In a Tuesday night face-off against the Toronto Marlies, the Grand Rapids Griffins experienced a spirited match that ultimately ended in disappointment. Heading into the third period with a 3-2 deficit against the Toronto Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Griffins staged a comeback.
Jonatan Berggren’s fifth-season goal early in the frame leveled the score, and a power play goal by Zach Aston-Reese, assisted by Taro Hirose and Joel L’Esperance, propelled Grand Rapids to a 4-3 lead.
Despite their efforts, the Griffins couldn’t maintain their advantage. With less than four minutes remaining in regulation, William Villeneuve of the Marlies netted his first goal of the season, forcing the game into overtime. The suspense didn’t last long, as Joseph Blandisi secured a 5-4 victory for the Marlies with a skillful play, leaving the few spectators at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in anticipation.
Zach Aston-Reese scores to get us in the lead! pic.twitter.com/ENKO7aEhnt
— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) December 6, 2023
This marks the third consecutive win for the Marlies over the Griffins, with the season series set to conclude on Sunday afternoon in Toronto. Dmitry Ovchinnikov continued to haunt the Griffins, opening the scoring in the first period with his seventh goal of the season, and fifth against Grand Rapids. Responding swiftly, Joel L’Esperance notched his fourth goal, evening the score.
Goals were exchanged leading up to the decisive third period, with Mikko Kokkonen and Kyle Clifford contributing for the Marlies, while Grand Rapids defenseman Albert Johansson found the net for the first time this season.
Leave a Reply