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Griffins Firepower Stuns Stars 5-1
Rookie Marchenko's second of the season stans up as game-winner...
By Jason Kasiorek
www.griffinscentral.com
November 30th, 2013
The Griffins vaunted offense was firing on all cylinders again tonight as they posted another five goals against the visiting Texas Stars. The difference however was netminder Thomas McCollum who kicked out 33 saves to hold the Stars to one goal. Patrick Eaves led the way with a pair of goals, while Marchenko, Emmerton and Jarnkork also tallied in the win. The win was the fifth straight for the Griffins who sit atop the Midwest Division, 7 points ahead of second place Milwaukee.
The first period was much like last night's game, with both teams evenly matched and feeling each other out. Late in the period Pulkkinen one handed a pass to Emmerton near the line. Emmerton spun around and and fired a shot into the net high glove-side on York. Ferraro had a shorthanded breakaway, but ran out of room and fired the puck wide. Shots on Goal: GR 8 - Tex 12.
Two-on-one between Ferraro and Glendening had one to many passes, but Marchenko ended up with the puck and snapped a shot through traffic and past York. Jrnkrok flew down the wing and snuck a shot from the circle through York, five-hole for a 3-0 lead. Towards the end of the period, the Stars took advantage of a powerplay to finally solve McCollum. Jokipakka picked up a loose puck in the gap between the penalty killers and picked a corner over McCollum's glove. Eaves answered right back for the Griffins when his shot from the circle found it's way through a partially screened York for a 4-1 lead. Shots on Goal: GR 10 - Tex 14.
Glendening had a brilliant chance right in front but snapped the bouncing puck into York, and then Hedden knocked a Griffin into his own goalie and laid him out. Wrenn challenged Tootoo and the Griffins veteran game him a pretty dynamic beat down, resulting in a trip to the room for repairs. Eaves added another tally to up the score to 5-1. Gaunce and Grant came to blows along the boards. Grant ripped his helmet off and pounded him several times in rapid succession before getting the jersey around his head and pummeling him to the ice. Shots on Goal: GR 17 - Tex 8. For the Game: GR 35 - Tex 34.
Lines:
Jurco - Jarnkrok - Eaves
Tootoo - Glendening - Ferraro
Sheahan - Emmerton - Pulkkinen
Grant - McIntyre - Callahan
Pairings:
Fournier - Ouellet
Almquist - Marchenko
Evans - Sproul
Starter: McCollum
Backup: Mrazek
Scratches:
Hoggan
Paetsch
Nestrasil
Nedomlel
PP:
Eaves - Emmerton - Jurco
Almquist - Jarnkrok
Pulkkinen - Sheahan - Ferraro
Marchenko - Sproul
PK:
Emmerton - Callahan
Evans - Almquist/Marchenko
Glendening - Sheahan/Ferraro
Ouellet - Evans/Fournier
Observations:
Thomas McCollum was at the top of his game and made some incredible saves, especially in the early going. The Stars looked very frustrated that almost nothing was going in. It is amazing the difference in McCollum so far this season. His confidence is high, and he looks very relaxed between the pipes.
Evans had a good night in his quiet way. His patience in his own end just makes things look so easy. The vet was also involved a bit in the offense, making a couple of nice plays in the attacking zone.
How much is Sproul's shot feared? After the Griffins have played an opponent, the next game between the two teams, when Sproul winds up from the point, the opposing players turn sideways or shield themselves so as to not to take the full brunt of his cannon. We have seen him break sticks, hobble shot-blockers, and even break a puck in practice.
The line featuring Jurco and Jarnkork has not missed a beat since Nyquist's recall to Detroit. Patrick Eaves has been the beneficiary, scoring several goals as a member of that trio.
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