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Callahan's Overtime Tally Leads Griffins Over IceHogs 3-2
Depleted Griffins lineup still ringing up wins...
By Jason Kasiorek
www.griffinscentral.com
December 20th, 2013
The lineup may change on a daily basis, but the results remain the same as the Griffins amazing start continues. Mitch Callahan was the latest hero, equalling his career high in goals (11) with his game winning overtime marker. Captain Jeff Hoggan notched his 9th and 10th of the season, both goals giving the Griffins the lead. Backup Tom McCollum made his fifth straight start and notched his fourth straight win, making 31 saves.
The Griffins got off to a bit of a slow start and couldn't get out of their own end, leading to a penalty. The penalty killers were up to the task, and then GR ended up with its own powerplay. Emmerton carried the puck deep, cut in front and had a good chance. Hoggan came late, picked up the rebound and buried it in the open side of the net for his 9th. Ouellette in on Simpson alone tried to go five-hole but was denied. Aubry didn't tie up his man who used him as a screen to surprise McCollum who had company in the crease, and didn't appear to see the puck before it was in the net. Shots on Goal: GR 15 - Rock 12.
Aubry stole the puck and lumbered in alone on Simpson before being interfered with and getting off a weak shot. On the ensuing powerplay, Hoggan on the doorstep had a couple of chances, and the third time was the charm for a powerplay goal. Pulkkinen having a tough time handling the puck as the trigger man on the powerplay on the wall. The Griffins are creating pressure around the Rockford net with a flurry of shots and Simpson scrambling around on his knees without a stick. Ferraro unbelievable on The PK, stole the puck several times and made a sick pass to spring Emmerton alone on Simpson. Shots on Goal: GR 15 - Rock 8.
Shea fired a shot from the point on the powerplay and Winchester in front tipped it past McCollum to knot the score at two. Rockford doing a great job clogging things up in the third. Callahan destroyed Peckham with a hip check in the corner. Hoggan had a late breakaway but fired it right into Simpson. Shots on Goal: GR 3 - Roc 13.
Overtime
Callahan carried the puck deep then drifted back towards the line. He held it in at the line and then went to the net to get his nose dirty and scored the game winner from the edge of the paint. Griffins win in OT 3-2.
Shots on Goal: GR 2 - Rock 0. For the Game: GR 35 - Rock 33.
Lines:
Hoggan - Ferraro - Emmerton
Callahan - Jarnkrok - Pulkkinen
Nestrasil - McIntyre - #27 Frk
Grant - #25 Aubry - #22 Parkes
Pairings:
Marchenko - Ouellet
Evans - Sproul
Paetsch - Almquist
Starter: McCollum
Backup: Coreau
Scratches:
Jensen
Fournier
PP:
Hoggan - Ferraro - Emmerton
Sproul - Almquist
Callahan - Jarnkrok - Frk
Pulkkinen - Paetsch
PK:
Callahan - Jarnkrok
Evans - Marchenko/Ouellet
Emmerton - Ferraro
Paetsch - Almquist
Nestrasil - McIntyre
Observations:
Callahan got a big bump in ice time, playing on a scoring line and even getting powerplay time. He took advantage of it generating several scoring chance sand earning the first star of the game with his overtime game-winner. Can't say enough about his game as of late, nice to see him rewarded.
Jeff Hoggan also made a statement tonight, cashing in on some rare powerplay time with two man-advantage goals.
Marchenko had another good game. One of his best assets is his strong stick. He uses his massive wingspan and stick to sweep puck away and even one-handed is strong enough to poke pucks out of harms way.
Pulkkinen had an off night, and just did not handle the puck well. He had several great chances and misfired or just didn't take the pass cleanly.
Ouellet looks like he is finally comfortable enough to turn up his offensive game. He led the rush tonight and was very involved in the offensive end. He also had a team high 6 shots on goal.
Nice to see Parkes back in GR and in the lineup. He did take a bad penalty, but was in the middle of all the scrums and did bring a physical presence to the lineup.
Frk looked a little more engaged in his early shifts, but his lack of foot-speed was apparent and he was used sparingly.
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