Grand Rapids Griffins Defeat Rockford IceHogs to Move on to Third Round

The Griffins took four games to defeat the IceHogs and end their season

The Grand Rapids Griffins became the first team to move on to the third round of the Calder Cup Playoffs, defeating the Rockford IceHogs in four games to end their season. 

The series, which began April 27, saw the Griffins take a 3-2 OT victory in Game 1 before the IceHogs evened up the series with a 5-1 Game 2 victory. In what looked like a series that might go the distance, it was the Griffins that took Games 3 (4-3 OT win) and 4 (4-2 win) to move on to the Central Division Finals.

Leading the way for the Griffins was Jonatan Berggren, who had five points including both overtime winners in Games 1 and 3 as well as the eventual game-winning goal in Game 4. 

Achieving the point-per-game mark, Austin Czarnik and Carter Mazur were also play drivers for the Griffins - each finishing with four points in four games. Mazur got the primary assist on both Berggren's overtime winners and chipped in a goal in Game 4. 

Czarnik, who tied Berggren for the Griffins lead in goals with three, scored the only goal in Game 2 while chipping in a goal and an assist in Game 4.

Sebastian Cossa suited up in all four games for the Griffins, posting an .880 SV% to go along with a 2.86 GAA. While his numbers may not pop out, he stood on his head and proved to be a difference maker in helping his team take home three victories. 

While it is unknown who the Griffins will play yet between the Milwaukee Admirals and Texas Stars, it is the Stars who have a hold on the series with a 2-0 lead. With Game 3 scheduled for May 8, the Stars could sweep the Admirals to punch their ticket to the third round. 

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