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Berggren’s OT winner caps off exciting game 3 for Griffins |
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Summary:
The Griffins weren’t just giving lip service when they talked about a stronger effort. Though the first was scoreless, the Griffins outshot Rockford 19-7. Throughout the game Cossa was making saves and the Griffins were driving the play. Holding a 3-1 lead with 4 minutes to go in the third, it looked like this was in the bag. Then, Rockford.
2 goals in about a minute. The Ice Hogs are getting incredible goal tending, and are tenacious in the O zone. Van Andel had an eerie feeling as the 3rd period ticked down to zero. This was the time to give the Cedar Point warning “anyone with a potential heart condition may want to avoid this ride”. I take heart meds, and believe me I could feel it.
Then, Berggren. This is going to be another sequence cited as fans try to figure out what is going on between JB and the club. Extensions turned down, trade requests, a season in Grand Rapids after being productive at the NHL level. Plenty of frustration for the fans in the comments.
JB isn’t huge, not by a long shot. However, he can take the punishment and make a play at times and tonight it gave the Griffins a 2-1 series lead. Berggren was knocked down trying to enter the O zone. He regained the puck, skated in, shot on net and the puck rebounded to Mazur who sent the puck back to the net for a tap in by JB. Quick, nice sequence and the building erupted.
Things can change. Detroit has the brass at these games. JB could force himself back into the discussion and the team forges ahead. Regardless of contract talk, there was a lot to like tonight. Some really nice skating by Edvinsson, Soderblom was engaged, much better cycling and puck control by the Griffins. Rockford just flat out scores goals and has a very good goalie. To close this out, the Griffins are going to have to outwork Rockford. To the Hogs’ credit, it just seems like they know how to get pucks to the net.
Of note, Rockford’s power play had been a nightmare for Grand Rapids. The PK stepped up tonight. The power play had better looks, but still needs to get going. Good win for the kids tonight, and a lot of fun for the fans.
Grand Rapids First Period goals:
Griffs dominated play, but cannot beat Rockford goalie
Shots: 19-7
Score: 0-0
Grand Rapids Second Period goals:
Just 24 seconds into the second Grand Rapids finally broke through on their 20th shot of the nightm. Kasper (on a delayed call) took a pass from behind the net, skated between the circles and snapped home the first goal of the game. 1-0 GR.
Rockford tied it up with 30 seconds left. Griffs had been dominant for most of the game. 1-1
Shots: 29-20 GR
Score: 1-1
Third Period Grand Rapids goals
Just 57 seconds in Grand Rapids regained the lead. Rafferty pushed the puck up ice to Berggren who stopped on the half wall in the Rockford zone. JB found Czarnik heading toward the net who tucked the puck in far side. 2-1 GR
At 9:25 the Griffins got some breathing room as the big man, Soderblom, took a nice pass at net front and tapped it home. 3-1 GR.
With 3:38 left Rockford gets back within 1. 3-2 GR
A minute later they tied it. 2:39 left 3-3
Shots: 37-28 GR
Score: 3-3
Overtime:
After the disappointing surrender of the lead, all was made whole by Berggren in overtime. Berggren was knocked down at the blue line trying to enter the O zone. He regained the puck, skated up the half wall and shot. The puck was rebounded to Mazur who put the puck on net and Berggren buried it. JB technically his own 2nd assist?
Final Shots: 42-30 GR
Final Score: 4-3 GR
Detroit Red Wings Blogger • 
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