The Grand Rapids Griffins lost the franchise’s first outdoor AHL game against the Toronto Marlies in a shootout Monday, 4-3. They lost the second game Tuesday, 3-1.
Luke Glendenning tallied two goals in the Grand Rapids Griffins’ first outdoor game in franchise history. They fell to the Toronto Marlies after a shootout, 4-3. (Photo provided by the Grand Rapids Griffins)
The Griffins and Marlies played Monday at Comerica Park as part of the festivities for the Hockeytown Winter Festival. Both teams represented their NHL counterparts, who played in the NHL Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium New Year’s Day.
Luke Glendenning led the Griffins in the outdoor game with two goals. It was announced Tuesday that his efforts Monday along with other achievements earned him a call up to play in the Winter Classic.
Toronto got things going early, when defenseman Kevin Marshall tallied the first goal 1:10 into the first period. Tom McCollum lost track of the puck, allowing Marshall to slip it past him to the right.
During a 4-on-4 rush later in the period, a Riley Sheahan rebound gave Xavier Ouellet the opportunity to tie things up, 1-1.
Carter Ashton helped the Marlies retake the lead with two-minutes left as he knocked the puck between McCollum and the post.
Glendenning’s first goal came late in the second half, after the puck ricocheted off Toronto goalie Drew McIntyre’s skate. His second came just minutes later when, after getting pack onto the ice, he collected a pass from Brennan Evans and nailed a goal for a 3-2 lead.
Ryan earned his second goal for Toronto when he shot the puck past a diving defender and McCollum to tie things up.
After the rest of regulation and a draw in overtime, the game moved to a shootout. Spencer Abbot and Greg McKegg connected for the Marlies, while the Griffins were unable to get past McIntyre.
The game was the seventh outdoor game in AHL history, the second for the Marlies and first for the Griffins. The game was played at the home of the Detroit Tigers and saw a record attendance of 20, 337.
Marlies topple Griffins, 3-1
The Griffins fell to the Marlies in their second straight game, 3-1. The Griffins still hold a strong lead in the Midwest Division of the AHL. (Photo provided by the Grand Rapids Griffins)
In Tuesday night’s game at the Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids fell to Toronto for the third time this season after a 3-1 performance. The Marlies join the Chicago Wolves as the only teams with a winning record against the Griffins.
T.J. Brennan got the first mark for Toronto 11:47 into the first period. Brennan collected a rebound and wrapped around the net and slipped the puck past a disoriented McCollum. Brennan earned an assist early in the third when he launched a one-timer that Troy Bodie helped get in.
Wade McLeod scored from close range to make it a 3-0 game for Toronto.
Mitch Callahan earned the only goal on the night for Grand Rapids off a wrister in the later half of the final period.
With the loss, the Griffins are now 1-3-0-1 in their last five games, coming off a historic 19-3 run. The Griffins fell to 22-8-1-2 for the season, but still maintain a nine point lead in the Midwest Division over second place Milwuakee (38), who is being trailed by Chicago at 37 points.
The Marlies lead the North Division and improve their record to 18-10-2-1 on the season.
The Grand Rapids Griffins will host the Chicago Wolves Friday to open the 2014 calendar year.
