of this week’s games: Wednesday vs. Oklahoma City, Friday vs. Lake Erie, Saturday vs. Rochester, and Sunday vs. Rockford. Following the conclusion of this homestand next Wednesday vs. Toronto, the Griffins will play seven of their final eight games on the road. And that’s nothing to laugh at. Despite owning a 4-0-1-0 record in their last five road games, the Griffins will need to utilize every second of their home-ice advantage over the next week and a half if they want to join in the postseason hunt for the Calder Cup.
Today’s Griffins links:
- MacDonald returns to Griffins (Griffins)
- Griffins send Rampage stampeding (Griffins)
- Griffins battle back in rematch (Griffins)
- Barons ground Griffins in overtime (Griffins)
- Joey MacDonald returns to Griffins after Red Wings activate Chris Osgood (MLive)
- Red Wings activate goaltender Chris Osgood, reassign Joey MacDonald to Grand Rapids (MLive)
- Griffins rally for win in San Antonio (MLive)
- Strong offense lifts Griffins past Oklahoma City (MLive)
- Griffins lose in overtime to Oklahoma City (MLive)
- Rampage blow two-goal lead (San Antonio Express-News)
-
Barons drop final home game before 9-game road trip (Daily Oklahoman)
- Barons win in overtime, host Grand Rapids again Saturday (Daily Oklahoman)
- Red Wings expect decision soon from Maine junior Gustav Nyquist (Detroit Free Press)
-
Wings Notebook: Janik’s stay in Detroit is a short one (Daily Tribune)
AHL/opponent links:
- Rochester Americans defeat Hamilton Bulldogs (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)
- Chicago Wolves spoil return to MetroCentre for IceHogs (Rockford Register Star)
Alumni news and notes:
- Justin Abdelkader, Darren Helm excel for Wings (Detroit News)
- Helmer writing new chapter in storied AHL career (NHL)
Video – NHL alumni goals:
- OTT Jason Spezza 2 – March 13 at BUF
- OTT Jason Spezza 1 – March 13 at BUF
- CHI Tomas Kopecky – March 13 at WSH
- DET Justin Abdelkader – March 12 at STL
- DET Niklas Kronwall – March 12 at STL
- DET Darren Helm – March 12 at STL
- PHI Ville Leino 3 – March 12 vs. ATL
- PHI Ville Leino 2 – March 12 vs. ATL
- PHI Ville Leino 1 – March 12 vs. ATL
- OTT Jason Spezza – March 11 at TB
- FLA Clay Wilson – March 10 vs. OTT
Half Eagle, Half Lion, All Griffin 