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RWC Archives - February 26 Grand Rapids Griffins Update
MacDonald makes case for starting job next season...
By Jason Kasiorek
www.griffinscentral.com
February 26, 2004
When longtime Grand Rapids Griffins starter
Marc Lamothe
got called up to Detroit, people wondered whether sophomore
Joey MacDonald
could get the job done.
With three consecutive home shutouts and a 5-1 record since Lamothe's departure, the 24-year-old goaltender has answered in resounding fashion. MacDonald has seized the opportunity to put his claim on the starting job in Grand Rapids next season.
The Griffins continue to win, despite a great deal of roster shuffling. The team sits atop the American Hockey League with a 35-15-8 record and a 15-3-4 record since Jan. 9.
The following is a report on the Griffins players (statistics listed as GP-G-A-PTS-PIM, plus-minus):
Ryan Barnes
(53-3-12-15-141, plus-6) has scored close to a point-per-game over the past two weeks and is playing a feisty, high-tempo forechecking game.
Darryl Bootland
(33-10-1-11-114, plus-1) was off to a great start recently (two goals in three games) before suffering from wooziness after a hard hit.
Matt Ellis
(44-4-5-9-19, even) is making a name for himself with his high-energy defensive game and continues to step up his physical game.
Danny Groulx
(58-6-9-15-62, plus-16) went from goat to hero in one shift this week. He blew a defensive assignment, leading to a streak-ending goal, then rifled a wicked wrist shot past the opposing goalie on the next shift.
Jiri Hudler
(36-11-27-38-34, plus-19) had good chemistry on a line with
Darryl Bootland
and Jeff Nelson. He is wearing down from the physical abuse, but still puts points on the board.
Derek King
(57-7-17-24-13, plus-5) was shifted back up front because of injuries and his play declined. He still mans the power-play point, sometimes for the full two minutes.
Tomas Kopecky
(36-4-4-8-28, minus-2) didn't play much recently, even with many team injuries. When he did, he didn't make much of an impact.
Joey MacDonald
(23 GP, 1.84 GAA, .940 SPCT) lost just one game, when Houston scored three power-play goals on a five-minute man advantage with Kory Karlander off for high-sticking.
Kevin Miller
(52-20-17-37-12, plus-2) could be called Mr. Clutch, with eight game-winning goals this season (and three in overtime). However, Miller looks like he is starting to tire and slow down.
Anders Myrvold
(58-0-16-16-76, plus-3) struggles with consistency, and he often follows a good play or game with a bad one. He has played a physical game lately without taking bad penalties, and got called up to Detroit when injuries hit.
Michel Picard
(54-11-30-41-31, plus-3) has shaken his early-season slump and is more involved in the offense. Picard misses injured
Nathan Robinson
, but still chips in with points on a consistent basis.
Nathan Robinson
(48-21-20-41-37, plus-11) has not played since a groin injury at the AHL All-Star Game Skills Competition.
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