Grand Rapids Griffins Weekly Report 1: Winless in Manitoba

The Grand Rapids Griffins played both of their weekend games in Manitoba to face the Manitoba Moose.  The Winnipeg Jets are the parent club for the Moose.

On Friday night, the Moose scored the game’s only goal late in the second period to defeat Grand Rapids 1-0.

On Sunday, the Moose defeated the Griffins 3-2 in a shootout.

Really Good Goaltending

Calvin Pickard made a season-high 37 saves on Friday, and earned the game’s 2nd Star.  It was the second consecutive strong start for Pickard.

On Sunday, 2018 Detroit Red Wings draftee, Victor Brattstrom, made 29 saves on 31 shots to help the Griffins reach the shootout.  It was Brattstrom’s first strong game of the season for the Griffins.

Murphy Leads in Scoring

Detroit free agent signee, Ryan Murphy leads the Griffins in scoring.  Last year, Murphy won the Eddie Shore Award as the Top Defenseman in the AHL.  Murphy scored a power play goal on Sunday night for his first goal of the season.  After the weekend, Murphy had a stat line of 1G, 4A, 5PTS in four games.  This places Murphy second in AHL scoring for defensemen.  At 28, Murphy could easily slide into a roll on the Detroit blueline.

Detroit Prospect Update

Taro Hirose has picked up where he left off last season.  Hirose is second in scoring after picking up four assists in four games to start the season.

Joe Veleno leads the Griffins with three goals in four games.

Chase Pearson plays in all situations for the Griffins.  Pearson has one goal and three points in his first four games of the season.

Kirill Tyutyayev continues to play regularly in the Griffins lineup.  Tyutyayev was held scoreless in the two weekend games.  To start the season, Tyutyayev has picked up two assists in four games.

Jared McIsaac continues to play important minutes for the Griffins as he tries to resurrect his career after three shoulder injuries.  McIsaac has earned one assist in four games this season.

Jonatan Berggren is still trying to adapt to the smaller North American ice surface.  So far, Berggren has earned one assist in four games.

Next Week

The Griffins play three games at home this week.  They play host to the Chicago Wolves Wednesday October 27, game time is 7:00 PM ET.  On Saturday October 30, they host the Milwaukee Admirals at 7:00 PM ET. On Sunday, the Chicago Wolves play an afternoon matinee game at 4:00 PM ET.  All games will be played at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI.