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3 point night for Kasper helps Griffs win game 1 of round 2 |
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Summary:
Milwaukee had a slow first, but ended up outshooting Grand Rapids 27-14. The Admirals are a gritty team and keep going. Grand Rapids found favor on the scoreboard, and Kasper really stepped up for the team.
Two trends were broken tonight. This is the first post season win where Berggren didn’t score the game winner, and Grand Rapids technically scored a power play goal on the late empty net. That was the first power play tally of the playoffs and the man advantage has been anything but.
Shine really stepped up defensively and made a lot of strong plays to break up the cycle for the Admirals. Very impressive. One area that Grand Rapids really seems to have under control is in resetting the play. The forwards will drop the puck back to the D instead of trying to break through a line of players and risking a turn over. It seemed to happen over and over as Grand Rapids was able to do those mini resets in real time. The brass has to be impressed with the presence of mind that the team has in this regard.
Full marks to Milwaukee. After 10 days off the Griffs will likely be sporting ice bags after this one. The fact that they won with so many shots against was impressive. Cossa’s troubles seem to come in the odd man rushes he faces. There were also some fortunate bounces and a play that saw the puck go through the crease with the goalie down and out and the Milwaukee forward just missed the puck completely.
The next game at Van Andel should be to a near capacity crowd. Grand Rapids turns out so well for the team. Every game the young players get in is a chance to grow, and Kasper is looking better. If memory serves, Bertuzzi took a big step in the post season in GR before he was called up to Detroit. As I watch his game, a confidence is working its way into his arsenal. If he can add 6-10 lbs over the summer camp and pre season could go very well for the young centerman.
The game was a fun watch, worth the $30 for the post season or $9 per game if you’re interested. We’ll see how Grand Rapids fares in game two. The power play needs some life, but they can’t get outshot 2-1 and make a series of this. Milwaukee showed a lot of resilience to get to round 2. The next game could be very physical and very nasty around the net. Great to see Grand Rapids playing post season hockey.
Grand Rapids First Period goals:
The extended break for Grand Rapids doesn’t seem to have hit them too hard as it was the Griffins who broke through first. Mazur was standing right in front of the post and wide open as Czarnik found him for an easy tap in.
With just over 4 mins left Milwaukee tied it on a 1 on 0 with Cossa frozen by the shooter. 1-1
Low shooting period ,Cossa is going to need to be ready for those breakaways. It’s a brutal part of the gig, for sure
Shots: 6-4 GR
Score: 1-1
Grand Rapids Second Period goals:
At 3:50 Kasper and Zach Aston-Reese entered the O zone on a 2 on 1 with Kasper on the left side. Very good dish found Aston-Reese who ripped home Grand Rapids 2nd goal of the night.
With 3:42 left and after another failed power play Milwaukee tied it. 2-2
Shots: 16-10 MWK
Score: 2-2
Third Period Grand Rapids goals
At 9:57, after killing off a Milwaukee power play, Kasper scored to put Grand Rapids up by 1. Kasper picked the corner in tight with not much daylight to work with. Nice shot, he seems to be growing as the playoffs commence. Rafferty with the primary assist.
No video yet for the goal
With 34 seconds left, Grand Rapids was on the power play and Milwaukee had pulled the goalie and there was a faceoff in the Griffins zone. The Griffs got the puck out of the zone. Kasper factored into another goal as he got the puck to L’esperance who scored into the empty net. Technically GR’s first power play goal of the post season.
No video yet for the goal
Shots: 27-14 MWK
Score: 4-2 GR
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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