Grand Rapids take opener over Manitoba
By: CK Nakhwal | Published: January 3rd 2016
A quick start proved to be too much for Manitoba as the Grand Rapids Griffins defeated the Moose 4-1 on Sunday afternoon at the MTS Centre.
The Griffins came out determined in the first period outshooting the Moose 21-6 and were able to score two goals with the extra pressure. First it was Detroit Red Wings prospect Anthony Mantha followed by a second from Mark Zengerle giving Grand Rapids the early advantage.
The Moose played much better in the final two periods and had their share of chances but a third period goal by Martin Frk widened the margin to three goals for the Griffins.
Austen Brassard scored his career high seventh goal of the season after tipping in Scott Kosmachuk’s point shot while on the powerplay with just over two and a half minutes to play in the third to give the Moose a slim chance. Brenden Kichton extended his point streak to three games on the play with an assist on the goal.
Zengerle added an empty net goal for his second of the game for Grand Rapids which sealed Manitoba’s fate.
Eric Comrie made 33 saves in his first regulation loss at home since his first game at played at the MTS Centre on Oct. 24.
Jared Coreau made 25 saves in net for Grand Rapids and was named the game’s first star.
It was Connor Hellebuyck bobblehead night. The first 3,000 fans in attendance received one of the limited edition bobblehead’s. The next Moose bobblehead night is on Saturday, Apr. 9 when the Moose host the Rockford IceHogs.
The Moose will get another crack at the Grand Rapids Griffins this coming Tuesday at the MTS Centre. The rematch is scheduled for a 7 p.m. puck drop.
