HEAT BEAT GRIFFINS 2-1 IN DRAMATIC FASHION
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 30th 2014
Grand Rapids, MI – The Abbotsford Heat beat the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings) 2-1 on Wednesday night at Van Andel Arena. The Heat now trail the best of five series 2-1.
A two goal third period from the Heat was enough to get by the defending champions in regulation time. It marked the first time all season, that the Griffins lost a game in regulation when leading after two periods. Markus Granlund picked up his first career AHL playoff goal, while goaltender Joni Ortio earned his first AHL playoff win in goal.
The Griffins scored the lone goal of the first period courtesy of Tomas Jurco at the 17:27 mark on the power play. After 20 minutes, the Griffins led the shot count 14-7.
The second period was scoreless as the Heat outshot the Griffins 10-6, but could not put anything past Petr Mrazek.
Corey Locke tied the game at 5:52 of the third period with the assists going to Chris Breen and Blair Jones. With time winding down, the Heat received a late power play and Markus Granlund scored the game winning goal at 18:58 with Chad Billins and Joni Ortio drawing the assists.
The Heat finished the game with one goal on four power play attempts and killed off three of four Griffins man advantages.
Joni Ortio made 34 saves on 35 shots in the Heat win, while Petr Mrazek was charged the loss turning aside 23 of 25 shots.
The Heat continue their first round Calder Cup playoff series in a do-or-die game number four on Friday, May 2nd against the Grand Rapids Griffins at Van Andel Arena. Puck drops at 4:00 PM PST.