Playing in game four of the Central Division Semifinals, Manitoba’s offence came up dry in a 3-0 loss to Grand Rapids in a rather even affair from Van Andel Arena in Michigan.
Moose goaltender Eric Comrie stopped 21 of 23 shots, but it wasn’t enough, as Manitoba was unable to crack Jared Coreau, who pushed aside all 25 pucks that he faced.
The Griffins scored their first and second goals of the in the very late stages of the second period. Matthew Ford got Grand Rapids on the board with 1:35 left to play in the second frame on a brutal Moose giveaway, while Ben Street collected his fourth goal of the series just 1:15 later.
Unable to put together anything worthy of a scoring chance, Manitoba Moose Head Coach Pascal Vincent opted to pull his goaltender early for the extra attacker. The plan backfired, as Brian Lashoff found the empty net, ensuring the Grand Rapids victory, and knotting the series up at two-games apiece.
The Moose and Griffins who lay it all on the line Monday evening as the two teams will play in the series-deciding game five from Michigan at 6:00 P.M. central. For those hoping to tune in to catch the call of the game, TSN 1290 will broadcast game five on the AM radio dial.
By Carter Brooks
Photo by Jonathan Kozub
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