Grand Rapids has lost all four regular season meetings with San Antonio this year following Thursday’s 2-1 shootout loss. Photo/Grand Rapids Griffins
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Grand Rapids Griffins and San Antonio Rampage have met four times this season, and the Rampage have managed to win all four in regulation, overtime and following last night’s game, two shootouts.
Grand Rapids fell 2-1 after a shootout loss in their first of seven games on the road. The loss comes five days after having a seven-game winning streak snapped in a 3-1 loss to the Iowa Wild at Van Andel Arena on Saturday night.
The game remained scoreless despite heavy offense by the Rampage and opportunities presented to the Griffins until the third period. The Rampage outshot the Griffins 8-0 in the first 4:30 of the final period, attributing to their first goal of the game 57 seconds into it. Garrett Wilson set the puck to an open Bobby Butler who sent off a wrister from inside the right circle.
Adam Almquist put off a slap shot with under four minutes left in regulation, placing the puck just inside the right post to tie things up at 1-1.
The Rampage outshot the Griffins 5-3 in overtime but both teams failed to net the game winning tally, sending the game to a shootout. Despite chances by the Griffins, they couldn’t manage to get a shot in net. The Rampage, on the other hand, made three of four to secure a 2-1 victory over Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids falls to 37-18-2-4 on the season, but are tied for first place in the Western Conference with 80 points alongside the Texas Stars. They also hold a four point lead in the Midwest Division over the second place Chicago Wolves.
The Griffins will face the Oklahoma City Barons tonight and Saturday night for a two-game set as they continue their road trip.
